The Silent Heart

Chapter Three💕

As Bill and Richie ventured deeper into the sewer, Bill suddenly stopped and picked up a pink sneaker from the murky water. The sight made Stanley’s face pale.

"Shit… don’t tell me that’s—" Stanley started, but Bill cut him off.

"It’s not Georgie’s," Bill said firmly, examining the name on the shoe. "Georgie wears gumboots. This is Betty Ripson’s, one of the other missing kids."

Eddie and I exchanged worried glances. The gravity of the situation was sinking in.

"Hey, you two lovebirds need to focus on this serious matter, otherwise, I’m gonna toss you into the gray water," Richie teased, but his tone was laced with tension.

"Shut up, Richie!" Eddie and I shouted in unison.

Feeling exhausted, I decided it was time to head home. The group rode me back to my house, and I thanked them before heading inside.

---

**Lillia’s POV**

"Ugh, I’m so bored. I’m going to call Bev," I muttered to myself, grabbing my phone.

"Hey! How are you?" Bev answered cheerfully.

"I’m okay, I guess. Can I tell you something?" I asked, trying to keep my voice steady.

"Of course! What’s up? Oh my God, did you get a boyfriend?" she teased.

"Not even close, Bev!"

"That’s surprising. You’re usually so wrapped up in boys. Anyway, I have to get some sleep now. See you tomorrow!"

"Tomorrow? What do you mean?"

"The quarry? Did Bill not mention it to you?" she asked, sounding puzzled.

"No, maybe he just doesn’t want me there," I said, a hint of disappointment in my voice.

"Don’t say that! Anyway, I have to go. Bye!"

Beverly hung up, leaving me in the quiet of my room. I lay in bed, staring up at the ceiling, when I noticed what looked like drops of blood smeared on the roof. I stood up and reached out to touch them.

"What the hell? How is this possible?" I whispered, my voice trembling.

Suddenly, I heard the sound of glass shattering, growing louder and more intense. My heart raced as the noise seemed to move closer. Fear gripped me, and I shook uncontrollably under my covers. The next thing I knew, I was staring at the sunlight filtering through my window, my room eerily silent once more.