Twisted Memories

Prologue

Trigger Warning: Abduction, Psychological Impact

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"Wait! Come back! Hailey!" I cried as I ran towards the van that has taken her away from where I was standing.

"Lee! Tulong!" Hailey's shrill voice can be heard as the van sped away.

I sniffed as I tried to seek for help to anyone who happened to pass by but they were too busy for their own sake.

Nagpaalam lang ako sa kanya kanina na bibili lang ako ng paborito naming ice cream sa convenience store habang naghihintay siya sa labas nang nakita ko na lang siyang isinasakay ng mga hindi ko kilalang grupo ng mga kalalakihan sa isang van nilang kulay puti.

I saw the left pair of her pink rubber shoes that slipped of her foot and I wailed even more. Then I remembered that I have a cellphone with me.

"T-tita, si Hailey po..." I stammered as I trembled in fear.

I gasped as soon as I woke up from a deep slumber. I glanced at the alarm clock that awoke me and saw that it was almost seven in the morning.

My audition was scheduled today at eleven but I have to get up earlier as traffic was terrible in the Metro.

I exhaled slowly as I tried to calm myself down.

Napanaginipan ko na naman iyon.

My childhood bestfriend was being abducted by people we barely know. What happened after were both terrifying and traumatic to me.

Police authorities didn't let me off their eyes for a week as interrogations were being made. I was only twelve that time.

I never heard from their family again after a decade. And it haunted me every time.

Blaming myself what I had did wrong.

We were just off having a snack in broad daylight.

Approximately two in the afternoon.

But that incident happened.

And now, every time I saw a van of the same color, I twitched.

My hands felt cold.

My insides began to get numb.

I sought for help and eventually, I  recovered.

And now, ten years after, I ought to seek for justice for Hailey.

I wanted to find her.

But I don't even know where to start.