That's quite the bug, one I'd like to solve. Though the solution for you is probably a lot more simple, go to the autosave section and load one of those.
For me, I'd like to know where you were when you saved so I can investigate.
The auto save worked perfectly, the place I saved was midway searching for Haily. Also how do you register searching with Alex at noon because for some reason it doesn't count? but overall I really enjoy the game
I think the split can happen if you go out the back vs check her room, with going out the back being the option leading to Haily. There is quite a few things in early Haily that need a re-do, they are harder than intended.