IT STARTS ON A BRIDGE

Chapter-4

CHAPTER-4

Sarah's perspective

A decade ago, in 2009, in London, the flashback continues.

In response to the doctor's call, grandma and I rushed to the hospital, filled with various kinds of thoughts. Upon arrival, we went straight to the room where Lisa had been admitted before, but to our dismay, the bed was empty. Shortly after, the hospital manager entered the room behind us.

The manager apologized, explaining that despite searching every corner of the hospital and reviewing security camera footage in the hallways and other areas, no clues had been found. He informed us that there were no cameras in the patient's rooms to maintain privacy, but the investigation was ongoing.

After the manager left, we followed suit and headed to the hospital's waiting lounge. Grandma remained silent the entire time, sitting on the couch in the lounge, and I sat beside her. It was obvious that she was in a state of shock, and I felt the same. I couldn't help but feel responsible for everything that had happened. Although I was hungry, having not eaten for two hours since we arrived, I couldn't bring myself to focus on anything other than the fact that my parents were absent when I secretly informed them about Lisa. They reacted indifferently, showing no shock or concern. Their response left me shattered, but I tried to hold myself together.

Although I was young and couldn't contribute much, I felt upset witnessing grandma's distress. My emotions were mixed, filled with sadness, disappointment, and anger. However, deep down, a glimmer of hope remained, inexplicably believing that we would eventually find Lisa.

Sarah: Grandma, I'm hungry. Can we go home and get something to eat?

I asked, my innocent eyes fluttering with hope. Grandma looked at me with love, perhaps tinged with guilt.

Grandma: Of course, Sarah. I'm sorry, my child. I completely forgot about your needs. Let's go home now.

Three days later...

While grandma was in the kitchen, a call came on her phone. Since she wasn't available, I answered them.

Sarah: Hello, this is Sarah. Who's calling?

Unaware of the caller's identity, I responded with curiosity.

Caller (from the police station): Hello, this is the police station. We have found a clue related to Miss Lisa Grey.

Sarah: Please hold on a moment. Grandma... Grandma!

I called out to grandma, who appeared from the kitchen.

Grandma: What is it?

She asked while peering out from the kitchen.

Sarah: Grandma, someone from the police station is on the phone.

Upon hearing my words, she rushed over and took the phone from my hands.

Grandma: Hello, yes. What! Oh, okay, sure. Thank you.

She ended the call with a hint of relief.

Sarah: What happened, grandma?

Grandma: Sarah, they found a hair in the hospital room and conducted some tests on it. The DNA does not match your sister's, the staff's, or the doctors'. It could belong to the kidnapper.

After a long pause...

Grandma: I hope they find Lisa safe soon. I miss her terribly. I don't know if my baby is okay or not. I'm incredibly worried about her.

Several months passed, but neither the kidnapper nor Lisa could be found. I missed her immensely and would often silently cry in my room at night. We used to share the same room and bed. I refrained from crying in front of grandma or asking her about Lisa because I knew how devastated she already was. I witnessed her crying multiple times in the kitchen. She never allowed herself to cry in front of me, believing that if she became weak, there would be no one to support, protect, and give me hope.

That's why I tried to behave normally and never questioned grandma about Lisa. Despite several months passing without any significant leads other than the hair and DNA test results, the investigation case was closed, and our hope of finding her dwindled. However, I could never forget her, at least not in this lifetime.

Returning to the present day, 2019, in London.

I snapped back to reality as Kenna had been calling me repeatedly while I stood holding a vacuum cleaner. We cleaned the villa after the party, as per one of the rental conditions.

Kenna: Earth to Sarah.

Kenna appeared irritated.

Sarah: Yes? What did you say?

Lost in my thoughts, I hadn't paid attention to what Kenna was saying. I asked her, confused.

Kenna: Where were you lost, Sarah? You've been standing there staring at the floor for the past ten minutes. I called out to you, but you didn't respond.

Concern was evident in her eyes.

Sarah: It's nothing. But where is Chris?

Kenna: You know, that girl was flirting with him at the party earlier, and now he's gone with her to her place.

Kenna replied, emphasizing the word 'home' and chuckling. I understood what she meant in an instant. I shook my head, knowing Chris well enough that he was mischievous but not the type to spend the night with someone he barely knew.

Kenna: Sarah, can I go for a walk? I feel suffocated.

I simply nodded, and she left for a stroll while I continued cleaning the floor, now alone. That's when I realized how large, eerie, and antiquated the villa was. A shiver ran down my spine due to fear. The villa had good ventilation, with large glass windows. Most of the windows were closed, except for one at the back that was open. I felt cold as a cool breeze blew through the open window, brushing against my back. I approached the window to close it when, suddenly, someone grabbed my hand. It was the strange woman from earlier, and she looked terrifying. Moreover, it was nighttime, intensifying my fear.

Strange woman: You're in danger, Ellie. Go home, go home. It's not safe here. Leave and never return to this place.

She spoke while gripping my hand tightly. I attempted to free my hand, but my efforts were in vain. Summoning all my courage, I confronted her with confidence, almost shouting.

Sarah: Who are you? I don't know you. Why are you calling me Ellie? My name is Sarah Grey, not Ellie.

Strange woman: It's better if you remain unaware of my identity. I only want what's best for you, but this villa isn't safe. Your real name is Ellie.

Sarah: Just let go of my hand and leave me alone. Otherwise...

I told her to release my hand, my voice barely audible but enough for her to hear and understand. She looked at me with affection, or so I thought, and in the blink of an eye, she disappeared into thin air. I felt like I was losing my mind. How could someone... just vanish like that?

Terrified, I tried to convince myself that it was merely my imagination.

Sarah: M...must have been my imagination.

I whispered to myself, but my heart refused to accept it as a dream because it felt too real. Her grip, her voice—everything was etched in my heart and mind.

Although I couldn't consider it a dream, there was no logical explanation other than accepting it as one.

Kenna: Hey, thank you. I feel refreshed now. I was... Are you okay, dear Sarah?

Sarah: I'm tired. Sorry, but can I go home now?

Kenna: Of course, go and rest. I can see that you haven't been feeling well since morning. Thank you for helping, though.

She smiled at me, and after bidding each other goodbye, I headed home. It was already 3 a.m. when I arrived, and grandma was fast asleep in her room. I went to my own room, changed into my nightgown, and quickly fell asleep as exhaustion, fear, and the events of the party had taken their toll on me.