My stomach won’t stop rumbling and gurgling. I haven’t been this hungry in a long time, maybe never. Laying on this bench in the middle of the night looking up at the stars has me wondering how I got here. How did I get here, in this place, this hungry, lost and alone? All I wanted was to help others and I only had good intentions, right? At least I thought I did. Jenny only wanted me to help her with a quick delivery for a new client and then we would go to the movies. That new monster flick is out and we were both excited to see how ridiculous the special effects would be. Her phone pinged for the address and we were off to pick up the package and quickly take it to the destination. No more than 15 minutes, that’s all it should’ve taken, that was three days ago. Now my best friend is missing, my pockets are empty, and my insides are eating themselves. Where did it go wrong? Why did I have to be so curious? I opened the package and in turn, ruined everything. My crazy impulsive actions! When will I ever learn?
I feel like I’ve paddled for hours. I look over my shoulder to an empty river. It seems too good to be true that I might be able to rest for a minute. Processing the events that have unfolded is going to have to happen after I get off this river. My priority has to be to get somewhere dry and warm, but where? We are in the middle of nowhere with dozens of miles between here and civilization! There’s not even a logging road or trail that leads to this area. Without cell service, I’m not sure I even know where I am.
It’s been all over the news for days, missing girl from Dundee who never made it home from school. Her poor parents, oh gosh I can’t imagine! My nieces are the same age as her and wonder about what we would do if one of them went missing. My thoughts were interrupted by a sharp pounding on the door. Who could it be at this hour? I look through the window and cannot believe what I’m seeing. As I open the door, everything becomes hazy and numb. What is it they said? Why are they here? Is this really happening?
Autumn came in overnight it seemed. The sweet smell of grass and plants dying filled the dim air. Each year it seemed to come faster and faster, bringing with it rain, cold, and death. I wasn’t prepared to head out into this day, but I had no choice. The early morning call from the captain proved to be fitting for today’s weather. Two teenagers on a late night walk found her there laying in the long grasses near the coast. They weren’t sure at first what they were seeing, but once they were up close and personal with it, they realized the hand belonged to her icy cold, still body. It’s unusual to be out there this time of year unless obviously you’re two teenagers trying to escape the prying eyes of your parents, so why was she out there and why was she alone?
