(Doesn’t have to do with the prompt.)

Caitlin POV

I sat huddled on the couch, a blue fur blanket covering my lower half. I took an ibuprofen, swallowing it with water from my mug.

I grabbed the TV remote with a napkin. Powering the on button, it immediately switched to the News Channel.

The reporter, clearly distressed, is holding the microphone with shaky hands. She’s in front of a wooded area.

“Breaking news: In the ————- Forest-“ I paused the TV. Her words were either censored, or my ears are popping. I rewound it, watching the clip again. Same thing.

“Three girls have been found dead inside the forests heavy woods. The deaths have been labeled as a homocide, with no suspect identified. These three girls have been identified as Tasmin Jones, Hazel Cantos, and Chelsey Birkley. Chelsey’s older sister, Mikayla, was reported to have been with them, but was never found. If you have any information on Mikayla Birkley or her whereabouts, please contact the phone number on the screen.”

My eyes divert to the screen, where it has an image of Mikayla in her cheer uniform was plastered. Next to her, black text read,

Mikayla Leia Birkley

17 years old

5’8

Green eyes

Light blue shirt

Black DSG sweatpants

Wavy blonde hair

Tan skin

Call --____-

I picked up my phone in an instant, opening my messages and calling my mom.

“Mom!” I screamed into the phone. “What what?! Did you throw up?!” Mom gasped. “No!! Go on the news!” I choked out, tears coming out of my eyes. “Okay sweetie I’ll be home soon!”

About 10 minutes later, Mom came home. She threw her briefcase on the floor, coming to me on the couch. “Are you okay?! I didn’t get to check the news- I was so focused on getting here- What happened?!”

Through tears, I explained what I saw on the news. My moms face faltered, her eyes widening. “They didn’t say what forest, did they?” She asked solemnly.

I raised a quivering eyebrow. I didn’t tell her that part. “How did you-“ Mom interrupted me. “Get in the car. I need to keep you safe.”