Vanessa sat alone at a corner table in the fast-food restaurant, her eyes absentmindedly scanning the room. It wasn't particularly crowded, but the few people around seemed absorbed in their own little worlds—laughing, chatting, couples holding hands, some even sharing kisses. She tried not to stare, but it was hard to ignore the warmth they all seemed to carry. A small smile tugged at her lips, then quickly faded. Her thoughts drifted to her brother—her rock, her closest friend. He'd been missing for weeks now.
She sighed, hugging herself as if trying to keep her heart from breaking any further. She didn't even notice the waiter standing beside her until he gently cleared his throat.
"Is there anything in particular you'd like to order?" he asked with a soft smile.
Vanessa blinked, startled, then nodded quickly. "Just a cappuccino, please."
The waiter nodded and walked off. She watched him for a moment, wondering if his life was any simpler than hers. Did he go home every night to a family? Did he carry any silent burdens? Or was he one of the lucky ones who still found peace in routine?
She barely had time to dwell on it before the bell above the door jingled. Vanessa glanced up and saw the two detectives step in. Malik and Carter. Both scanned the room quickly before spotting her. Without wasting time, they walked toward her with purposeful strides. As they approached the table, Malik popped a fresh piece of gum into his mouth, already chewing as he slid into the seat across from her. Carter gave a brief nod of acknowledgment before signaling for two coffees from a passing staff member.
Vanessa tried to read their faces, but they were guarded as always.
"Well?" she asked, her voice laced with hope and fear.
Detective Carter met her eyes. "He hasn't been found yet," he said gently, "but we have strong leads. We're closing in. We're not giving up."
The words felt like both a comfort and a dagger. Vanessa swallowed hard as her eyes welled up. "He's the only brother I have. I don't care what it takes—just bring him back."
Malik exchanged a glance with Carter but said nothing, his jaw working the gum slowly. Carter leaned forward slightly, his voice more tender now.
"We understand, Vanessa. And we're doing everything we can. I promise."
She looked down, trying to steady her breathing. "I just… I need him. He always knew what to say. He always listened."
Carter nodded, but the weight of his silence said what words couldn't. He wanted to offer more than vague hope, but all he had for now were leads and long nights.
After a few more minutes of quiet conversation, Malik glanced at his watch and stood. Carter followed suit. Malik turned to Vanessa, giving her a small, firm nod.
"We'll do everything we can," he said. "Just… try to stay strong."
Vanessa gave a weak nod, her eyes still rimmed with worry. Carter offered a faint smile, then the two detectives turned and walked out of the fast food joint.
The air outside was cooler than expected, a light breeze brushing past as they headed toward Carter's car. For a moment, neither of them spoke.
Then Malik slid his hands into his pockets and glanced sideways. "You still haven't told me what happened in the woods."
Carter slowed his steps slightly, eyes fixed ahead. The question seemed to dig into something he'd buried earlier that day. He took a breath, but the memory came rushing back before he could speak—a flash of the strange girl with the pale skin and long hair, standing by the tree. She hadn't said a word, just stared at him. And when he'd tried to follow her, she vanished.
He'd touched the sign again, hoping for a repeat of what had happened with Ethan. But this time, there was nothing. No visions. No And a creeping sense that whatever had happened earlier wasn't done with them yet.
"I saw someone," Carter finally said, his voice low.
Malik raised an eyebrow. "Someone? Like who?"
"A girl," Carter replied. "But… I don't know. She didn't speak. I tried to follow her, but she was gone. Just like that."
Malik stopped by the passenger side of the car and looked at him seriously. "You think it's connected?"
Carter shrugged. "I don't know what to think. That place is off. I tried the sign again, but nothing came. I couldn't see the images I saw before."
Malik frowned. "You're hoping Ethan wakes up soon."
Carter nodded slowly, unlocking the car. "I need to hear what he saw. If he saw anything at all. I need to know I'm not losing my mind."
Malik opened the door but paused. "You're not crazy, Carter. But this thing—whatever it is—we're in deeper than we thought."
And with that, both men slid into the car, silent thoughts swirling as Carter started the engine.