But now, Stefan had spoken, and Raegan knew he might have noticed something. She felt compelled to speak up because if she didn't, she thought she might explode.

It was a typical self-preservation tactic. She sensed something was amiss and determined to help herself.

“Stefan, I'm sad. I always feel like I'm not doing anything right, like I'm just a burden to others. I don't even know if I can be a good mother. I'm not sure if I can raise three kids properly,”

Raegan admitted, releasing a breath she'd been holding.

She even agreed with Katie's remarks. They seemingly rang true.

Unintentionally, she had become a burden.

It was only then that Stefan realized Raegan's situation might be more serious than he initially thought. He and Erick had been preoccupied with their own matters, overlooking the emotional sensitivity that accompanies pregnancy. Stuck in her room, waiting for news, it was likely for Raegan to feel completely useless.

“Raegan," Stefan said, sitting across from her and gently taking her hand, and looked into her eyes.

"Raegan, you're actually doing really well. Don't be so hard on yourself. You care about our feelings and keep your worries to yourself to spare us, while still doing your best to take care of yourself. Think about how well you plan everything. How could you not be a great mother? And look at Janey, how healthy and adorable she is. Doesn't that show you can be an excellent mother?"

When Stefan brought up Janey, Raegan momentarily put aside her sadness, and her mood brightened. Stefan had a point. Janey was indeed thriving. The thought of Janey made the idea of raising children seem less intimidating.

Stefan reassured Raegan gently, “Remember, Erick, Laden, Janey, I, and many others who care about you are all excited about the babies. You really don't need to worry."

Raegan found Stefan's words, as a psychology teacher, especially soothing and comforting. A simple chat had noticeably lifted her spirits.

“Stefan, thank you. I see things more clearly now," Raegan responded, her perspective brighter. She understood that her main focus now was to look after herself and the babies, and that it was the right approach.

The following day, Stefan discussed Raegan's state with Erick and urged him to keep her updated about the investigation. He knew Erick simply refrained from burdening Raegan, yet not having any updates might increase her anxiety.

Learning about Raegan's distress made Erick anxious. He had been so engrossed in the investigation that he had overlooked Raegan's emotional well-being.

Lately, Erick felt overwhelmed, without a single lead out about the investigation. No hints of their mother's whereabouts were detected after delivering those gifts, just like everything else, leading him to doubt their decisions.

Maybe the man buying the medicine was just a random occurrence, or maybe Casey had died long ago. Both possibilities were grim.

Erick spoke with Raegan about the situation, sharing all the details as Stefan had recommended, even though they hadn't made any progress.

Raegan listened quietly and then asked, “Erick, can I take a look at that surveillance video?"

The only lead they had was the man with glasses captured on the video.