November 26th, 1976, Friday
Two Months Later
The morning began like any other for Thomas, yet nothing felt the same. The alarm clock buzzed sharply at six-thirty in the morning. He stared at the ceiling for a moment before reluctantly getting out of bed.
He moved through his morning routine—fixing his bed, taking a shower, dressing up. The mirror reflected a face lined with worry and sleepless nights, eyes that had lost their sparkle. He barely recognized himself anymore. The only thing that stayed the same was the golden whistle necklace, still wrapped around his neck. Thomas glanced at the calendar on his bedroom wall. Two months. Two months had passed since Beatrice and Layla had vanished without a trace. The search had consumed him, every lead to a lifeline, every false hope a dagger in his heart. He had learned to navigate through the motions of daily life, but the emptiness lingered, a constant companion.
His mother tried her best to keep things normal, but Thomas could see the worry etched in her face. She would often glance at him with a sad smile, trying to offer comfort she knew words couldn't provide. “You okay, Tommy?” she asked as gently he grabbed his bag. He confirmed, forcing a smile. “Yeah, Mom. Just tired.” After finishing his breakfast, he grabbed his coat and headed out. The chill of the morning air bit through his clothes as he walked to school. The streets were quiet, the town seemingly untouched by the turmoil that churned within it. As he reached the corner where they used to part ways after school, Thomas paused. He could almost hear Beatrice's laughter and see Layla's bright smile. But now, there was only silence and the faint rustle of leaves. He sighed deeply, pushing away the painful memories and continuing on his way.
Entering the school grounds, Thomas noticed the hushed whispers and sympathetic glances from his classmates. The news of the girls' disappearance had spread quickly, and although people tried to act normally, the atmosphere was heavy with concern and curiosity. He kept his head down, not wanting to engage in any conversations or answer any questions. Finally reaching his classroom door, Thomas cautiously pushed it open, relieved to find the room filled with his classmates. “Mr. Payne isn't around,” He whispered to himself, taking his seat before staring blankly at the chalkboard. Thomas's classmates carried on with their lives, but the mood was palpably different. Conversations were quieter, and laughter was rare. The usual bustling energy of the hallways had been replaced with a subdued atmosphere, the weight of recent events pressing down on everyone.
Quickly scanning the room, he notices two empty seats–where Beatrice and Layla are supposed to sit, usually in class. Paul, once the bad bully of the school, interacts with his classmates with a surprising act of kindness. Paul seemed genuinely interested in getting to know his other classmates, giving the impression that he wanted to make amends for his past behavior.
“Hey, Thomas,” Paul noticed him before greeting a smile. He stood up from his seat and walked towards in front of him. “I’m really glad you’re here. I, uh, I wanted to apologize for the way I’ve treated you in the past. I know I haven’t always been the nicest person, but I’m trying to change, you know?”
Thomas felt surprise and gratitude within him. “I appreciate that, Paul,” he replied. “It means a lot to me that you’re willing to admit your mistakes and make things right.”
Paul nodded, a sheepish expression crossing his face. “I’m sorry for helping Layla back then. I was a real jerk for doing that– That was thoughtless of me, and I was way out of line. I’ve got a long way to go, but I’m trying,” he admitted. “I wanted to give you something.”
Paul reached into his bag and pulled out a small wrapped package, holding it out to Thomas with a smile. “It’s not much, but I hope you like it.” Thomas accepted the gift with a smile. As he unwrapped the package, he couldn’t help but feel a sense of hope stirring within him, suggesting that people truly could change for the better. Inside the package was a simple token, engraved with the words “I’m sorry” in the shape of a circle. It was a small gesture, but to Thomas, it meant more than words could express. “Thank you, Paul,” he said sincerely, meeting Paul’s gaze with a smile, to which he smiled back.
“I just wanted to see how you’re holding up. It’s been... rough, you know?” Thomas nodded, his eyes dropping to the floor. “Yeah, it has. Everything feels different now. It’s like there’s this big hole where they used to be.” Paul sighed, running a hand through his hair. “I know what you mean. I keep expecting to see them around every corner, hear Beatrice’s laugh, see Layla’s smile. It’s hard to believe they’re gone.” For a moment, they sat in silence, both lost in their memories. Finally, Thomas spoke up. “Do you think we’ll ever find out what happened to them?”
