Interesting.... it does sound as if Esther felt this need to get away. Whether it was just relationship issues or this need for 'outdoors adventure / freedom' - we just dont know. But the conversation she had with Laura - that Laura subsequently reported to the police 'Esther said she and Dan were taking a break and she didn’t know if they were going to get back together.' does seem to suggest that Esther left as par of this 'break'. It doesn't necessarily mean they left on bad terms but the relationship had hit a turning point.
Missing hiker Esther Dingley 'had problems in her love life' Brit cops hear as they join search for her (thesun.co.uk)
DC may have thought it would pass over and Esther would be back and all would be well. Esther , on the other hand, may have been more troubled and seriously considering the relationship was over. I am theorising that DC thinks Esther will be back and it will all blow over but as time goes by and Esther keeps extending her trip, he gets worried / agitated and sends more and more messages.... Esther has to keep reassuring him but sincerely doesn't know what to do. She was crying after 3 days of house sitting and quoting those lyrics - she's in turmoil and it seems she is not ready to return.. then she disappears.
BBM
"She was crying after 3 days of house sitting and quoting those lyrics - she's in turmoil and it seems she is not ready to return.. then she disappears."
@PeggyHenry, you offer a pithy synopsis of a chapter in Esther's life, perhaps her last chapter – poignant and chilling.