Sword of Flames [Book I] - {#Wattys2017}

Chapter 3 - The Disappearance

Chapter 3 - The Disappearance

Levana had not slept for two days.

Ever since she was released from the hospital the thoughts of future dreams horrified her. What if she would get tortured by the beast again? Or worse, what if she was killed? His words of mercy lingered in her mind but her paranoia only kept her awake regardless.

It was 5:17 in the morning as Levana stared into her bedroom mirror across from the head of the bed. The premature sunrise from the window revealed her haggard state of appearance. Her brown eyes that looked like she'd seen a ghost, disheveled curly hair that had not been combed or washed in a week, and her thinned body from the lack of eating made her truly look insane.

"Why is this happening to me?" she whispered to her reflection. "What is wrong with my mind? How can I live a full and successful life like my family wants if I can not even control my own brain?" she repeated this statement over and over for minutes straight.

By the time she was aware of her surroundings once again it was 6:11; her first day back at school had arrived. She swung the door open to head to the bathroom. However, walking right past her door at the same moment was her mother in her work attire.

They both stopped mid step and looked into each other's eyes. Levana had so much to say to her; she wanted to apologize for her incompetence and tell her that she never intended to destroy her. However, from the look in her mother's eyes she could tell that she had nothing to say back.

Before Levana was able to open her mouth, her parent walked down the hallway to the living room. The scent of her perfume lingered where she stood; Levana pinched her nose to block it from such a beautiful but saddening smell. She headed to the bathroom.

Downstairs, her whole family sat at the table as their father transferred the breakfast he made to the center of the table. Levana walked down last only to be met with empty stares.

"Levie!" Eli yelled, running over to his sister and hugging her waist. His fear of her health from before had subsided as he smiled up at her. Levana bent down and gave him a proper hug, cupping her arms around his tiny frame.

Her eyes lit up when his big and clear ones grinned at hers. "Hey kid." She patted his head. "Why are you up so early?"

"Mommy woke me up because I'm going to Zeke's house," he informed.

"You're going to his house again?" she laughed. "Why so early though?"

He started jumping. "We're going to the zoo for the day!" his excitement always made his older sister cheer up. She could hear Dalia chuckle at the table.

"Oh, have fun Eli!" she exclaimed, giving her brother another warm hug for even longer. They both laughed. She picked him up as he playfully screamed. "I wish I could go with you instead of going to school! Enjoy your young years kid."

As she walked with him in hand to the table, he asked a bit more concerned, "Are you okay now Levie?"

She was shocked. The girl assumed that her brother made nothing of the hospital visit and forgot like he would have years before. Was he really getting old enough to understand what was wrong with her? How would he react when he truly understood the mental state she was in?

She put her brother back on the ground and faked a huge grin. "Yes, of course I am fine. I always will be, okay?" her brother nodded with joy.

They sat down and began eating in silence. In order to break it, Dalia awkwardly scrolled the screen on her phone and read a headline on a news website. "Breaking News: Another Person Disappears in California" she read. The table had become even more tense.