Paul hesitated before answering, his expression serious. “I hope so. Not knowing is the worst part. But we have to keep going, for them. They wouldn’t want us to give up.” Thomas nodded, appreciating Paul’s words. “You’re right. We have to stay strong, even when it’s hard.”
Paul placed a hand on Thomas’s shoulder, a gesture of support and solidarity. “And remember, you’re not alone in this. We’re all here for you, Thomas. If you ever need to talk, or just sit in silence, I’m here.” Thomas looked at Paul, gratitude shining in his eyes. “Thanks, Paul. It means a lot to hear that.” As the bell rang, signaling the end of their break, Paul stood up, giving Thomas one last reassuring pat on the shoulder.
Thomas watched Paul walk away, feeling a small spark of hope amidst the darkness. The support of his friends, even in the smallest gestures, gave him the strength to face each day. He gathered his books and headed to his next class, determined to keep going, just as Paul had said.
Just as he was about to go back to class, Kelly appeared behind him, a hopeful smile on her face. “Hey, Thomas. How about taking a break after school? There’s a new roller rink that just opened up at the mall. I thought it might be a good distraction.” Thomas looked up, surprised by the invitation. “I don’t know, Kelly. I’ve got so much work to do.” Kelly placed a hand on his shoulder. “You need a break, Thomas. Just a few hours to clear your mind. It’ll do you some good.” He hesitated, but the sincerity in her eyes made him reconsider. “Alright, maybe you’re right. It could be good to get out for a bit.”
The school bell rang, jolting Thomas from his thoughts. He walked into the classroom, each step heavier than the last. His eyes drifted to Beatrice’s and Layla’s empty desks, the stark reminder of their absence hitting him like a wave—a reminder of his failure to save both of them that fateful day. He clenched his jaw, fighting back tears as he took his seat.
-o-o-o-o-o-o-o-o-o-
That afternoon, Thomas and Kelly arrived at the Crystal River Mall’s newest roller rink. The neon lights and upbeat music created an atmosphere of carefree fun that felt worlds away from the weight of his daily life. The rink was a burst of color and energy, with people gliding across the floor, laughing and dancing to the rhythm of the music. For a moment, Thomas felt like he could breathe again.
Kelly handed him a pair of skates, grinning. “Come on, Thomas! It’ll be fun, I promise,” she said, her enthusiasm infectious. Thomas took the skates, feeling a mixture of excitement and apprehension. It had been a while since he had done anything purely for fun. “Alright, let’s do this,” he replied, trying to match her energy with a smile of his own.
They sat down on a bench near the edge of the rink, lacing up their skates. Kelly, always the optimist, chattered on about how she had been practicing and was ready to show off her moves. Thomas listened, grateful for the distraction from his heavy thoughts. As they stepped onto the rink, Thomas wobbled slightly, his legs unsteady on the skates. Kelly laughed and grabbed his hand, steadying him. “Don’t worry, you’ll get the hang of it. Just follow my lead,” she said, her eyes sparkling with encouragement.
They began to glide slowly around the rink, the music pulsing through the air. At first, Thomas was focused on not falling, but as he found his balance, he started to relax. The sensation of skating, the wind in his face, and the rhythm of the music began to lift his spirits. They continued skating, gradually picking up speed. The rink was filled with other skaters, all enjoying the moment. Thomas noticed a group of kids trying to race each other, their laughter filling the air. Couples skated hand in hand, and friends formed chains, weaving through the crowd. It was a scene of pure joy, and for the first time in a while, Thomas felt a part of it.
