FOREST OF THE LOST

PART SIX

6.

.Just as she had said, Mary had quite a lot of information gathered. Her gathered information focused solely on people who have gone missing in this town over a lengthy period and under mysterious circumstances. All these missing people have one thing in common other than having gone missing.

She had detailed files, photos, dates, and times, and to go along with her info on the missing she had and has up to date names, addresses and phone numbers of relatives to those she knows are missing, all these afore-mentioned missing people of course having had some sort of contact with this town's forest park.

She suggested that maybe she and Terrence could go do some investigating, perhaps go talk to some of the relatives of the known missing. Terrence had listened intensively to Mary as she went through those files of hers, telling of what she had come to know, and he paused for a moment or two after she had put forth that suggestion of hers.

If he is to move any way forward with any attempt to find out what it is that is happening, then it may just be a wise move to seek out family members of the lost, maybe he could make some sense of it all, not only with what has been happening to these people but also as to what is happening to him too.

Like it or not, this forest has a grip on him. That in itself may be a partial answer, sure thousands of people have made their way through this park throughout its history and only a small few over many years ... at least percentage wise, have disappeared. Why them and not everyone else? And why, despite having yet to enter that park, does it have a physical and possibly mental hold over him? He has no personal connection to the place that he is aware of. He has not missing friends or relatives, so again, why does it have such an effect on Terrance?

If Terrance is to go meet some of these relatives of the lost, then wouldn't it seem a good idea that Mary go with him? Putting aside how things have been affecting him of late for a moment, there could be the thoughts that these people may be more open to talking if Terrance had the company of a lady during any and all possible talks. Besides, and in her own way, Mary has been dealing with all this for some time now.

As it is, it is early days, so if a theory or conclusion can be reached to what is going on, it would be unlikely to come quickly. Terrence has yet to fully open up to Mary if he is to do that at all. He has his issues though there is no need to rush headfirst into anything yet. They are still quite new to one another. Take things as they come and react appropriately.

Indeed, moving forwards, it is quite surprising to Terrance that most all those who are contacted are relatively quick to agree to meet him and Mary in person. He has no idea what may come from these meetings, it is however a beginning, and it can hopefully provide some sort of insight.

As they discuss a plan of action, if this is something that needs a plan of action, both Terrance and Mary are alone, and they are alone in Mary's house. Working together through phone calls, they manage to set up physical meetings with relatives of missing people, the first of which has been scheduled for the following day.

With progress there are setbacks. No sooner have they organized a meeting than Mary's parents have let it be known that they are on their way for a 'visit'. Mary, knowing her parents as she does, makes a suggestion to Terrence in the hope that it may not only allow for the 'quest' Terrence has joined her on to begin, but also aid in getting her own family off her back.

Her family, Mary's parents in particular, want her to give in, pack up, sell the house Mary has been living in and have her move away with them. They have been wanting this for such a long time and have long since given up on any and all hopes of finding their son alive, as they have also given up finding an explanation for what may have happened. If Todd somehow is alive, having lived an ordinary life away from family, then on this day of days, he would be and is twenty-two years old.