THE GOOD ABDUCTION

THE ABDUCTION

Part 2

I remember all of the things that I thought I wanted to be
So desperate to find a way out of my world and finally
breathe
Right before my eyes I saw, my heart it came to life
This ain't easy, it's not meant to be
Every story has its scars
Adele~Remedy

Days turned into weeks, and though the absence of Lina's sister, Alice, weighed heavily on our hearts, we pressed on with our games, clinging to the hope that she was safe wherever she may be.

It was during the third week of the second month that the unexpected sight of the state vehicle passing by sent shockwaves through our small community.

They were early, catching us off guard, but we had no choice but to scatter and head home as usual, this time with tearful goodbyes exchanged in case anyone was to be taken.

Fear gripped us all as we raced homeward, praying that either all of us would be spared or none at all. As I approached my house, dread washed over me at the sight of the black-clad figure stationed at the gate.

My heart sank as I walked towards the inevitable confrontation.

Inside, my mother's anguished cries filled the air, her arms wrapped protectively around my three-year-old sister. The solemn man in black stood before her, his presence casting a pall over the room.

My father stood motionless, his gaze fixed on the outside world.

"No! You're early!" my mother protested, her voice trembling with emotion. But deep down, we all knew that no amount of preparation could steel us for this moment. As I stood by my mother's side, I struggled to find the words to comfort her.

"It's okay, Mom. I'll be okay," I managed to whisper, though inside, my heart was breaking at the thought of leaving her behind. But there was no time for sentimentality, no room for selfishness in the face of impending separation.

She looked at me with tear-streaked eyes and whispered, "They don't want you, they're taking your sister!"

"But she's just a child!" I choked back sobs, feeling the weight of the situation crashing down on me.

"Ma'am, we need to go! Bring the child!" the man's voice remained firm, his expression unyielding.

"No! This can't be right!" I protested, striding towards him with every ounce of determination I could muster.

"She's just a child!" I exclaimed as I pushed against him with all my might, but it was like trying to move a mountain.

God knows I exerted every last bit of strength within me, yet the man didn't budge an inch.

The man dressed in black threw me aside and advanced towards my mother, his intention clear. He reached out to take my younger sibling from her arms, and as she clung desperately to the child, a struggle ensued, with them pulling my sister back and forth.

Desperately, I joined in, trying to pry my sister from the grip of the imposing figure, but I was tossed around like a ragdoll. It was a futile effort, a battle we knew we couldn't win, but we had to try.

"Stop! Please, stop!" I pleaded, my voice cracking with emotion.

At that moment, everyone froze, their attention turning to me.

"Take me instead," I implored, standing resolutely next to the towering figure before me.

My mother hesitated for a moment before echoing my plea. "It makes sense if you take her, she's older," she reasoned.

The man in black relaxed his grip on my sister, considering our plea with a hint of uncertainty. "I don't think that's how it works," he murmured, his tone betraying a flicker of doubt.

"Well, we've never done this before, but..." the man trailed off, his hesitation palpable.

"But what?" My mother interjected, her voice laced with desperation

"...there's no law that says we can't switch," he finally admitted.

The relief that washed over us was palpable, a glimmer of hope in the darkness of our despair. My mother's eyes lit up, her relief evident as she held my sister even tighter.

My father approached us, his face etched with a mix of emotions. With a trembling voice, he uttered words of love and reassurance, enveloping me in a tight embrace.

As the man began writing something on a piece of paper, my mother remained focused on my sister, her grip unyielding. I longed for her to reassure me, to hold me like she held my sister, but she remained distant.

With a final embrace from my father, I began to make my way towards the door, guided by the man's firm hand.

Then suddenly...

"You're very brave, always follow your heart, and remember... pray," my mother said echoing her words in my mind as we stepped outside.

Those words became my anchor, instilling hope and strength within me as I embarked on this uncertain journey.

And as we left the threshold of our home behind, I vowed to carry those words with me, drawing courage from them in the face of whatever lay ahead.

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