Unravel // Van McCann

7. No Escape

I quickly stood up. I should be calling the paramedics. She needs medical attention but I couldn't bring myself to call them just yet. I need to know who's in this house.

All that was left downstairs to search through was the office and garage, both of which were empty. I stood at the bottom of the stairs and looked up. I began making my way up so I searched every room, including the bathroom, but I found nothing. Perhaps I've gone mad. I searched everything except for what was presumedly the closet, which was closed. I crept towards the closet, put my hand on the handle, and slowly turned it. I pulled the door open and was shocked to actually see someone.

"Fucking hell!" I shouted, jumping back. My heart was hammering in my chest and I leaned against the wall for support.

The woman didn't budge at all. She was too scared to look up so she hugged her legs tight and jammed her head into her knees.

"Who—who are you?" I questioned, sliding down the wall until I was at her level. The woman finally looked up and I gasped, the color draining from my face. Her hair was in her face but those eyes were unmistakable. I was staring at Megan Calland, the woman Theo was looking for. My mouth went dry.

"I'm her daughter," she replied in a small voice. I almost didn't hear her—her voice was drowned out by the pounding of my heart.

No you're not, I thought to myself. Now the question is: do I confront her about it or play along? I figured it was best to play dumb.

"What happened to your mum?"

"She hit her head. You should take her to the emergency room."

"Why didn't you call for help?"

At this, she stayed silent, seeming to shrink further. She was probably hoping to disappear right in front of me.

"She's been out since 8:30 AM. I'd leave now if I were you." Her voice was stronger this time.

It's not a good sign she didn't wake up since 8:30 AM. That definitely warrants medical attention. I wanted to take her to the emergency room but I feared Megan would be gone by the time I came back.

"Will you still be here?" I asked.

She didn't answer and didn't need to. She'll be gone when I come back, I know it. I stood up and backed away until I was at the top of the staircase.

"We just want to know why. We're not here to hurt you, I promise," I added. And with that, I went down the stairs and back to Ada.

I'm tall but I don't have a strong build. Lucky for me, Ada was a small, frail woman. I placed my arms under her back and legs and braced myself, expecting her to be heavy but she was surprisingly light. I slowly stood up being careful to not throw out my back and made my way towards the door. As I approached the door, I wondered how I was going to open it but my question was soon answered.

"Let me help you," Megan spoke softly, and I turned to see her halfway down the stairs. She made her way to the bottom and opened the door for me. "Thank you..." she trailed off.

"For what?" I questioned. I was confused as to what she was thanking me for. I didn't do any favors for her.

"For taking care of my mom."

I continued to stare at her, utterly confused. She doesn't know that I know her true identity and I realized staring at her wasn't helping.

"Y-Yeah! Of course," I said quickly, stepping into my boots. I didn't bother zipping them; I figured I'd do that once I put Ada in the car. To my surprise, Megan followed me, supporting Ada's head.