Laura awakens from a business trip to discover that her daughter is nowhere to be found. She sets off on a journey to locate her daughter. After a decade, the daughter suddenly appears on their doorstep, ready to expose the whole truth.

Laura awoke, still feeling exhausted. Richard, Emily’s stepfather, and her husband were soundly sleeping next to her.

Laura drew back the blankets and went to the kitchen like she did every morning. The work travel had been strenuous. She went to Emily’s room after she finished breakfast.

“Rise and shine, darling!” Laura started to respond, but her voice died when she saw Emily’s perfectly prepared bed.

Laura looked in Emily’s restroom, but she was nowhere to be seen. Emily’s stuff was surprisingly well-organized. Emily was nowhere to be seen in Laura’s bedroom, lawn, or garden.

Emily was not the most obedient kid, and Laura was well aware of this. She’d sneaked away a few times and even attended boisterous parties. Today, however, was not one of the usual reasons for Emily’s absence. Laura had a strong feeling about it.

“Rick, get up!” Laura returned to their bedroom and tried to rouse her husband. “Emily is missing!”

“Let me sleep, Laura,” Richard said, his voice drowsy. “She’s in her adolescence. She seemed to have slipped away to meet her buddies. “Be gentle with yourself.”

“This is a very serious situation, Rick. Her room is immaculate! This is nothing like Emily!

Richard, on the other hand, advised her not to worry and went back to sleep. Laura had a nervous feeling. She hurried down the stairs, her heart racing as she approached the living room, waiting for Emily, praying for her safety and well-being.

Her phone suddenly rang with a message.

“If you want your daughter alive, bring $100,000 to the address below…”

Laura was woozy. She tried to tell herself that it was all a bad dream. That, however, was not the case.

Laura, trembling, contacted the authorities right away. They were fast to come. Richard’s words resonated loudly from above as soon as they walked in. “Laura?” What is going on? What exactly are the cops doing here?

“Emily has been kidnapped!” she said, terrified. “The kidnapper has made a ransom demand.”

“Are you certain it’s not one of Emily’s games?” he said as he joined her in the living room.

“No way, Rick!” exclaimed she. “We need to find her!”

Laura and Richard, two police officers, entered Emily’s room.

“Is there anything that needs to be added here?” Laura and Richard were questioned by Detective Harris.

“The carpet!” Laura finally paid attention. “It’s not here.”

“Do you have any thoughts on the matter?” Richard caught Detective Harris’s eye.

“Yeah, I got it cleaned at the dry cleaner,” Richard said.

Detective Harris made a quick note of something. “Could you kindly provide me with the address of the dry cleaner?”

“Sure, I’ll take care of it.” “Hold on a moment,” Richard remarked as he exited the room.

Laura’s phone got another notice as the investigators continued their quest for further information. As she read the message that was displayed on her computer, her face grew pale.

“What is it?” Detective Harris couldn’t help but notice her horrified expression. She gave over her phone to the officer, who then read the message aloud.

“If you involve the authorities, you may not be able to reunite with your daughter.”

“Let’s reconsider the ransom, Mrs. Dennings,” said Detective Harris. “We can arrange our setup near the drop-off point.” This is your greatest chance to reconcile with your daughter and apprehend the kidnapper.

“Absolutely not!” As he returned with the address, Richard voiced his dissatisfaction. “That seems quite risky.” If we only pay the ransom, maybe they’ll let her go.”

“But Richard, what if they decide to flee with the funds?” Laura was adamantly opposed. “Absolutely not.” The detectives, I suppose, are accurate.

Richard couldn’t go on with the debate any longer. It was decided to station undercover cops near the ransom drop-off spot.

Laura’s thoughts were captivated with Emily as she made her way to the ransom money drop-off location. She was looking forward to her return. She yearned for her baby child to return home.

Laura parked near the location described by the abductor. Then, as directed, she went to the towering oak tree at the park’s heart and gently deposited the money there.

Laura adjusted her rearview mirror after completing her assignment in order to be vigilant at the drop point.

Detective Harris, dressed plainly in a jacket and pants, gestured to her from across the street, signaling that the cops were on their way. Laura’s pulse beat faster every time she looked in the rearview mirror. She was looking forward to the arrival of the abductor.

However, no one seemed to arrive as the hours passed. The park was abandoned once the children had stopped playing. As Detective Harris approached, she lowered her window.

“I believe it’s time for you to return home, Mrs. Dennings.” Perhaps the kidnapper changed his mind.

Laura was heartbroken. Why didn’t the kidnapper show up? Did he get any hints regarding the presence of undercover cops? Laura had a fuzzy experience on the way home. When Emily went to her room, she discovered that the carpet had reappeared. Richard stood there, his eyes welling up with a strange sensation of relief.

“Wow, doesn’t the carpet look brand new?” He was ecstatic.

Laura knelt and ran her fingers lightly over the silky carpet. Emily had chosen it herself some months before. When they took it home, she couldn’t suppress her joy.

“How is it possible that it feels so fresh?” Laura yelled.

“A good cleaner can work miracles, darling,” Richard said quickly and suspiciously. Laura felt a smidgeon of uncertainty sneaks into her head at that instant. However, the grief caused by her daughter’s absence was too much for her to bear.

A decade has passed. Due to a lack of leads, the police decided to close the investigation. While everyone else seemed to have moved on from Emily’s disappearance, Laura stayed focused. She came inside an advertising agency, clutching her daughter’s pictures. They were now a pale yellow tint, with part of the sides worn down.

Laura approached a lady working at the front desk. “I’m interested in renting some banners,” Laura said.

“Sure,” Jenna said, smiling. “How many would you like?”

“As many as I can afford.”

