Remedy

Chapter 8

*6 years ago*

"Come on, Lily!" My father called from the big salty waves that splashed against his back, causing him to be wet.

I truthfully didn't want to go in the water, it was very cold and I was scared I would go under.

He motioned me toward him, but the sand I was laying on felt safe.

"I'm scared, dad." I called out, a whimper in my voice.

"You don't have to be, it isn't that deep." My father called back. And so I went out there, truly believing the water wouldn't be that deep.

I stepped in, one foot at a time. Shivers ran up my spine from the coolness of the lake. He was right, though, the water wasn't that deep.

However the water gradually became deeper and deeper the farther out I swam, but I was unaware of my fear. I was having too much fun splashing and swimming with my dad.

I turned around then, feeling eyes watching me. Over in the distance, there stood a figure, all dressed in black, a hood covering his face. He was staring right back at me.

I was unaware of being so far out in the water, not being able to touch the bottom with my feet.

Suddenly I felt strong arms grip my legs, pulling me under. Deeper and deeper I was being pulled. I couldn't escape. I couldn't breath.

I'm going to die. I'm actually going to die.

Where was my dad?

I waved my arms, trying to escape the strong grip on my legs, kicking at the arms.

I couldn't breath. I could not breath.

I opened my eyes underneath the water trying to see who was grabbing onto me. 

It was the same man I saw staring at me. I struggled to kick him, to break free.

I couldn't break free.

My lungs were burning, I was gasping for air. I just needed air. My vision began to black out, and I felt myself falling unconscious.

Suddenly I heard muffled yells coming from above the water, strong arms suddenly grabbing me, pulling me free from the grip on my leg.

The only thing I remember is gasping for air on the sand, my body shivering from the cold water. I looked up to see my father looking at me with a concerned expression, his green eyes filled with worry.

"You'll be ok, Lily, you'll be ok. I promise."

~

"Hey, Lily."

My bed creaked under the weight of my father as he sat next to me. I pushed the covers off my face, turning to face him.

"Hi, dad."

He looked at me with a look of sadness as he pushed my hair out of my sleepy face.

"I have to leave, baby." He softly spoke after a while.

"Will you be back tomorrow?" I asked, sitting up straight in my bed.

He shook his head no, avoiding eye contact as a tear slipped down his cheek.

"Where are you going, dad?" I whined. "Can I come? I want to come!"

"Lily, you can't." He snapped sternly, now meeting my eyes. I could tell he was scared. "This," he grabbed something off his neck. I looked more closely. He was holding a purple crystal hanging from a chain. "is for you." He forced a smile as he slipped it over my neck. "Don't ever lose it."

"I won't, dad."

"I love you, Lily."

"I love you too, Dad." He got up to leave, leaving me stunned.

"Dad, wait." He turned to face me. "Will I ever see you again?"

"When the right day comes, you'll see me. That's when you'll have a choice to make. There are bad people out there, don't forget that."

"I'm going to miss you dad."

"I'll miss you more. Just remember, I'll always be with you, no matter where you go."

And he left, leaving me staring blankly at the door as I listened for the slam of the front door.

I couldn't let him leave.

I raced down the steps, jerking open the front door looking for my dad.

"Dad, wait! Don't leave!"

I called.

And I called.

And I called.

I never got a reply. He was already gone.

That was the last time I ever saw him ever again.