HEARTBLOOD - Paul Lahote

On December 31st, 2004, a taxi cab drove through Forks, Washington. The car carried a single passenger-a girl named Nicolette Lawson. Most people only knew her name from her dad. He loved her to death and told everyone about her. But maybe he missed out on an important detail that everyone was shocked by. She was mute. The little girl who came around every holiday to see her Dad wasn't speaking.

The shock to such a small town was confused about why the bright and lively girl was gone. How? Why? What happened? The same old questions over and over. Who did it?

Her dad responded, "Well, at least my baby is with me now for the next year,". Everyone would nod at him. "Well, maybe she'll come back," Everyone said. He nodded back at them.

The best thing about Jack is that he didn't care if she was mute; he just was happy to have his little girl living with him, especially after the accident. So, as she gets out of the cab, she sees her dad running up to her and hugging her. Her heart fills with love. She misses him, especially in these last few months.

"I've missed you, Nicky," Nicolette smiled into his chest. She can tell he feels it as he hugs her tighter. "Let's grab your stuff and head inside".

Nicolette nods. That's all she does.