FLASHBACK: NIGHT OF APRIL 25th - Danielle's birthday party
Danielle was standing by the door when some of her friends and acquaintances had arrived. There was Tracy, Jake, Tim, and Nancy.
The sunset ray was evident on the windows by the balcony on the top floor; it was visible from the lawn on the ground floor where everyone was exchanging greetings.
As soon as Danielle caught sight of Tracy, she waved at her smiling.
"Happy birthday, Elle! I never thought I'd actually be able to visit your grandparents' mansion again."
Tracy said. Her right arm already wrapped around Danielle's shoulders as they started walking toward the large main door.
Happiness was already painted on her beautiful smile before it faded into dim remnants of sadness.
"Such a shame I didn't get to see your grandparents before they passed away 2 years ago."
Tracy added, and then swept back her blond hair before turning her head to Danielle.
"It was meant to happen, Trace. Its okay."
Danielle replied with a smile although a few pins of nostalgia seemed to have started hitting her emotions again.
Tracy unwrapped her right arm from Danielle's shoulders and reached for a hug. She didn't know what to say. She knew it was a big loss for Danielle as much as it is for the family's business. It had been two years as well since Danielle was able to share a meal with her mom before the latter became completely immersed in the business world when she took over the company.
They slowed down their paces as they reached the dining room.
Tracy looked around and noticed that the walls are still decorated with unique antique designs. Nothing had really changed, except that there was as if a sense of gloomy sentiment was consuming the atmosphere of the mansion.
It felt sad for Tracy.
All the members of the university's Creative Writing Organization had arrived by the time the darkness of the night started devouring the liveliness in Danielle's hometown. No one dared to stay outside of the mansion as everyone noticed that other people in the area were rarely seen taking a walk in the refreshing air around the subdivision. It felt spooky yet exciting --- the reason why Danielle decided to celebrate her birthday in the place. Besides, she had no one else to celebrate her birthday with, not even her mom.
During the party, everyone was busy having a good time. Danielle scanned the room and felt a faint hope of happiness. She was, in fact, on the verge of losing on both living and disappearing. A few signs of depression had preoccupied her for the past years. She felt it was time to decide but could not have the courage to do so. Danielle waved off her deep thoughts as she noticed the anxious look on Tim's face as he talked to someone on the phone. She walked towards him.
"Tim, what's wrong?"
She asked when he was done taking the call.
He didn't look back at her but his face still showed a sense of burden and impatience.
"It's the admin. Something was posted in our website." He said.
*******
AUTHOR'S NOTE:
ever wondered what really happened one year ago? Well, there it is.
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Burned By The Pages
Mystery / ThrillerDanielle Williams was finally back after her sudden disappearance during her birthday party a year ago. What's worst was that, she could not remember what exactly took place during that night nor what happened after and no one could tell her what an...
