Sandy Supposes....

Missing

PROMPT November 4th

We've all heard of people who mysteriously 'go missing'. Tonight, write about a person who 'goes missing'. Someone that you read about in the newspaper or online, but nobody seems to know them, or remember them.

         

         I shiver and pull my windbreaker tighter across my body. Maybe I shoulda opted for a winter jacket, but it's only September and this cold snap surprised me. At least it isn't snowing yet. I step a little quicker and admire the stillness of the early morning street. Not much traffic after midnight. I hoist the bag containing the ingredients for Grandma's cake into a hug. I'm not far from home, but this stuff is growing heavier. I suppose Jessie will want to help me bake the cake. I can't believe she's five already. Just thinking of her licking out the bowl brings a smile to my face.

         At The Armstrong Bridge I stop, just for a moment, to rest the heavy package on the rail and catch my breath. The theme music from the movie I just watched with my friends floats around in my head. I had fun. We promised to do it again soon.

         Sigh, I guess I won't be getting much sleep tonight, or should I say morning. As usual, I've volunteered to open the day care tomorrow. Mom won't be in until later. How do those kids come in so full of energy? I'm only fifteen, but man they are little energizer bunnies.

         As I flex my arms and clutch the plastic bag, I turn my head seeking the source of a sudden noise. Was that a car stopping? Did a door creak open?

         I don't remember anything after this. I'm drawing a blank. I can only sense a void. I don't feel present, grounded. Am I floating, drifting? Where am I?

         Strange, but I can see Mom and Jessie crying. I tried to hug them. I shouted at them. Can't they see, or hear me? Why are there police cars and uniformed officers in my house, in my room? What are they looking for?

         I have no idea what day it is, or what month, or year it is. My sense of time has disappeared. I wander through town and notice posters with my picture. What's that about? Out next to the highway a giant billboard displays my last high school i.d. photo. Am I lost? Am I missing?

         

         

          On September 29th, 1996 fifteen-year old Melanie Ethier vanished walking home in New Liskeard, Ontario, Canada. To this day, no one seems to know what happened to her. I cannot begin to fathom what her mother feels. I have a daughter born the same year as Melanie. I wish answers for that bereft woman.