Staring at my daughter Amber’s empty bed, my heart raced. My 13-year-old, blonde, freckled daughter had been missing for a week. She was never the type to run away, and every moment without her felt like endless agony. Police searches offered little hope.

One evening, I spotted a homeless woman with Amber’s backpack—the unicorn patch made it unmistakable. I rushed to her, begging for the bag. She handed it over, but it was empty, deepening my fear.

Thankfully, after the darkest days, Amber was found safe. The experience tested me, but it strengthened our bond. Together, we overcame the unthinkable.