Trigger Warning: This chapter contains depictions of abduction.

---

Blake Hart

After finishing my weekly gym class, I considered grabbing something to eat since I can’t cook very well. Cooking was never my strong suit and the idea of facing another bland frozen dinner made the choice easy. I was mid-step when my phone rang, breaking the quiet hum of the city evening. I glanced at the screen, Dad.

I answered quickly. “Hi dad.”

“Hi kid, how’s your day going?”

“It was fine, I’m out grabbing some food. Heading home after. You?”

“All good. We wrapped up meetings early today..”

I tuned out slightly, not because I wasn’t listening, but small talk had always felt…off with him. Like we were two people playing a role. It’s hard to go deep when someone’s been emotionally MIA for most of your life. Still, he called once or twice a month, just to confirm I was still breathing. I supposed that counted for something.

“Sandra says hi too.”

I mumbled something that might’ve passed for “hi.” I didn’t hate her. She wasn’t the villain of my story. But it was still strange, adjusting to their... closeness. The woman I once chatted with at family events was now my father’s wife. My stepmother.

After five years, I am more calm about it. Almost unaffected.

“I gotta go,” he said. “Taking Sandra to dinner.” Right. A dinner date. Funny, he never used to do that with my mom. “Take care, honey.”

“You too, dad.”

I ended the call and stared at the black screen. My grip on the phone tightened, eyes blinking rapidly to hold back tears.. not from sadness, but from anger. Heartbreak. Frustration. The kind that simmered under your skin, leaving you exhausted.

I stepped into the nearby restaurant, hoping warm food would be enough to calm me down.

It was already dark by the time I finished eating and packed up the leftovers to reheat over the weekend. The creeping chill of fall wrapped itself around the city. Early sunsets always made the streets feel gloomier, lonelier. Shadows fell longer, deeper.

I walked toward my car, hands tucked into the sleeves of my sweatshirt. Normally, I would’ve walked home from the gym but the colder weather convinced me to drive today. I had weekend plans, after all.

I don’t want to be sick while buried to romance books whole day.

Yes, plans.

Books and reheated takeout. The ultimate date with myself. Perfect, if you ask me.

The street was mostly calm but I waited to see the road clearly. There was a car parked nearby mine but no other coming car, I ran quickly to across the street. As I do so, I felt an eerie sensation which made the hairs on the back of my neck stood up. I scanned the quiet street.

No pedestrians or headlights. No movement. Just a black car. It wasn’t running. No engine hum. No threat I could see.

I admit, I got more uneasy when the date of the anniversary of the crash creeping closer but I’ve always trusted my gut and my gut told me something wasn’t right. I read enough books and watched movies to be get agitated by little things. Especially in nightime. I believe in my survival instincts.

I walked faster, clutching my bag tighter. With a flick of my wrist, I unlocked the car, slid in and started the engine without turning on the radio. The silence felt safer, more focused. I kept checking my rearview mirror every few blocks.

Nothing.

Maybe I was imagining things. Maybe I’d watched one too many thrillers. Still, I felt relieved when I pulled into the garage near my building. I parked and sat for a moment, scanning my surroundings one last time.

No sign of the black car. No possible danger.

I guess I was wrong. I don’t know if seeing someone following me would be more good for my ego since all that scare was only my overthinking. But I can’t help but sight in relief.

I grabbed my things and locked the car. The crisp air filled my lungs as I stepped out. The garage was open-plan, bordered by pine trees swaying in the breeze. Cold air nipped at my skin as I walked toward the elevators at the far end of the lot. I take deep breaths as I walked through the garage and enjoying the scenery. That’s when I heard it, a low engine growl.

I froze.

No headlights. Just the sound.

I got that chills again. I really shouldn’t watch that many thriller movies. I kept walking, this time a little faster. My sneakers echoed faintly on the concrete. And then.. there it was. A black car.

Big. Tinted windows. Slow, deliberate movement.

It was the same one. The one from outside the restaurant.

Panic surged in my chest like a switch being flipped.

Shit.

My blood drained from my body. My body moved before my brain caught up. I ducked behind the closest parked car, pressing my back to the cold metal. My breaths came quick and shallow. My mind raced.

They can’t follow me through narrow spaces. Stay low. Stay hidden.

Fuck. Shit.

Am I delusional? Are they after me? Why me?

I have to go to my apartment.

I crouched and moved in quick bursts between cars, staying out of sight. I peeked out once, no sign of them. My takeout bag lay abandoned near the center lane.

Forget it. Too late for that, I’m not risking myself to grab my leftovers.

My hand gripped my phone.

Was that an hallucination? Or maybe they were just passing by and I just make the worst case scenario.

Should I call the police?

I dialed after checking the garage road quickly.

No signal. Shit. Of course not! Underground. Classic horror movie setting.

My heart pounded against my ribs. I was in running shoes and still in gym clothes, at least that gave me an advantage.

“Make a run for it.” I whispered to myself.

I launched from my hiding spot and sprinted toward the elevators as the screech of tires split the air.

They saw me.

I was so close. The elevator doors were right there.. so close I could see the reflection of overhead lights on the metal.

And then,

Strong arms wrapped around me, yanking me back. My scream never made it out. My vision blurred. 

The last thing I saw was the elevator door, just inches away.