A mother went shopping but never returned. Fourteen years later, her family discovers the shocking reason Why…

We wait for Ethan, we always wait until everyone’s here. But the food’s getting cold, Aldy complained, eyeing the steaming dish at the centre of the table. I’ll call him, Mark offered, already dialing his brother’s number.

After a moment he frowned. No answer. Voicemail.

They sat in silence the minutes ticking by. The lasagne ceased steaming, the ice in their water glasses began to melt. Dan checked his watch repeatedly, worry lines deepening across his forehead.

Just as Leah was about to suggest they start without Ethan, they heard the sound of a car pulling into the driveway, followed by the slamming of a car door. The front door burst open and Ethan rushed in, his thirty-year-old face flushed with excitement and concern. His normally neat appearance was dishevelled, tie loosened, top button undone, dark hair falling across his forehead.

He glanced around the dining room, taking in the scene of his family seated around the table waiting for him. Sorry I’m late, he said breathlessly, but there was something in his voice, an urgency, a tension, that immediately put everyone on alert. It’s fine, we were just about to—Dan began, but Ethan cut him off.

I found something, he blurted out, pulling out his chair but remaining standing. About Mom. The atmosphere in the room shifted instantly, temperature seemed to drop several degrees, shoulders tensed, faces hardened.

I got a call from Detective Vance today, Ethan continued, fumbling with his phone. They found something, I need to show you— Sit down, Ethan, Dan said firmly, we’ve been waiting for you, the food’s getting cold. Dad, you don’t understand, this is important.

Ethan remained standing, clutching his phone like a lifeline. Just give me one minute. Your father’s right, Mark interjected, his voice calm but authoritative.

Let’s eat first, whatever it is can wait until after dinner. Ethan looked around the table, desperate for an ally, but found none. Leah was studying her plate.

Ellie was biting her lip nervously, Aldy was staring at him with a mixture of annoyance and discomfort. We talked about this, Leah said quietly, we agreed not to bring up Mom anymore, not during family time. But this is different, Ethan insisted, the police found— Enough! Mark’s voice rose sharply, we know what happened, she left us, she couldn’t handle it anymore, Dad’s accident, the medical bills, five kids to raise on her own, she met someone else and took off.

That’s not true, Ethan shot back, Mom would never— She did though, didn’t she? Leah joined in, her calm façade cracking. Dad’s in a wheelchair, we’re drowning in debt from his medical bills, and suddenly she’s gone without a trace, what would you call that? Fourteen years, Ethan, Mark added, his voice softening slightly. Fourteen years without a word.

No calls, no letters, nothing. What more proof do you need? The heated exchange escalated, voices overlapping as years of pain and resentment bubbled to the surface. Aldy shrunk in his seat while Ellie looked helplessly between her arguing siblings.

Enough! Dan’s voice thundered through the room, followed immediately by a wheezing cough that bent him double in his wheelchair. The fighting stopped instantly. Ellie jumped up to pat her father’s back, offering him water as the coughing subsided.

I’m sorry, Dad, she murmured, then addressed her siblings. Please, let’s not do this, Dad’s been looking forward to tonight all week, he misses us, can’t we just have one peaceful dinner? A heavy silence settled over the table, broken only by Dan’s ragged breathing as he recovered from his coughing fit. Fine, Ethan finally said, sliding into his chair, his jaw was tight with frustration, but I need you all to know that this isn’t just another dead-end lead, the police found Mom’s car, it was submerged in a river.

Despite their determination to dismiss him, this revelation caused all heads to snap up in attention. What? Dan’s voice was barely audible. Detective Vance called me this afternoon, Ethan continued, sensing his opening.

They found her car in a river, that’s why I was late, I was on the phone with him getting details. Dan turned to Ellie. Get my phone from the side table, please.

She quickly retrieved it, watching as her father scrolled through his notifications with trembling fingers, his face paled. Four missed calls from Detective Vance, he confirmed, looking up at Ethan. Did they, did they find her body? Ethan shook his head.

I don’t know, the detective said they’re still processing the scene, he said it would help if we could come down there. The family exchanged glances, the dinner forgotten as the reality of this new development sank in. We should eat something first, Ellie suggested, breaking the stunned silence.

Her practical nature took over as she looked at her father with concern. Dad needs to take his medication with food, and it’ll just take a few minutes. Mark nodded in agreement…