There was a sudden flash illuminating Kara’s field of view.

And then nothing.

Nothing but an endless dark room, where seemingly nothing and everything exist simultaneously.

But then she saw the edge of a sword — no — a knife. And in an instant she saw a trillion different realities folding onto each other like thin sheets of metal forming a single blade.

Kara saw a whole life unravel before her eyes.

The kisses on the hand and endless bouquets of flowers. The cliched romantic foot pop.

The beautiful picnic dates and moonlit stargazing. The midnight drives along the shoreline.

The perfectly planned engagement and wedding. The stunning honeymoon in Bora Bora.

The three bedroom house in the suburbs, the “mom van,” and the nursery. The nervous first parent energy in anticipation of their newest member of the family.

But Kara’s soft smile was all too soon washed from her face as that life continued to unravel.

The perpetual doubting and wondering if you’re good enough. The sleepless nights.

The constant screaming and the incessant crying. The cooing apologies, quickly forgiven.

The deafening silence.

The Missing Person posters.

A woman and her unborn baby. Gone.

The pleading voice of the husband and the numerous sprawling search parties. The news broadcast looping on repeat.

The never ending calls to police departments and the fabricated wild goose chases. The built-up charade.

The haunting, twinkle in the eyes and a protective sister. The rage simmering beneath the surface.

The manhunt and the chase. The quick win for the victor.

A lifeless body pushed over the edge of a bridge and a satisfying splash. A look shared with the heavens to remember the cost.

The sound of sirens.

The mugshots.

The justice deserved.

__________

“Don’t go,” Kara said, as she white knuckled the edge of the couch.

At the shaky tone of her sister, Tara was immediately on edge. “Don’t go where?”

“Don’t go on that date.”

“Kare, you’re just being protective...” Tara laughed uneasily.

But Kara was not deterred. “Don’t let him lure you in with the pretty ring. Don’t let him see your fears. Don’t let him do anything to you.”

Tara stood shock still as her sister paused.

“He will kill you.

And I will make him pay for it.

I saw the whole thing.”