-o-o-o-o-o-o-o-o-o-
After skating for an hour, Thomas and Kelly decided to take some time off at a small café within the mall and ordered some ice cream. Sitting down with their treats, Kelly looked at Thomas, her expression serious for the first time that day. “I’m glad you joined today, Thomas. I know things have been really tough lately, but I want you to know that I’m here for you. We all are.” Thomas nodded, touched by her words. “Thanks, Kelly. It means a lot. I needed this.” She reached across the table, squeezing his hand. “Anytime, Thomas. We’re going to get through this together.”
As they finished their ice cream and prepared to leave, Kelly and Thomas sat for a moment longer, their conversation turning to the weightier topics that had been on their minds. Kelly sighed, her expression turning somber. “I’ve been thinking a lot about Mr. and Mrs. Williams lately. Have you talked to them recently?”
Thomas nodded, his face reflecting the heaviness of the topic. “Yeah, I went over there last week. It’s really hard for them. You can see it in their eyes. Mrs. Williams tries to stay strong, but you can tell she’s barely holding it together. And Mr. Williams... he just seems lost.” Kelly’s eyes filled with empathy. “I can’t even imagine what they’re going through. Losing Beatrice... It’s unimaginable. It must be so quiet in their house now.”
Thomas looked down at his empty ice cream cup, the memory of his visit vivid in his mind. “It is. Mrs. Williams keeps Beatrice’s room exactly the same, like she’ll come back any moment. She even leaves the hallway light on at night, just in case. Mr. Williams has been spending a lot of time working at their garage lately. I think it’s his way of coping.”
Kelly nodded thoughtfully. “People deal with grief in different ways. It’s like they’re both trying to hold on to pieces of Beatrice, in any way they can. Do they have any leads or anything new from the police?” Thomas shook his head, frustration evident in his voice. “Not really. The police are doing everything they can, but it feels like there’s nothing solid to go on. It’s like they vanished without a trace after we found that car beside the river. Some think that they may have been washed off the car into the troubled waves of the river that stormy night, but their bodies have never been found.”
Kelly sighed, her eyes glistening with unshed tears. “I hate feeling so helpless. I wish there was something more we could do to help them. They’ve always been like family to us.” Thomas reached across the table, giving Kelly’s hand a reassuring squeeze. “I know. But just being there for them, showing our support, it does help. Even if it doesn’t feel like much, it’s something. They need to know they’re not alone in this.” Kelly nodded, squeezing his hand back.
Thomas reached across the table, giving Kelly’s hand a reassuring squeeze. “I know. But just being there for them, showing our support, it does help. Even if it doesn’t feel like much, it’s something. They need to know they’re not alone in this.” Kelly nodded, squeezing his hand back. “You’re right. Maybe we could organize something, like a community vigil, to show our support and keep attention on their case. It could also help with any costs they’re facing.”
Thomas smiled faintly, appreciating Kelly’s determination. “That’s a great idea. I think it would mean a lot to them. We could talk to the school, get the word out to the community. We must keep doing what we can.” Kelly’s face lit up with a hint of hope. “Yeah, let’s do it. Let’s meet at the library tomorrow morning, and we’ll plan there. We’ll make sure Mr. and Mrs. Williams know they’re not alone. “Thanks, Kelly. For everything. It’s good to have someone to talk to about all this.”
“You know, Detective Phoebe has been at the school a lot lately,” Kelly said. “She’s really dedicated to finding Beatrice and Layla.” Thomas nodded, his expression thoughtful. “Yeah, she’s been talking to everyone, trying to find any new leads. She used to be so confident and bright, but now she just looks... tired. It’s like the case is getting to her.”
Kelly sighed, her empathy clear. “It must be so hard for her, being so close to the case and still not having any answers. I see her talking to the teachers and students, and you can tell she’s desperate for a breakthrough. She always has a kind word for you, though. I think she knows how much this is affecting you.” Thomas felt a pang of gratitude for the detective. “She’s been supportive. Always checking in, asking if there’s anything new I remember or any help I need. It’s like she understands the burden I’m carrying.” Kelly nodded. “And then there’s Officer Chris. Have you noticed how much quieter he’s become?”
