As we made our way back, Mason recounted the years of heartache and determination that had followed my disappearance.
They had never ceased their search, exhausting every avenue, posting flyers, making TV announcements, scouring the internet, and even hiring private investigators.
Countless resources were spent in the hope of bringing me home. Thankfully, fate smiled upon them, and they finally succeeded.
Tabitha held me close, her grip firm and unyielding, as if afraid I might slip away once more. It was as though she was trying to make up for years of missed embraces for all the love she hadn’t been able to give.
“Saige, do you know? Your brother and sister have been waiting for you to come home all this time,” she said. “When you get back, they’ll welcome you with open arms.”
“Especially Eliana; she dreams of you every night, calling your name.”
I nodded, embracing her tightly, feeling as though I’d finally left hell behind and found my way back to heaven.
But little did I know that lurking beyond this peace was a nightmare waiting to unfold, a nightmare named Eliana.
Lost in these bittersweet memories, I didn’t notice a few rough-looking youths emerge from under the bridge until they were close.
Their menacing stares sent a chill through me, and I took a cautious step back, warily asking, “What do you want?”
The bearded leader sneered, his eyes gleaming with malice. “You're a pretty one. Why don’t you join us for a little fun?”
I fought with all my strength, but their grip overpowered me.
They forced me to the ground, some clawing at my clothes, others tugging at my pants. My pleas fell on deaf ears; my struggles met with heartless laughter.
Just as despair tightened its grip around me, a sudden beam of light cut through the dark, accompanied by the wail of sirens.
The men jolted in panic, scrambling away without a backward glance, leaving me crumpled and shaking beneath the bridge.
The courtroom buzzed with tension on the second day of the trial; not a single seat was left empty. Reporters, with official permission, began live-streaming, and within minutes, the case surged to the top of the trending charts.
Comments flew in by the millions, with countless viewers showing fierce support for Eliana, rallying for justice to be served.
Across the internet, everyone seemed poised for the climax, awaiting the declaration of my guilt.