EXCELLENT points. What’s known about this case certainly matches closer to an abduction than anything voluntary, and statistically the probable outcome looks worse with every passing day. But consider this:
I’ve lived in small town Iowa most of my life. Nothing’s wrong in my life now so don’t read this wrong: I’ve considered just disappearing and never coming back. I know all too well that what others see as a pretty wonderful life might not look so wonderful through my eyes. And what I’m saying here is that NOBODY knows what Mollie is feeling. If there was a motive to just disappear it’s likely nobody would know it except Mollie.
If disappearing were my motive, could I pull it off? Personally right now no, but in her situation I likely could. First I would need a plan, where I’m going to go and who’s going to help me. You would have a terrible time finding record of my contacts, I’d take care not to leave much of a paper trail. I wouldn’t take my wallet or ID, I’d take only whatever mad money I’ve got secretly stashed. And I’d take my phone and Fitbit to cover my trail. I’d probably turn them both off and end up smashing them and throwing the pieces in a river hundreds of miles away. I’d have a new set of contacts, probably change of clothes or two - no more than I could put in a backpack. And I’d leave when nobody is around and I’ve got a window of opportunity to get a couple hundred miles away before anybody notices I’m missing.
I’m not saying that did happen, I’m saying something along those lines is a possibility. And if that’s what did happen, what we’re seeing right now is exactly what it would look like. And if so, will she eventually resurface? For sure, but it’s only been a week. Even if most of us couldn’t pull it off long term I’m absolutely positive I could make it a week.
