Surface Level

Chapter 2

Ariana did not utter a word during the entire ambulance ride to the hospital. Her expression remained blank, her eyes vacant, as if she was somewhere far away, unreachable. The paramedics tried to engage her, to reassure her, but it was as if they weren't there. When they arrived at the hospital, the first responders noted that she was severely deficient in vitamin D, a sign that she had been kept away from sunlight for long periods of time. She would need to go on antibiotics to stave off any potential infections, but physically, her condition could be managed. It was the emotional and psychological trauma that weighed heaviest on everyone's mind.

Eric had followed the ambulance in his own car, keeping his eyes glued to the flashing lights ahead of him as his thoughts swirled. He couldn't shake the image of Ariana rocking back and forth in the basement corner, her silence heavier than any words could have been. What had happened to her? What horrors had she lived through? He had so many questions, and all of them pointed to an evil that had been hiding in Pineview Heights for far too long.

Now, outside Ariana's hospital room, Eric stood with Clara, waiting. The doctors had been gentle but firm, warning them that it would take time to get through to her—if they ever did. Ariana hadn't responded to anyone since she'd been brought in, retreating into her silence, as though building an invisible wall around herself. But Eric had to try. They had to know who had taken her, who had kept her locked away for so many years.

When the doctor finally gave them the signal that they could enter, Eric and Clara exchanged a look and quietly walked into the room. Ariana lay in the hospital bed, her frail body almost disappearing beneath the thin blankets. The fluorescent light cast a pale glow over her, and her dark hair framed her face in tangled waves. She still hadn't spoken or acknowledged anyone around her.

Eric and Clara sat down in the chairs positioned next to the bed, their movements slow and deliberate. They didn't want to overwhelm her. Eric's voice was soft as he began, careful not to startle her.

"Hello," he said gently. "My name is Eric, and this is my friend Clara. We really want to help you. Can we do that?"

For a moment, there was no response. Eric wasn't sure if she had heard him or if she would remain silent like she had with everyone else. But then, ever so slowly, Ariana turned her head to look at them. Her movements were cautious, as though she was testing the water, unsure whether to trust them. To Eric's shock, she gave a small, almost imperceptible nod.

Clara caught her breath, glancing at Eric with wide eyes. It was the first sign of recognition, the first time Ariana had responded to anyone since they'd found her. Clara leaned forward slightly, her voice gentle but filled with hope. "So, Ariana—"

Before she could finish, the girl's face twisted, and she shook her head violently, almost as if she had been insulted. Her sudden reaction sent a jolt through the room. She shook her head again, more aggressively this time, her hair flying around her face.

Eric, now confused and concerned, leaned forward. "Your name isn't Ariana?" he asked, his voice filled with uncertainty.

Ariana—if that was even her name—shook her head again, her expression tense, as if the very sound of the name caused her pain. Eric and Clara exchanged a look, their minds racing. If she wasn't Ariana, then who was she? And why had she reacted so strongly to the name?

"Can you write it for us?" Eric asked, his voice calm and soothing.

Ariana hesitated for a moment, then gave a faint nod, her fingers trembling slightly as she waited for something to write with. Clara quickly grabbed a piece of paper and a pen from the bedside table, placing them gently in front of her.