Derek’s Search for Amber: A Father’s Hope Rekindled

Derek’s heart was heavy as he walked to the police station. It had been a week since his daughter, Amber, disappeared, and the police had found no clues. His every waking moment was filled with worry.

The police had reassured him that many teenagers ran away and eventually returned home, but Derek felt deep in his heart that something was terribly wrong. He and Amber had always been close. Derek had raised her alone after his ex-wife left them when Amber was just two. Amber was all he had, and he couldn’t bear the thought of losing her.

Entering the police station, Derek saw the officer handling Amber’s case. “Any news?” Derek asked, his voice strained.

The officer shook his head gently. “We’re doing everything possible, Derek.”

“I understand,” Derek sighed. “But it’s been a week.”

“I know it’s hard,” the officer replied. “But the best thing you can do is stay home in case she returns.”

Derek nodded, thanked the officer, and left the station. On his way home, he decided to take a longer route to clear his head. As he walked, his thoughts kept circling back to Amber. Suddenly, he saw a homeless woman carrying a very familiar bag—it was Amber’s backpack.

Derek’s heart skipped a beat. Approaching the woman, he asked, “Excuse me, where did you get this backpack?”

“None of your business,” the woman snapped.

“Please, this is my daughter’s backpack. She’s missing. Can you tell me where you got it?” Derek pleaded.

The woman eyed him suspiciously but finally muttered, “Found it at the bus station; some teenage girl left it behind.”

Derek felt a glimmer of hope. “Do you know where she was headed?”

“Am I a detective?” the woman retorted.

Derek realized he needed to offer something in return. “Alright, can you give it to me? I’ll pay you,” he said, pulling out a $100 bill.

The woman’s eyes widened. She snatched the money and handed over the backpack before hurrying away. Derek sat on a nearby bench and opened the backpack with trembling hands. Inside, he found a water bottle and a folded piece of paper. His heart pounded as he unfolded it—it was an address with “Hostess Family” written underneath.

Quickly, Derek entered the address into his phone. It was in another city, the same city where Amber had wanted to go to a concert with her friend. He had not allowed her to go, fearing it was unsafe. A wave of guilt washed over him. Had his refusal driven her away?

Derek decided to go there immediately. He hurried home, got into his car, and drove to the address. As he drove, he called Amber’s friend, Claire, to ask if they had gone to the concert.

Claire picked up after a few rings. “Claire, did you lie to me when you said you and Amber didn’t go to the concert?”

“What? No. Why would you think that?” Claire sounded confused.

“I found Amber’s backpack with an address in the city where the concert was supposed to take place. Do you understand that Amber might be in danger?”

Claire sighed. “I didn’t go to the concert because my parents didn’t let me, but Amber said she would go anyway. She asked me to swear I wouldn’t tell anyone.”

“You should have said something. The police are looking for Amber,” Derek said, his frustration growing.

“I know. I’m sorry,” Claire admitted, her voice trembling.

“Do you know where Amber is?”

“No, she isn’t answering me either. I haven’t heard from her since she left,” Claire said sadly.

“Thank you, Claire,” Derek said and hung up, focusing on the road ahead.

Hours later, Derek reached the address. He got out, approached the door, and knocked. A pleasant woman opened the door, her smile warm.

“Sorry to bother you, but is Amber here?” Derek asked, his voice filled with hope.

“Amber? I don’t know anyone by that name,” the woman replied, puzzled.

“A teenage girl was supposed to stay with you a week ago,” Derek explained.

“Oh, right. But she never arrived,” the woman said.

“You haven’t seen her at all?” Derek asked, his heart sinking.

“No, sorry,” the woman said, shaking her head.

Derek thanked her and returned to his car, feeling despair wash over him. He had lost the last clue to finding his daughter.

As he drove home, he suddenly saw his ex-wife, Amber’s mother, sitting in a café. Could Amber have come to see her mother instead of going to the concert? It was a long shot, but he had to find out.

Derek approached Miranda, who looked up in surprise. “Derek? I didn’t expect to see you here.”

“Did Amber come to see you?” Derek asked, skipping any small talk.

“What? No. Why would she?” Miranda said nervously.

“She ran away a week ago. Have you seen her?” Derek asked, his voice tight with worry.

“No, I’m sorry,” Miranda said, her tone flat.

Derek was about to leave when he noticed an inhaler in Miranda’s bag. It looked exactly like Amber’s. Without thinking, Derek grabbed it.

“Where did you get this?” Derek asked, holding up the inhaler.

“Derek, I can explain,” Miranda stammered.

“Where did you get my daughter’s inhaler?!” Derek yelled.

“She’s here!” Miranda confessed.

“Why didn’t you say anything?” Derek demanded.

“Because I knew you’d be against it,” Miranda replied. “I needed her to stay until my mom signed the will. Amber is my only child. Once Mom signs, Amber can go back. I’m tired of playing mom.”

“Mom??” came a tearful voice. Derek and Miranda turned to see Amber standing there, tears streaming down her face. She had heard everything.

“Amber, I didn’t mean it like that,” Miranda said, reaching out to her.

But Amber wasn’t listening. She bolted, and Derek ran after her. He found her sitting on a bench, crying. Derek approached her and hugged her.

“I’m so sorry,” he whispered.

“I should have understood everything when she said I needed to find a ‘Hostess Family’,” Amber said, wiping her tears.

“Why didn’t you call me? I was so worried,” Derek asked.

“I didn’t want you to take me away from Mom, but now I realize it was a mistake,” Amber admitted.

“It’s okay. You just wanted to meet your mom,” Derek said, comforting her.

“I’m sorry, Dad. I didn’t mean to worry you. Now I realize you’re the best dad in the world,” Amber said, tearing up again.

“It’s not hard when you have the best daughter in the world,” Derek replied with a smile, hugging her tightly.

Amber hugged Derek back, feeling safe in his arms. As they walked to the car, Derek said, “But you’re grounded for two weeks.”

“Fair enough,” Amber replied with a small smile, feeling a little better.