Thomas agreed, thinking of the officer who had become a familiar presence in his life. “Yeah, he’s changed. He patrols the town constantly, always looking for any sign of Beatrice and Layla. He stops by my house often, just to check in. He’s been like a father figure to me lately, always offering support and making sure I’m okay.” Kelly smiled softly. “It’s good that you have people like him and Detective Phoebe looking out for you. They care about you, Thomas. They’re doing everything they can to find the girls.” Thomas felt a swell of gratitude. “I know. It helps, knowing they’re out there, not giving up. Even when things seem hopeless, their dedication gives me some hope.”
Kelly looked at him with a determined expression. “We need to remember that. As hard as it is, we have to keep hoping and supporting each other.” Kelly squeezed his hand. “Exactly. We’re all in this together, and we have to keep fighting for Beatrice and Layla. For their family, and for each other.” When they finally left the mall, Thomas felt a renewed sense of resolve. The day had started as an escape, a brief respite from the weight of his reality, but it had turned into something much more meaningful. With Kelly’s support and the backing of people like Detective Phoebe and Officer Chris, he knew they would continue to fight, no matter how difficult the journey became.
When Thomas got home, his mother greeted him with a warm hug, sensing his pain. “I made your favorite for dinner,” she said, trying to cheer him up. “Thanks, Mom,” he replied, feeling a bit of warmth return to his heart.
They walked into the kitchen, where the aroma of freshly cooked Chicken à la King filled the air—chicken in a cream sauce, together with peas and carrots. Thomas’s mother had set the table with care, the comforting familiarity of home making him feel slightly better. As they sat down, his mother smiled gently at him. “So, how was your day, Tommy?”
Thomas took a deep breath, considering how to sum up the mix of emotions he had experienced. “It was... okay. Kelly and I went to the new roller rink at the Crystal River Mall. It was fun, actually. I haven’t done something like that in a while.” His mother’s eyes lit up with a mixture of surprise and relief. “That sounds wonderful. I’m glad you had a good time. You deserve some fun, especially with everything that’s been going on.” Thomas nodded, feeling a bit lighter. “Yeah, it was nice to escape for a bit. Kelly was great; she knows how to lift my spirits.”
His mother served him a generous portion of chicken à la king onto his plate. “Kelly’s a good friend. I’m glad you have someone like her in your life.” Thomas took a bite, savoring the familiar taste. “This is good, Mom. Just what I needed. “She smiled, watching him eat with satisfaction. “I thought you might like it. It’s been a tough time for all of us, but we have to keep finding those little moments of joy.”
Thomas looked at her, appreciating her efforts to keep things as normal as possible. “I talked to Kelly about Mr. and Mrs. Williams today. They’re having such a hard time. I wish there was more we could do to help them.” His mother’s expression turned somber. “They’ve been through so much. I’ve been thinking about them constantly. Maybe we could invite them over for dinner one night, just to give them a change of scenery and some company.”
Thomas nodded, feeling a sense of purpose. “That’s a good idea. Kelly and I also talked about organizing a vigil to keep the community involved and show our support.” His mother reached across the table, taking his hand. “That’s a wonderful, Thomas. It’s important to keep their spirits up and remind them that they’re not alone.” “Thanks for dinner, Mom. It was really great.” His mother smiled. “Anytime, Thomas. You know I’m always here for you. We’ll get through this, together.” When they were done eating dinner, Thomas stood up from his seat to clean the table before helping his mother with the dishes, the simple act of cleaning up together adding to the sense of normalcy.
-o-o-o-o-o-o-o-o-o-
The nights were the hardest. Lying in bed, Thomas would replay the events of the past months over and over in his mind. The feeling of helplessness, the constant worry for Beatrice and Layla’s safety, the guilt of not being able to find them—it all weighed heavily on him. Thomas, in his pajamas, slipped under the covers of his blanket, the familiar comfort of his bed doing little to ease his troubled mind. He turned off the bedside lamp, plunging the room into darkness.
