My brother is missing. Usually he's always there in the back of my head, ready with a snarky comment or prepared to take over when I get bored.

After he took control yesterday, he whispered of being followed. I didn't believe him, he's prone to imagine things. And yet, his whisper of us being shadowed, followed me into our dreams.

At lunch I looked sideways at everyone, quickly shovelling the food in my mouth. My brother was silent, not there in the back of my head as usual. Not offering a funny take on my coworkers. He was usually there for lunch hour, but the rest of the work day belonged to me alone. My mind was too silent today.

It was mid-winter and the sun had set before I finished work at 4pm. Outside the pitch dark evening had arrived. Wrapped in layers of wool, I made my way outside. Alone.

My brother usually walked us home. He liked the quiet dark. I didn't. He don't like when I disagree with him.

His comment about being followed rose to a roar inside my mind, but my feet only shuffled forward. Why did he have to go missing? I needed him. Alone I was just alone.

'Ouch.'

Something hit me. I think. I'm sprawled flat on my face. The snow is cold and invading. Hands grasp my legs, and start to drag me.

I'm freezing, and my mind is an empty mess. I let them drag me. I don't try to count the distance. Meters, trees or corners, what does it matter?

At some point they stop, and let go of my legs. I lay on the ground, and it's not white, but grey, with streaks of a rust-brown red on it. A little to my left I can see two shoetips, blue sneakers.

'Hello, how would you like to meet your brother?'

Someone laughs, but I don't know who.

'Something funny?

Abruptly the loud laughter stops, and I realise, I was the one laughing out loud. A weak laughter continues inside my head.

The man above me sighs. 'This one's a nutter, load her up boys and let's get going.'

I find my voice. 'Where's my brother?'

'What's she talking about?' Another man asks.

'No idea. Found her alone as usual. Never seen any brother while I've been wacthing her.'

'Good, we need to get these girls shipped. Boss is waiting.'

The first man grunts his assent. Then they pick me up and place me in a box I think. The lid shuts, and I'm alone in darkness once more.

Minutes or hours later I hear from the back of my head. 'Believe me now sister? I told you someone followed us.'