Morning| Sunday, October 16th, 2022 | Cruise Ship

Lorie Lee Santos

When Eric did not come back last night, it was clear to everyone that he was in trouble, that he would not be coming back, not unless he was found.

By two in the morning, I told Faye to get some sleep, although I doubt she would be able to. I doubt any of us would be able to sleep again. Even Tustin stayed up with me, talking over the last few days on the cruise, questioning every interaction we’ve had with Eric, and with others, as if we could solve the mystery on our own. 

There was no point to look on foot. And the local police could not be more disinterested in locating a lost young American man. 

“He’s probably at el burdel.” One young police officer had offered and grinned. After we showed him a picture of Eric. “A handsome hombre like ‘him? The girls will love him.”

 In this city of over two hundred thousand people, our son seemed to have lost amongst them, amidst the chaos of the bustling, beautiful city.