Page 23 of Sweet Silver Bells

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Was it real?

It felt real.

If it was, he’d left her out there.

Is she still alive?

His fingers hovered over 911. But what if he was losing it? If it were real, doing nothing was worse than being embarrassed.

He dialed.

“Sadie, it’s Hunter. Emergency. Cover for me.”

He didn’t wait for her reply before he hung up. Hunter bolted to his car. His phone buzzed. Sadie’s calls and texts exploded onto his screen.

Sadie 5:23 am:

You better not be dying or I’m calling your mom.

“Fuck,” he hissed, slamming the wheel.

Hunter 5:23 am:

Will explain later. Please cover my class.

He skidded into the estate parking lot. Maybe the security cameras would flag him for showing up so often. He didn’t care. He sprinted, lungs burning, boots thudding in fresh snow.

“I’m coming,” he gasped.

You should really start jogging.

He ran past the brick mansion, deeper onto the grounds. He pictured her lying there, blue lips, empty eyes, finding her too late.

Sarah would never forgive him for that. He wouldn’t forgive himself either.

His watch clinked with each step. His boots left a clear trail in the untouched snow.

You didn’t imagine it. You’re not crazy.

But maybe it would be easier if he were. Then she’d be safe. There’d be no danger.

He pushed into the trees. The snow stopped crunching, replaced by ice crackling under the canopy. Light barely cut through.

“Hello?” His voice cracked. He cleared his throat, stepping over bushes and dead leaves. Birds and squirrels scattered. He fought to keep his heartbeat steady.

“Ma’am, are you there?” Louder now, more certain.

I’ll find you. I’m here.

The memory sharpened: a body stepping from inside a tree. Skin like moonlight. He swallowed, terrified of what he’d do if he actually found her.

You were here. You talked to her.

Hunter leaned against a tree, breath clouding in the cold.

Please don’t let this be in my head.

He crossed a stream, calling out. He searched for a sign, a hand, a foot—anything in the snow.