disabling iCloud sync causing file deletions on all devices?

I'm trying to solve a disappearing files issue.

Hi, I had not been using my MacBookPro for a while because I've had a baby and in the meantime have disabled iCloud sync on my iPhone (while solving low space issue) for the Documents folder. Yesterday, I discovered my Documents and Desktop are gone from my MacBook Pro (only empty folder structure remains). I have not explicitly deleted any Documents or Desktop files via icloud.com.

Q1: is there a path to restoring the files?

Q2: icloud.com/storage shows 4.6GB clearly being taken up by Documents, however when browsing icloud.com I can see barely a few files, and nowhere near the size - what is taking up the rest?

The Apple Support phone line is unable to answer this question.