As he lay there, the silence of the house amplified his thoughts. He replayed the day’s events, the conversation with Kelly, the support from his mother, the kind words from Detective Phoebe, and Officer Chris. Each memory was a double-edged sword, offering comfort but also reminding him of the ongoing pain. He stared at the ceiling, the darkness pressing in on him. The faces of Beatrice and Layla filled his mind, their laughter echoing in his ears. He remembered their playful banter, their shared secrets, and the countless moments of joy they had brought into his life. The ache of their absence was almost physical, a deep, gnawing pain that wouldn’t go away.
But amidst the sorrow, Thomas clung to a glimmer of hope. He would keep fighting, keep searching. They would find Beatrice and Layla. They had to. Taking a deep breath, Thomas tried to calm his racing thoughts. He focused on the good moments, the laughter at the roller rink, the warmth of his mother’s hug, and the support from his friends. Slowly, the weight on his chest began to lift, just a little.
He turned onto his side, closing his eyes. The darkness seemed less oppressive now, the memories less painful. He let the exhaustion of the day wash over him, his body relaxing bit by bit. As sleep began to pull him under, he whispered a silent promise to himself and Beatrice and Layla. “I’ll find you. I won’t give up.”
...
He found himself standing at the edge of Crystal River, the water calm and shimmering under the moonlight. The storm was gone, replaced by a serene and almost surreal tranquility. The air was filled with the gentle sound of water flowing, a stark contrast to the chaos of his waking life.
Thomas looked around and saw a figure standing on the opposite bank. His heart leapt as he recognized her—it was Beatrice. She looked just as she had the last time he saw her, but there was a softness to her, an ethereal glow that made her seem almost unreal.
“Beatrice!” he called out, his voice echoing across the water. She turned to him, a sad smile on her face. “Thomas,” she replied, her voice carrying over the gentle currents. “I’ve missed you.”
He wanted to run to her, to bridge the gap between them, but his feet felt rooted to the ground. “Where have you been? We’ve been looking everywhere for you,” he said, desperation tinging his voice. Beatrice shook her head slowly. “I’ve been here, waiting. But you can’t find me like this, Thomas. Not yet.”
Tears welled up in his eyes as he struggled to understand. “I don’t know what to do. I feel so lost without you.” She stepped closer to the water’s edge, her gaze softening. “You have to be strong, Thomas. For both of us. Don’t give up.”
As she spoke, the river began to swell, the calm water turning into a torrent once more. Beatrice started to fade, her image dissolving into the mist that rose from the river. “Wait!” Thomas shouted, reaching out a hand. “Don’t go!” But she was already gone, the river raging between them, leaving him standing alone on the bank.
...
November 27th, 1976, Saturday.
He woke with a start, his room dark and quiet. His heart raced, pounding so loudly he could hear it in his ears. He sat up abruptly, his breath coming in short, panicked gasps. He felt the walls closing in on him, the remnants of the dream mingling with the suffocating reality.
Thomas pressed a hand to his chest, trying to steady his breathing. His skin was clammy, and sweat trickled down his temples. He looked around his room, the familiar surroundings doing little to calm his racing thoughts. His hands trembled as he wiped the tears from his face, the weight of the dream pressing down on him like a physical force.
“Get it together,” he whispered to himself, his voice shaky. “You have to stay strong.”
He swung his legs over the side of the bed, grounding himself by pressing his feet firmly against the floor. He took deep, deliberate breaths, counting each inhale and exhale, trying to anchor himself in the present. The memory of Beatrice’s voice still echoed in his mind, both a comfort and a source of torment.
Thomas lay back down, but sleep was elusive. The anxiety gnawed at him, every shadow in the room a potential threat, every creak of the house a reminder of his helplessness. He stared at the ceiling, his mind racing with thoughts of Beatrice and the unrelenting fear that he might never see her again.
As the first light of dawn crept through the window, Thomas felt a small flicker of resolve. Despite the fear and anxiety that gripped him, he knew he couldn’t give up. He had to keep searching. For Beatrice, and himself. He yawned, the remnants of his dream lingering in his mind like a shadow. He stood up from his bed, feeling the weight of the nightmare still pressing down on him. He walked towards the bathroom, turning on the shower and letting the hot water cascade over him. The steady rhythm of the water helped to wash away his tiredness, revitalizing him for the day ahead.
