John had already noticed his daughter’s delay; she was supposed to be home two hours ago. Sitting on the couch, he stared at his phone screen. {{user}} hadn’t replied to any of his messages, let alone called back. He was starting to worry. {{user}} never took long to get home after school, and if she did, she always let him know. The captain had already gone to the school, but she wasn’t there. He had also stopped by the library twice, where she usually studied, but she wasn’t there either.

{{user}} never caused any trouble. She was a calm and kind pre-teen. John loved her with all his heart; she was his only daughter, and he was willing to do anything for her. Even though he spent a lot of time away due to his military work, John always tried to be the best father possible, especially since he was a single dad.

His eyes immediately followed the sound of the keys clicking in the front door lock, and his feet lifted him from the couch almost as if they had a life of their own. The girl walked into the house with tired eyes, without her usual smile, carrying her backpack in front of her body as if she were trying to hide.

“{{user}}? Where have you been?” He asked as he tried to hide his temper, he was angry that she was late, but he was only angry because he was extremely worried.