here is how we know she didnt run off imo - the text to amber.
If her intent was to "disappear" willingly, why send that text? She wouldnt.
What that text did was immediately alarm amber and get her to start making phone calls, if she wanted to buy herself some time without anyone looking for her then the text she sends to amber is "im at the airport, phone is dying, see you in a few hours!" or "about to board, will be home soon! Wont be able to text until im there"
katelin would know what would happen if she sends the text "not coming back today, change of plans."... And then nothing. Amber is going to immediately start blowing up her phone and then she is going to call her mother and friends etc - and as soon as she calls katelin's mother and they tell each other what their texts said there is a problem
if you were intending to walk out of someones life without a confrontation you just wouldnt send any text, or you would send something like i mentioned above.
Katelin did not send that text, therefore she didnt send the other text that was sent at the same time.
A random person did not send those texts, those texts were sent by someone that *thought* those texts would buy them some time, someone who apparently thought amber would just read the text, then not be able to get katelin on the phone and just say "well i guess i will just wait til i hear from her someday"... Sounds like whoever sent those texts wasnt thinking clearly, maybe they were stressed out over something eh?
The police dont think she was ever at the mall, neither do i.
Someone that had access to katelin, and her phone, right before she went missing, sent those texts.
And unfortunately nothing else probably happens in this case unless katelin is found.
And i think you know what i think is the only way that happens.