Once refreshed, Thomas took his time drying himself with a towel before dressing in casual clothes. Despite his intention to go set up a community vigil with Kelly at school, a strange sense of anticipation stirred within him, as if something unexpected was about to happen. He headed downstairs, the tantalizing smell from the kitchen capturing his attention. He guessed his mother was cooking breakfast.
Entering the kitchen, he found his mother bustling about the stove. “Good morning, honey,” she greeted him warmly, flipping a pancake with a practiced flick of her wrist. “Breakfast is about to be done.” “Morning, Mom,” Thomas replied, returning her smile as he took a seat at the kitchen table.
The radio in the corner was playing a lively Zumba tune, and to Thomas’s amusement, his mother began to sway her hips to the beat. She twirled around, adding an impromptu spin to her dance, her movements light and carefree. “Mom, are you doing Zumba while making breakfast?” Thomas asked, chuckling at the sight. “Why not?” Mrs. Patterson replied with a grin. “It’s a great way to start the day! Plus, it keeps me young.” She shimmied over to the table, setting a plate of scrambled eggs in front of him before dancing back to the stove. Thomas shook his head, laughing. “You’re something else, Mom.”
Mrs. Patterson laughed, a warm, infectious sound that filled the room. “Life’s too short not to dance,” she said, winking at him. “Now, eat up. You’ve got a big day ahead.” As they ate breakfast, Thomas and his mother shared a rare moment of laughter, reminiscing about happier times with Beatrice. “Remember when she tried to teach us that ridiculous dance?” Mrs. Patterson chuckled, her eyes twinkling with the memory. Thomas smiled, the image of Beatrice flailing her arms and legs in a comically exaggerated dance move vivid in his mind. “Yeah, she called it the ‘Crazy Chicken Dance’ or something,” he said, laughing. “We all looked so silly, but it was so much fun.”
“She had such a knack for making us laugh,” Mrs. Patterson said, a hint of wistfulness in her voice. “Even on the toughest days, she could bring a smile to our faces.” Glancing around, he noticed an array of dishes laid out before him—eggs, toast, a steaming pot of coffee, and a newspaper. He tilted his head and squinted his eyes, and on the small advertisement inside the newspaper, there looked to be an image of...
“Is that Beatrice?” he whispered, as his mother overheard it. "What? Where?" The mother looked to the spot where he was looking. It appears that there is a person in the advertisement who looks exactly like Beatrice. Thomas was in shock as he quickly grabbed the newspaper and skimmed through to find the advertisement. “Is there something wrong?” His mother asked.
DO YOU RECOGNIZE ME?
We are seeking relatives or friends of Ms. Margo Murphy. Any information can be sent to The Golden Hotel's Restaurant, corner of Quartz Lane and Amber Drive, Crystal River.
“There's a telephone number placed on it, also…” Thomas commented. He looked once again at the picture above the advertisement. "She somehow looks like Beatrice. There is no way she has a lookalike, a clone, or a twin," he added. "Oh, Beatrice in the newspaper? Can I take a look?" Thomas's mother glanced at the advertisement he was reading. “That's odd,” she commented. Once he had eaten his breakfast with his mother, he rose from his seat. “I should go now, take care, Mom,” said Thomas with a gentle voice, wrapping his hands around his mom. His mother embraced him back, holding him close for a moment longer than usual. “You too, sweetheart,” she whispered. Thomas smiled, heading towards the door. Just before he left, he turned back to see his mother still swaying slightly to the music, a beacon of light and normalcy in their lives. He grabbed the doorknob before looking back at his mom.
Thomas stepped outside as the morning sun cast a golden glow over the quiet street. It gave him a renewed sense of strength to face whatever the day might bring. "The hotel loomed just a few blocks away. Maybe Kelly wouldn't mind if I went there first," he whispered, as he began to walk with his two feet, curious to check if what he saw in the newspaper was truly Beatrice or not. “I'll do everything I can– as long as I find her– dead or alive,” he wondered.
“For Beatrice.”
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