Hidden Meanings

Chapter 1

Chapter 1 

Raven, 16 YO

My phone is at 15% while I'm sitting on my bed watching TikTok.

"Honey downstairs. Now!" My mom yells from the kitchen

My phone starts ringing like crazy I would pick it up, but I know if I did, I would be the one blowing up. I walk across the creaky wooden floor heading to the kitchen.

"Can you grab the package off the front porch?" my mom asks, even though I know it's more of a demand. I open the door but only find an envelope with my name on it. I open it making sure my mom can't see.

Dear Raven,

It's your dad. I know I have been distant lately, but if you see this, I need your help. I have a house on in the far end of the woods. I need you and a few friends to find my locket and LEAVE. Whatever you do, do not open that locket, and don't go alone! I can explain after, but I hope you consider helping me.

Your Dad,

Ralph

I'm not sure what to say. "Mom there's no package." I lie. There's no way I'm telling my mom what happened. My dad "left" when I was three. He still sends me gifts on holidays, but he's never sent me a letter. My head starts to hurt and my vision blurs. The next thing I know I wake up to bright fluorescent lights in my face. I was in the hospital.

"She's awake!" my mom yells to the nearest doctor. I want to ask what happened, but my head is pounding, and I can't bear to speak.

After a few hours, the doctors send me home and tell me it was a fluke. "What the hell happened?!" I say as we get into the car.

"How am I supposed to know?! I just found you passed out on the carpet!" I can tell my mom was worried, so I decided to leave it alone. All I know is there was something wrong with that letter.