Grace the Runner #1 ✔️ #wattys2019

Chapter 16 - Butterfly

Kaden

It's been 3 nearly 4 days since Grace ran. We told the police what had happened on the second day, and Emily gave them all the information they needed.

After that me and Cole visited the town Grace used to live in, with her mum and dad. As Archer was with Emily helping her like a puppy following its owner.

The primary school told us that she was a sweet, but very quiet girl. The local supermarket said they used to give her free food as she looked so weak, her physical state was tiny.

When we arrived at her old home in a taxi cab, it seemed to be completely abandoned. No new family sitting by the fire or cooking a roast dinner. The front window was broken and the air around it sent a cold breeze.

"Didn't you say that Emily told you that Grace's neighbour called the police when anything happened, shall we talk to her", Cole points to the door next to the odd house.

With a nod, together we stroll over to number 55, White Rose House is written on the post-box.

'Ding, dong'. I ring the bell.

A few seconds later the door slowly opens.

A frail body, white hair and a flowery dress appears, "Hello, may I help you?" the women croaks.

I answer, "we're searching for a girl called Grace she's missing, we heard that you knew her".

"Butterfly", she whispers.

"Pardon", I say wondering what she is talking about.

"Sorry come in, come in. Have a seat", she replies with a movement of her wooden stick.

We walk in together slowly and unsure. She takes us to her living room. On the mantel sits a photograph, it's the lady and a familiar little girl with pigtails.

"That's little Grace at 7. How do you know her?" she questions.

"My sister adopted her", I answer. Emily may not be my sister by blood, but she's family by love.

"Yes, yes butterfly did move away", the lady mutters, talking to herself.

"Do you know where she would've gone?" Cole asks surprising me.

The lady taps her head, thinking. "She just runs", is her answer.

Runs?

1 hour later

"Emily, the neighbour was crazy, she kept repeating butterfly like its meant to mean something. It is sacred to her, a secret hidden code for us", I said while walking backwards and forwards in frustration.

"Where are you Grace, where could've you gone?" I mumbled to myself.

Suddenly mama comes over and smacks me on the head "what", I grumble.

"Don't call ladies crazy. When your gone I may become a crazy cat lady and I don't want you to be calling me a crazy old lady to your family and friends", mama rants.

"You will always be my hot mama, never a day over 21", Cole charms cheekily.

"Cole!" me and Emily shout as mama blushes.