Becoming Strangers Again by Lily

LILY

Sitting on the edge of the bed, I clutched the picture of my boys, my fingers trembling as I traced their faces. It was a snapshot I'd taken on their last birthday three of them smiling so brightly it was as if they lit up the entire room. The ache in my chest was unbearable. I missed them so damn much it hurt to even look at their picture.

When will they be found?

When will I get to hold them in my arms again?

My thoughts drifted back to the car and the hope I'd clung to-the dashboard camera. I'd assumed it would hold the answers, a clue, something. But no. I was told it was faulty and hadn't recorded anything.

The excuse felt flimsy, suspicious even. Something about it didn't sit right.

I closed my eyes and inhaled deeply, forcing myself to think. Just as I exhaled, a sudden thought flashed through my mind: If the dashboard camera didn't capture anything, what about other cameras? Street cameras, traffic cameras, security cameras-surely one of them must have caught something.

Then there was Clover. He'd met a friend, someone who gave him that perfume. If he wasn't going to talk, maybe she would.

I sprang to my feet, grabbed my jacket, and raced out of the house. There was no time to waste.

My security followed closely behind as I hopped into the backseat, and I quickly gave him instructions on where to take me. The ride felt like it stretched on forever, but eventually, he pulled over at the same spot where Clover had stopped earlier.

I stepped out of the car, the cool breeze hitting my face. I slipped on my sunglasses to shield my eyes from the midday sun and began scanning the area, searching for any road cameras. But there was nothing. Not a single camera in sight.

Just as I was about to turn away in frustration, I noticed something across the street. The restaurant directly in front of me had a CCTV camera mounted outside. I froze, relief flooding over me.

I broke into laughter, unable to stop myself. The weight in my chest seemed to lift as the realization hit me this was progress, this was something, at least.

I couldn't help the tears that followed, joy mixed with disbelief rolling down my cheeks. But before I could gather myself, the security guard who'd driven me here approached, concern etched on his face. "Are you okay, ma'am?" he asked gently.

I glanced at him, still smiling as I wiped my eyes. "I'm fine," I assured him, though I could tell he was probably questioning my sanity at that moment. I hadn't said a word to anyone all day, and now here I was, laughing uncontrollably at nothing. "Come with me," I said, nodding toward the restaurant.

was feeling a little underdressed for what was at stake. I took a deep breath, trying

I maintained eye contact and steadied my voice. "I want

but distant. "I'm Lily Williams," I introduced myself, letting the name sit in the air for a moment. As expected, her expression shifted ever so slightly. Her eyes widened with recognition,

I continued. "It's in relation

crossing her face. She glanced at me as

understand your pain, ma'am," she said softly. It wasn't a comforting sound, though; it felt

pity deter me. This was business. This

explained, her tone polite. "I think you should go back and return with the

knot in my stomach. The last thing I wanted was to bring the police into this. I could already picture the mess

want to speak to your manager," I repeated. This wasn't the time for bureaucracy. I had a better offer to make, and only

"I'm sorry, ma'am, but-"

no but," I

to flex

but don't

I won't if I need to." I leaned forward, Both hands pressing firmly against the counter. My eyes never left hers as I spoke. "Get your manager down here, and don't waste any time. Make no mistake, I

for the landline

waited for a beat, listening intently before adding, "Sure, sir." Then, without another word,

office by

you," I replied smoothly, turning on my heel and heading toward

I reached the fifth floor,

he caught sight of me, his expression shifted from neutral to warm, an almost rehearsed smile

ma'am?" he asked, his voice friendly, though there was

invest in this restaurant in exchange for

said. He was

to get a picture of someone I met across the street a few weeks ago,"