Disappearing Files

If the files are in their original places, then open them again. What you report is generally what happens when they are not in their original places.

You may also wish to look into my Photoshop Session Manager script:

https://community.adobe.com/t5/photoshop-ecosystem-discussions/scripts-to-save-amp-restore-photoshop-sessions/m-p/14239969#U14946306

This is why you should use a proper file browser for file management, not the home screen.

The home screen does not keep track of where the files actually are. The home screen is just a passive link, stored along with your other preferences in your user account. It has no idea what is actually on your disks.

If your preferences get corrupted, which can happen, the link breaks. If the files are moved in the operating system, the link breaks. If the file is opened and resaved in another application, the link breaks.

The home screen is for quickly picking up where you left off before lunch. That's all.

If you didn't delete them, your files are still there. Make it a habit to always know where you save your files.