Jenna listened intently as Laura recounted facts concerning Emily’s unexpected abduction. They chose to post three banners along the area’s major roadways. Jenna was inspired by Laura’s tale and decided to extend a charitable discount to her. She had pieced together Laura’s narrative from her short but strong explanations.

It seemed as if a blog had come to life, with a larger-than-life version of Emily’s portrait capturing her timeless grin and the emotional words “Forever missed, forever loved” written in eye-catching bold letters. There is also a “If you have any information, please report it” statement, as well as a hotline number.

A flash of optimism would kindle inside Laura whenever she caught sight of those ads. Her friends and relatives thought the adverts were meant to make her feel better. Laura, on the other hand, was not looking for tranquility. She yearned for her child.

Laura anxiously awaited news of Emily’s whereabouts, desperately hoping for a phone call that would bring her some relief. She got multiple phone calls during the day. But it was just those people who wished her well.

Richard fully lost control one day. “Laura, we’ve lost all of our savings!” “Just because you plastered her picture all over town!”

“So?” Laura retaliated. “What do you expect me to do, Richard?” Are you going to abandon our daughter? I want to commemorate and remember her!

A loud tap on the door cut Laura and Richard’s conversation short. Laura made her way to the front door, breathless, and answered it. Laura recognized a little girl standing on the threshold without having to say anything.

Laura embraced the child with outstretched arms, showering her with affection. “Emily, oh, you’re back!”

“Sure, Mom!” I’ve returned! Emily replied as they hugged each other. Emily then drew back and proudly lifted her arm to show off the carpet she was clutching. “This was all I had, Mom,” she said. And I kept it.”

“Who’s there?” Richard’s voice echoed loudly from within. His complexion turned ashen as he approached the front door and glanced at Emily.

“What’s wrong, Richard?” Emily scoffed. “Did you meet a ghost?” “Mom, he’s the one who caused my disappearance!” Emily gestured towards Richard.

“Huh?” That’s absurd! Richard passionately defended himself, tears streaming down his face.

“Step inside, Emily,” Laura beckoned. Emily walked in, and Laura quickly shut the front door. Her gaze shifted between her daughter and her husband. What was happening?

“She’s not telling the truth, Laura!” Richard raised his voice. “Don’t listen to her! She’s attempting to drive a wedge between us!

“Emily, please provide me with all the details!” Laura was adamant, disregarding Richard.

Laura was absent from home for a week due to a work commitment. After Emily arrived home from school, she found Richard lounging on the living room couch, engrossed in the television.

“Hey there, kiddo!” he greeted cheerfully as he sat up. “How was your day at school?”

“It was okay,” Emily said, and she was ready to walk to her room when Richard asked that she join him for TV. “I really could use some company,” he said. “And it’s the show you absolutely love.”

Emily unwillingly took a seat next to Richard. At first, she didn’t notice anything was wrong. Her attention was pulled to Richard’s hand, which was softly brushing across the hem of her skirt. “That’s a lovely skirt,” he said. Emily’s heart was beating in her chest. She conveyed her appreciation.

She tried to focus on the TV program, but the heat was too much for her. When her fingertips brushed over Richard’s, she started unbuttoning her shirt. “Let me help you,” he said, stroking his fingertips over her neck softly.

“I’ve got it,” Emily said as she drew away. Richard, on the other hand, missed her subtle hint. He asked her to come closer to him so he could see the TV better. “All right, Emily. Let’s go.” “You’ve changed, and you probably want me,” he informed her.

Emily was really taken aback. “Get away!” she yelled. “Ugh, I have to do my homework.”

The neighbor’s Beagle let out a loud bark, drawing Richard’s attention. Emily took advantage of the chance to run and dashed to her bedroom.

Despite her horror and revulsion, she sought solace in this location. Her tranquillity was quickly broken.

Richard entered the room with a big grin on his face. “There’s no need to be afraid, Emily!” He had a smug look on his face.

“What brought you here?” Leave! “This is my room!” she stated proudly. “Richard, you better leave right now or I’ll spill all the details to Mom!”

Richard couldn’t stop himself from laughing. “And who do you think she’ll believe?” Is it a mature guy or her overactive imagination?

“She’s going to believe me!” “I recognize my mother!” Emily yelled forcefully. She shifted her gaze to the mobile phone on her bedside table.

Richard’s face contorted with rage. “No calls!” he yelled angrily. He quickly stretched his arm to shove her away from the phone with a burst of vigor. Emily was about to grasp it when she lost her equilibrium.

As the room swirled around her, her head throbbed. When the wooden corner of the table impacted Emily, she was overtaken by darkness.

Richard was terrified when he discovered the puddle of blood under Emily’s head. He needed to find a solution immediately. Richard neglected to check on her health.

He gently hid her corpse in the carpet, loaded it into his trunk, and silently departed town. Richard disposed of Emily’s remains in a river, assuming that was the last of her. He returned home and cleaned Emily’s room to avoid raising any suspicions.

“Mom, I was found by a couple of fishermen,” Emily said. “I ended up in a nearby town.” I was lucky to discover a loving and accepting family that welcomed me into their home. They tried to find my relatives, but my history remained a distant memory. All the memories came flooding back to me when I returned to this location and saw my face on the billboards—my house, you, and that terrible night!

“Please, Emily, stop it!” Are you really blaming me, after everything I’ve done for you? Richard let out a guttural scream.

Laura had had enough. She’d had enough of Richard’s deception and was no longer ready to be duped.

Laura called the police, and Richard was transported to the station. A DNA test was also undertaken to see whether the blood blot on the carpet matched Emily’s blood, which it did.

After the DNA findings were presented, Richard finally acknowledged his genuine motivations. He admitted to fabricating the abduction scenario to get his wife’s money.

Richard was eventually condemned to jail by the court after a lengthy hearing. Emily and Laura had finally been set free, and they now had each other.