Unmasking the Heart

Joi wandered into the backyard, drawn by the shimmering water of the pool. She spotted Mrs. Catlin lounging on a recliner, a floppy hat shielding her face as she soaked in the sun. The scene was peaceful, almost too tranquil, considering the restless thoughts swirling in Joi's head.

"Mrs. Catlin," Joi called softly, trying not to startle her.

The older woman turned, pushing her sunglasses down slightly. "Yes, Joi? Do you need something?"

Joi hesitated, biting her lower lip. "I want to step outside for a while," she said quickly, her heart racing as she braced for the inevitable reaction.

Mrs. Catlin's eyes widened, her mouth forming a perfect "O." She recovered quickly, sitting up straighter. "Joi, Adrian made it very clear that if you even think about going outside, I'm to inform him immediately. He also warned you about leaving, didn't he?"

Joi sighed deeply, her hand resting on her hip as she tried to stay calm. "I won't be gone for more than two hours, and I'd really appreciate it if you didn't tell him." Her voice was steady, but her pulse betrayed her nerves.

Mrs. Catlin blinked, momentarily at a loss for words. "Do you think he'll keep you locked in here forever?" Joi pressed, her impatience bubbling to the surface.

Mrs. Catlin frowned. "This is about your safety. What if something happens to you while you're out?"

Joi's lips curved into a mocking smile as she crossed her arms. "Oh, so you think when Adrian finally finds Sophia, he'll still be worried about my safety? Be real, Mrs. Catlin."

Mrs. Catlin stiffened, her composure faltering. "Ms. Sophia has been missing for five years," she said quietly, her tone almost defensive. "Five years of Anna being his fiancée."

"And was she confirmed dead?" Joi's voice was sharp, teasing.

"God forbid she's dead! Adrian wouldn't survive it. He'd become..." Mrs. Catlin trailed off, her expression pained.

Joi quickly softened her tone, sensing the tension. "I didn't mean to imply she's dead or that I want her to be. I just used the word 'if.' Look, I'll take full responsibility. If I'm not back in three hours, call Adrian and tell him I ran out."

Mrs. Catlin hesitated, her fingers gripping the armrest of her chair. "Are you going alone?"

"No, Debbie's coming with me."

Finally, Mrs. Catlin relented with a heavy sigh. "Fine. But be careful. And don't make me regret this, Joi."

"Thank you!" Joi squealed, darting back into the house before Mrs. Catlin could change her mind.

---

Back in her room, Joi moved with purpose, gathering her essentials: her credit card, phone, and a lipstick that matched the shade she was wearing. After brushing her hair and spritzing on a light perfume, she headed to the living room, where Debbie was waiting.

"I'm done," Joi announced, pulling out her phone. "What's the address?"

Debbie rattled off the name of the school, and Joi quickly entered it into her phone. After booking an Uber, they waited in silence until the car arrived.

---

The school playground buzzed with life as children played and shouted, their laughter echoing through the open space. Joi scanned the area and spotted a young girl sitting alone on a swing, her blonde ponytail catching the sunlight as she focused intently on a coloring book.

Debbie walked ahead, spotting Mayra playing tag with two other girls. "Mayra!" Debbie called, her voice bright as she approached the child.

Meanwhile, Joi strolled toward the swing, drawn to the lonely girl. "The unicorn is beautiful," she said warmly, peeking over the child's shoulder. "I love the colors you chose—they really make it pop."

The girl glanced up, a shy smile forming on her face. "You like my unicorn?"

"Absolutely. Mind if I take a closer look?" Joi asked, sitting on the empty swing beside her.

The girl nodded, handing over the book with a small smile.

"You're really talented," Joi said, flipping through the pages. "I'm Joi, by the way. What's your name?"

"I'm Isabella," the girl replied sweetly.

"That's a lovely name," Joi said with a smile, handing the book back to her.

Isabella's face lit up. "Thanks, Joi."

Debbie returned, holding Mayra's hand. "Who's your new friend?" she asked casually.

"This is Isabella," Joi replied, glancing at Debbie.

"Where are your parents?" Joi asked, her tone light but curious.

"My mom's busy, so I'll go home by myself," Isabella said, packing her coloring book into her backpack.

Debbie frowned, exchanging a look with Joi. "You're going home alone?"

Isabella nodded. "My mom works late, so I know the way. She trusts me."

Joi blinked, her mouth slightly open in disbelief. "How old are you?" Debbie asked abruptly, her voice tinged with concern.

Isabella frowned, suddenly guarded. "My mom says not to talk to strangers." She stood, slinging her backpack over her shoulder.

Debbie blinked, momentarily stunned. "Weren't you just chatting with Joi like she's your best friend?"

"We're friends now, right?" Joi bent slightly to Isabella's height, smiling warmly.

Isabella grinned, her broken front tooth on display. "Yeah, we are."

"Then trust me," Joi said gently. "Let me drop you off at home. It's no trouble at all."

Isabella hesitated, chewing on her bottom lip. "Okay, but only if I can call my mom first." She held out her hand.

Joi handed over her phone without hesitation, watching as Isabella confidently dialed.

"Hello?" a woman's voice answered after a few rings.

"Mom, it's me, Isabella," the girl said, her tone calm and assured.

The voice on the other end grew frantic. "Isabella! Why are you calling from a strange number? Are you okay?"

"I'm fine, Mom. My new friend wants to drop me off. Is that okay?" Isabella asked, glancing up at Joi with a small smile.

Joi held her breath, her heart pounding as she waited for the woman's reply.