When fate plays its hand

Theodore wouldn’t take a risk like that.

Madison frowned. “The more I think about it, the more something doesn’t add up.”

Miranda’s expression turned serious. “…Yeah, it’s definitely strange.”

“I heard from a third–year senior that Joli’s parents aren’t in great health and often fall ill. Do you think that’s why he hasn’t returned to college?” Madison asked.

Sebastian stayed calm as he analyzed the situation. “His parents‘ health issues didn’t just start recently. He’s never missed class over it before. It doesn’t seem likely unless something sudden happens.”

“Like what?” she asked.

“Maybe their condition worsened, and they can’t manage without him. Or there could’ve been some sort of emergency keeping him at home,” he said.

Miranda added, “If it’s just an emergency with foli’s family, how do you explain Theodore not returning to campus either?”

“That…” Sebastian hesitated.

Miranda added, “Guessing won’t get us anywhere. We need to find a way to contact Joli.”

Over the next few days, they tried everything–phone calls, emails, leaving messages on social platforms, and even posting comments online. But their attempts disappeared into a void–no responses. Content (C) Nôv/elDra/ma.Org.

“So, what do we do now?”

Two weeks had passed since the semester began. Fortunately, Miranda had taken the initiative to explain the situation to Christine, who then contacted the college to prevent any action from being taken against Joli and Theodore. But the college couldn’t keep overlooking the matter forever.

Christine said, “Three weeks is the absolute most I can negotiate, After that, it’s out of my hands.”

“Two weeks have already passed, and we only have seven days left. What are we going to do?”

paced back and forth in the lab anxiously. “If they don’t return by then, do

you

think the college will really expel them?”

No one could offer her an answer.

“So, that’s it? We just sit here and wait?” she asked.

Sebastian shrugged. “We’ve done all we can. The rest… we’ll just have to leave it to chance.

“But… but…” Madison turned to Miranda. “What do you think?”

Miranda hesitated momentarily before saying, “Let’s see if we can get Joli’s full address.”

“His address?” Madison blinked in surprise. “Are you saying you want to go to his home?”

“We need to figure out what’s really going on. A trip there will clear everything up,” Miranda responded.

Madison replied, “Then, I’m coming too.”

Sebastian chimed in, “It’s not safe for just the two of you. I’ll come along.”

“You?” Madison gave him a skeptical once–over. “Can you fight?”

Sebastian was left speechless and wondered why she sounded like they were about to settle a score. After a brief pause, he asked, “It doesn’t have to be a fight, right?”

Without wasting time, they split up to gather what they needed. Miranda went to Christine and asked her to use her mentor privileges to access Joli’s student records.

Madison asked around among seniors who might know Joli’s address. On the contrary, Sebastian pulled some strings and convinced a teacher in the student affairs office to help him access Joli’s official student file.

After a busy afternoon, they regrouped to share their findings.

Miranda said, “…The address Joli provided isn’t complete. It just stated Cedar Falls, Yalemont.”

Madison immediately nodded. “Yes. That’s what the seniors told me, too.”

Both of them turned to Sebastian.

Madison asked, “Seb, did you find the complete address?”

Under their intense gaze, he slowly nodded. “Yeah. I did.” Madison and Miranda exchanged surprised glances.

Sebastian continued, “Hollow Creek Road, Cedar Falls, YM.”