𝙻𝚘𝚠 𝙻𝚒𝚐𝚑𝚝 𝚂𝚝𝚘𝚛𝚒𝚎𝚜

Chapter 1: The Missing Girl

Terisa has been missing for two days. It is surprising, but the truth is that this is the first time Terisa hasn't told me where she drowned. I was the only one to know about most of her secrets and even about her escape from home for nighttime parties on weekends.
"Oh well, you're probably thinking by now, who's I, and who's even this Terisa? So, let's have the introduction first."

Short Introduction:

- I am Lucas, 21 years old, studying at Mountain Gateway Community College, Clifton Forge, Virginia. My house is just a few minutes' walking distance from the college. We are 3 people in the family, just me and my parents.

- Terisa, 22 years old, is my best friend. Although I like her more than just a friend, I couldn't really express my feelings. We both study at the same college, and we live nearby. She has 2 siblings; she lives with her mother. She doesn't have a dad; he left once Terisa was a kid. Why? Well, that's another story; now let's get back to the current one.

________________

God knows where she has gone this time without even telling me. It's been two freaking days. I feel angry, but I am also worried about her. I hope she didn't get into any trouble, and if she had to go somewhere, why couldn't she tell me? What is such an urgent task she has? Sometimes Terisa does disappear like the wind without informing her mother or anyone else, so other people are not so worried. They don't even care.

*Sigh*

But I feel like something isn't right. I can't find her, not even on the phone.

Knowing that I will not get any positive news, I still called Terisa's mother.

Interaction:

Me – "Hi aunty, do you know where did Terisa go? or did you get any calls from Terisa?"

Terisa's Mother – "No, son, you know that she always does this. Don't worry about her, you will see; in 4-5 days she will get back with you guys again."

Me – "Yes, aunty, it will be so. Ok, then I'll be off now. Take care. Bye."

I couldn't even tell her mother that I can't sit in my mind this time like I used to. My mind kept thinking about her.

Lying on my bed at night and trying to remember the last time we'd spoken.

Yes! I remembered that she was walking on the street that night. Usually, she likes to roam around the streets at night. That night, she called me while having a walk; it was on Sunday, 3 days from now. Both of us were gossiping about some college dudes, but then Terisa suddenly hung off the call by saying, "I'll call you later.".

That's all. Since then, her phone has been out of reach. I've tried to call her many times, but no use; her phone was out of reach.

No, no, no! The power went out. It is disturbing sometimes. Anyway, I just lit a candle and sat in the drawing room.

Mom and Dad have gone to some relatives' place today. Not sure when they will come back; they might get late tonight.

Ahh! Why am I feeling so hot all of a sudden? In this cold winter!

I know winter just started, but it's strange to be hot here, even when the window is wide open.

I can sense a musty smell in this burning heat. I wish I could jump into the bathtub right now, but I just had a shower, so nope, not again.

Knock! Knock!

Before I even fully opened the door, I could hear someone grunting!

OMGG! It's Terisa! She's standing outside! Although it's already evening and there's no electricity at the moment, I can still see her face clearly with the candlelight.