Memory Mirage

dreadful eyes

As I stood still without uttering a word, my mind raced with thoughts. Suddenly, I saw the girl trying to say something. I gulped and looked at her as she mumbled, "help me," or at least that's what I thought I heard. The background noises were too loud for me to catch her whisper. I was about to say something, but Percy came and pulled me by my arm.
"Man, there are four bodies lying—" he trailed off as he noticed the girl sitting there with a bloody knife. His eyes widened, and he looked at me as if asking, what's going on?
I sighed, and he spoke up, "Who is she? She looks like she just came out of a bloody shower—bro..."
I shushed him. "Listen, I think I know now why Mr. Caleb sent us here. Just do what I'm saying," I stated in a demanding voice as my eyes drifted towards the girl.

I had seen her somewhere before, but I wasn't sure where. I shook my head and looked at Percy before speaking in a low voice, "You go and open the front door and let the others in from there. I'll take the girl and leave through the back door."
His expression changed to surprise, and he looked like he couldn't believe what he had just heard.
"Wh-what? Why would you help a mur—" I didn't let him finish and pushed him towards the dining hall. Then I immediately pulled out a handkerchief and walked towards the girl. I handed it to her and used my jacket to cover her head. "You're coming with me," I spoke in a calm tone. I looked at the back door and held her wrist to lead the way.

Fortunately, she didn't say anything. I was able to get to my car without attracting attention, as everyone's eyes were on the scene. I left Percy to handle the situation with Officer Caleb, but I was still worried. The girl and I managed to get into the car without anyone noticing. I drove all the way to my house since leaving her anywhere else wouldn't be safe for either her or the people. I occasionally glanced at her, noting her emotionless expression.

As soon as I unlocked the door, my breath hitched in my throat as I rethought my decisions. I looked back at her and motioned for her to enter. She stood still without saying a word, wiping the blood with the handkerchief. Then suddenly, she looked at me with slightly teary eyes.
"Did you do that...?" I paused before continuing in a shaky voice, "You have to be honest with me because I didn't help you for nothing."
She looked absolutely broken as she took a deep breath and finally said something in a raspy voice, "I-I...I am...innocent."
I raised my eyebrow, not convinced. My lips parted as I was about to say something, but she burst into tears. I saw her trembling and gripping the jacket tightly as if her life depended on it. She looked up at me, her whole face bright red, her eyes filled with sorrow.
"Please, please...listen to me. I'm not making any excuses, but I really don't remember anything. Not a single person or word..." she huffed between her words and continued, "I have no clue what's going on...please, please believe me..." she pleaded, and I just couldn't look straight into her eyes. Something was telling me to trust her, but my mind was saying something else.

I looked down and thought for a moment before speaking in a calm voice, "Calm down... I'm not assuming anything before I ask you a few questions." Yes, that's right. I have to do my job no matter what. I have to be straightforward, even if it causes her tears.
She looked somewhat relieved as I was ready to listen to her. "Who was the last person you saw? Try to remember..." I demanded without showing much empathy. Her eyes shut tightly as she tried to remember. I was getting impatient and looked at my phone to check if Percy had tried to contact me. Suddenly, I heard a thud, and my head turned towards her. She had kneeled down and covered her ears.I walked towards her and kneeled down in front of her. My hand reached for her shoulder, but she flinched and looked into my eyes.
"Eyes...they are watching us..." she said, breathing heavily."Who are they?" I asked nervously.
She responded with a hint of fear, "The dreadful eyes... as if they are saying, 'Run, Selena, run...they are behind you...' hah." She took one last breath and collapsed on the ground.I was speechless, my eyes widened as I heard the name. "Selena..." I repeated her name as memories flashed before my eyes.

Thanks for reading guys<33