The Day I Kissed An Older Man

They gathered around Henry brazenly and made no effort to conceal their identities from him, which suggested that they did not intend to spare him. His apprehension grew deeper when he realized that. Henry found himself thrown into the room where Lucas and Claudia were held. His heart ached for his daughter's safety, and he ran toward her when he saw that she was alive and well.

"Claudie!" Initially still grappling with despair, Claudia sensed that she heard her father's voice and perked her ears as she sat up.

"Was that my dad's voice? Am I hearing stuff?" Claudia murmured.

Her thoughts were clouded with uncertainty, but Lucas reassured her that she heard correctly. "You heard it right. Your father's here."

"Claudia..." Henry's voice reached Claudia's ears once more, and she heard it crystal clear that time.

Her eyes welled with tears. "Where are you, Dad? Why are you here?! Did you come to rescue us?"

mockingly from the doorway as the father and daughter reunited. "Aww, look at that happy reunion. No one's getting rescued, though! Your father's

shut, and silence descended

here? What's happening?" Claudia's voice quivered with emotion. She was still

now. Are you both all right? Did they do anything

stopped them

briefly over his daughter's untouched skin. Her words brought him relief, and she seemed more frightened than physically harmed.

you for protecting my daughter. Your grandparents are working hard to secure your release. Have faith. They'll come rescue us