You might surprise yourself  with the things that start to take form in your mind, at the scenarios you create when you let your doubt take over.

I slept a little on the first night, at least. Scattered thoughts, restlessly turning over in the bed, every little noise bringing me back to alertness. I'd open my eyes, look at the door hopefully, sigh with disappointment, check the clock, and repeat the steps.

The second morning came and went, and still she didn't return. I turned the house upside-down. I found letters I'd forgotten years ago - just why had I saved so many old things? I couldn't remember half of the people that had sent them. I couldn't recall the last time I’d spoken to those people, and I didn't care. I found copies of receipts for items that I didn't even own any more. I started throwing things into the trash, just to get them out of my way.

The second night, I searched the trash for something that might point me in the right direction, in case I’d accidentally thrown it away earlier. And I didn't sleep.

I called Janine.

She didn't answer.

I called her again.

"She's not coming home," I said into her machine. Her machine dutifully recorded my message after the tone.