Luna Raine

IX. Late Night Gamers

Raine's POV:

"Please, have you seen my daughter?"

Slowly, I look up to see my mom, skinnier than ever. The light inside her eyes was hollow, colorless. She rushes around, handing out papers.

"Mom!" I screamed, but she continued ignoring me.

I rush to the other side of the street, and my legs halt at the sound of a car honk. I turn my head to see a car speeding towards me. My eyes automatically shut to get ready for the impact. But, nothing. I open my eyes to see the car on the other side of the street.

I look down at my trembling hands and exhale a deep breath. What happened? The winds rustle across the trees, but my hair heavily lays on my shoulders. Not a single movement.

One massive step after another, I rush towards the sidewalk. "Mom!" I screamed, reaching out for her. She turns her body, and with a shaky hand, she hands out another piece of paper. Like a robot, she reacts mechanically, giving out a flier to each person passing by without a break. I stood in front of her, screaming: "Mom! Look at me! I'm here!"

She turns her head once more and ignores me.

The wind blew across her oily uncombed hair, revealing puffy red eyes, and the fliers in her hand flew away. It scattered all over the road, drifting into the distance. I tried to capture the breaths that continuously escaped my lungs, but it wouldn't stay. Inhalation. Exhalation. It came in shallowness. I walk over to one of the papers, to see a picture-

Of me.

Have you seen my daughter?

Raine Fall

Age 16

Please contact 854-XXX-XXX if you saw her.

My eyes went back up towards the woman, who rushed around to collect the fliers. She dropped to her knees to gather the papers—a madwoman in a ruthless world. Steadily, the tears drip down her hollow cheeks, past her pale lips. She lifted the papers and held it close to her trembling chest.