From his drone’s camera high above the search grid, Jonathan surveyed the scene with a lump in his throat. The tiny figures were dwarfed by the indifferent forest. The wind howled as if mocking their efforts. But they pressed on relentlessly calling Mia’s name, holding onto hope she might hear. Jonathan had to believe his discovery would lead to some revelation, no matter how dark. He owed that much to Mia and her family.

Jonathan blinked away helpless tears of frustration. Even with his bird’s-eye vantage point, the vegetation was too thick. He might be uselessly passing right over Mia and never know. As frustrating hours dragged by, hope dwindled. Exhausted teams reluctantly returned to the command post as the sky turned dark, unable to press on in the ruthless conditions…