Rosie sat at the island counter in the middle of the open plan kitchen, eyeing both her Communist Russia history homework and the television in the living room. Her younger brother Louie was slumped in the stool across from her and unlike Rosie, his bored focus was primarily on the telly. For yet another night the local news was overridden by Alfie's disappearance, showing footage of dull looking - and sounding - reporters updating the latest developments. They could be summarised by: 

"Police officers are yet to locate any evidence that could highlight Alfie Underwood's whereabouts, however the investigation is still ongoing."

Rosie sighed. She wasn't particularly interested in the story, which made her feel guilty. There was never anything new, every day the police were one step closer to nothing. Alfie had left no clues about where he was, not even to Rosie, the person he trusted most in the world. She had almost tuned out entirely, deciding that her fact file on Tsar Nicholas II was more worthwhile than another ceaseless, irresolute news story. That was until another reporter appeared and behind her was Alfie's house. 

        Rosie stared wide-eyed at the flatscreen, pen in hand still touching the paper. It was a house she had seen only once before yet it was engraved in her mind like a message carved into a tree, permanent and unwanted. She recalled its scruffiness, the unkept front yard with overgrown weeds peeking through the cracks in the driveway. Rosie had opened that rusted gate, stood under the gable with its off-white peeling varnish. Memories of those last three months were gnawing at her brain, pleading her to think of Alfie again. She wouldn't let herself. It wasn't her fault and she knew that. Nevertheless, the more she pondered over Alfie and what she knew about him, her ability to keep it to herself would eventually start to wear down. Rosie was terrified to let her emotions devour the wall that was keeping everything safe and inclosed, out of sight of the police and public. However, deep down Rosie knew that it wouldn't be long before it all came flooding out, her shame and betrayal along with it.

She was a dam past its breaking point, unstable and ready to crack.