I tried the number Jeff gave me.
"Pick up, pick up...pick-"
While driving the car. I tried a million times to get that sound Jeff told me, which I thought was gone forever. I drove faster...to a phenomenal place that seemed like its existence was nothing. But today, after all the morning chaos, I recall the day we parted. What happened back then...what is that missing part from six years, now counting like a secret path to go back to that incident? Yes, while tears streaming consistently down my cheeks...
I'm driving to the church that I've never visited.
After I found out about this world. To kneel...and plead.
"Please...don't push this as a forgery."
The vibration from the phone shook me...I was stunned to even look at that call. The mansion's loneliness isn't scary. But it was, Jeff
"Hello, Eric...I tried to track this number. But it's showing deviations once we start to locate the number. We will find out sooner or later. Please stay calm...Okay."
"Yeah...I will. But please... find it out..."
"Okay. I will call you."
We hung up.
I walk back and forth in my bedroom.
Where should I start? Where did I mess up? Where is she. is she alright? Why didn't she call me for all these years? Why did she call me now? What happened during those six days.....?
Six days....!
As soon as I reached back at the memories of six days... I chose to check with Mom.
"Why?"
"I need to check on something."
"You were admitted to the Intensive Critical Unit. Your head was severely injured from the happening and took six days to revive from the bed."
"I'm not asking about me... Sarah, what happened to Sarah?"
"Tell me now, what's going on-"
"Mom, please give me some time. I can explain this. But now, tell me everything from that day.
"Sarah was in a critical stage that led to her brain death. The doctors had little hope after her second surgery. At that moment, Sarah's sister was abroad and unable to be there for her.
Lisa, yes, that was her name.
She took charge and signed the necessary documents on Sarah's behalf. I desperately wanted to see Sarah one last time, but you were also bedridden.
I couldn't catch even a glimpse of Sarah for the sake of saying goodbye.
It was Lisa, who took care of everything, organizing and carrying out the funeral arrangements. Sarah's sister provided financial support but never once visited her. My poor girl...!
You know it, Lisa caused the accident that led to Sarah's critical condition. Those days still weigh heavily on my mind after all these years."
She unravelled the epic name I confronted this morning. Lisa Joyce...!
Mom took a leave to the restroom. She was in tears after picking up the pieces from the past, which were from her worst memories.
I took the phone to dial her number and soon realised that I wasn't holding any whereabouts of her. I don't know where she lives. Where does she work?
"Fuck...fuck...fuck!!!"
I texted Jeff her name and instructed him to take a look.
I drove back to my house and started to look around. Expecting anything to appear.
My phone buzzed.
Jeff: "I got her number. But it's no longer in use. And about her address, I couldn't find one."
Oh...! I'm not getting a grip to start. Where should I-
My phone triggers to vibrate again.
That number...!
With trembling hands, I answered the call, with a voice that was barely a whisper.
"Hello?"
A soft, familiar voice reached my ears, carrying with it a melody of emotions I thought I would never experience again.
"E...ric...!"
She said brokenly, her voice filled with a mixture of love and sorrow.
Tears welled up in my eyes as I struggled to find my voice, overwhelmed by a wave of emotions I had suppressed for so long.
"Sa..rah...!"
I managed to utter, my voice choked with disbelief and longing.
The line went silent for a moment, and then abruptly, she hung up. The dial tone echoed in my ears, leaving me in a state of shock and confusion. I stared at the phone, feeling as if my heart had been shattered all over again.
I sat there, lost in a sea of emotions, unable to comprehend what had just happened. The pain of her sudden departure resurfaced, stronger than ever before. I clutched the phone tightly, hoping it was all just a terrible dream.
She had reached out to me, even if it was only for a moment. And now, I was left with the bitter taste of what could have been, lingering on her lips.
I tried to call again and again...! But not once I heard that voice again. Sarah. I'm sure it was her voice. That breath is still vivid. I can take after her shadow from a leagues away. It was her voice.
She is not doing well. From her shattered voice, I can say she is not doing well.
Sarah...how can I find you? How will I reach you-
My phone again rang. I get the grip to take the call in an instant.
"Hello..hello. Sara..h!!"
"Eric, I'm so..so..rry! I.....was late.....I'm"
"Sarah, no...no you're not late...where are you? Oh! my....Sarah!"
"I don't know...I don't know...Er..ic!! find me!! Im afraid!! I.....want to see....you!!"
Her voice breaks as it shatters my already broken heart into countless fragments.
"Tell me anything you see, anything you see!!"
"I'm...at bed around some...medical access-"
The call hung up.
"Sarah!! Hello...Hello!! Sarah!"
I was again in the void where I could see the silence. My heart shattered into millions of pieces it was hurting. I wanted to see her. I wanted to feel her and wipe the tears, having her tiny body around my arms. I want to say. I'm here. You're not alone in this world. I'll always be with you.