Another Celen Down

One

I look out of my window at the little café across the street from my family's Paris apartment.

I dump the cup of water in holding in my pot of forget-me-nots, my favourite flowers.

"Kids! Suppers ready!" my dad calls from the kitchen.

I set the cup down and walk out of the small room I share with my sister Alice.

I sit down in my spot across from Lily, my nine year old sister her blond ringlets bouncing as she talks to my mom.

We all sit around the table and hold hands.

We do this every night we pray that Alice will come home, she's been missing for two weeks now.

My oldest brother , Greg went missing three years ago. He was presumed dead.

Tory and Trey were taken soon after Greg and then their bodies were found.

Then my family left Vancouver behind and moved to Paris where my mother has family.

I don't know how my parents have dealt with losing three children and maybe a fourth.

They are such strong people, my family is the world to me.
•••

" Going to the café," I call to my mom as I leave after our session of home schooling.

"Okay, just be back before three," she yells back as I step out the door.

I walk down the three flights of stairs to the street.

It is oddly quiet and there are few cars for me to dodge crossing the street.

I walk inside the small building and order a croissant and hot chocolate.

"Merci!" I tell Anna the cashier and walk outside.

I walk toward the table I always sit at.

A black van slows down next to me but I pay no attention to it.

I glance at my phone, one text from Spencer aka my best friend from home.

I set my food down on the table but before I can sit down I'm grabbed from behind!

I try to scream but a gloved hand is slapped over mouth.

I kick and struggle but it no use.

And then I black out.