The Elites

Shadows deepen

Two weeks had passed since the mysterious disappearance of little Jacob, and the town of Sanstone was still reeling from the shock. But just as the whispers were beginning to fade, another storm rolled in.

This time, it was Mariam—one of Mia’s classmates.

At first, everyone assumed she was out with the flu. Her seat remained empty, and Miss Zara simply marked her absent. But by the end of the week, concern grew. On Monday morning, when Mariam’s seat was still untouched, Miss Zara addressed the class.

“I tried visiting Mariam’s house over the weekend,” she said, her voice laced with worry. “But... her parents wouldn’t speak to me. They didn’t even let me in. They said everything was fine, but...” she paused, “something didn’t feel right.”

The room grew still. Mia turned slightly to glance at Ruby, whose eyes were wide with disbelief. Stacy, seated behind them, leaned forward and whispered, “This is getting serious.”

After school, the three met under the large oak tree near the gate.

“This is getting out of hand,” Mia said. “First Jacob. Now Mariam?”

Ruby folded her arms. “And did you hear what Miss Zara said? They pushed her out when she tried to ask questions. Why would they do that?”

“Maybe it’s some rule,” Stacy shrugged. “Like… orders from the community police or something. Or maybe they’re still worried about little Jacob’s disappearance.”

“No,” Ruby shook her head. “There’s something weird going on.”

Later that afternoon, Ruby came over to Mia’s house. Jayda was in the kitchen, stirring a pot on the stove when the door opened.

“Hello, Ruby!” she greeted warmly. “How are you?”

“I’m okay, thank you,” Ruby replied politely.

Jayda glanced at the girls. “Everything alright?”

Mia sighed. “Mom, another kid from my class is missing.”

Jayda stopped stirring. “What?”

“Her name is Mariam. She hasn’t been in school for a while. Miss Zara even went to her house but wasn’t allowed in.”

Jayda’s face darkened. “This is not normal anymore. Two children disappearing in less than a month?”

Ruby added, “And nobody's talking about it seriously. It’s like everyone’s pretending not to notice.”

Jayda wiped her hands and turned to them. “Girls, you need to be extra careful. Don’t talk to strangers, and always stay together. I’ll call the school tomorrow to find out more.”

Mia nodded slowly, but her mind was racing.

That night, as Jayda tucked Mia into bed, she paused by the window and looked out into the silent street. The same woman who had warned her weeks ago stood alone under the streetlamp, staring in the direction of the Clarkson’s home.

Jayda pulled the curtains together and whispered under her breath, “Something’s not right in this town.”

Jayda had just waved goodbye to Mia, Ruby, and Stacy as they turned the corner, chatting and laughing their way to school. She turned to head back inside when a familiar voice stopped her.

“Hi, Jayda!”

It was Linah Clarkson, stepping out of her sleek car, dressed in a crisp white blouse and navy blue pants, looking like she always did—flawless and composed.

Jayda smiled faintly. “Hi, Linah.”

“It’s been a while,” Linah continued, walking closer. “I’ve been so swamped lately. Work’s been a whirlwind, barely have time to breathe, let alone catch up.”

Jayda nodded slowly. “Yeah, I get it… But honestly, things around here have been feeling a little... strange lately.”

Linah raised a brow, feigning curiosity. “Strange? What do you mean?”

Jayda hesitated, then leaned slightly forward. “That woman—what’s her name again? The one who lives alone… Joy?”

“Ohhh, Joy?” Linah rolled her eyes, a small scoff escaping her lips. “Her husband walked out on her six months ago. Said she was unstable. And honestly, I don’t blame him.”

Jayda blinked. “Unstable? She didn’t seem crazy. Just... distant.” Linah laughed dryly. “Crazy is an understatement. She hardly talks to anyone. And the way she acts whenever she sees me or my husband—like she’s seen ghosts. I don’t know what’s wrong with her.”

“Did you ever say something to her? Or maybe something happened between you two?” Jayda asked carefully.

Linah’s face suddenly tightened. “What would I ever have to say to a woman like her? She’s always been like that. Always blaming others for things no one did. I’d advise you to stay away from her, Jayda. People like that… they can pollute you.”

Jayda nodded slowly, though her gut twisted. “Right. Well… have a good day at work.”

Linah’s smile returned, though it didn’t quite reach her eyes. “You too, dear,” she said, walking briskly to her car.

Jayda turned and stepped into the house, her mind swirling. Something didn’t add up. Linah talked so much… yet said so little. Not once did she mention the daughter Andrew spoke of—the child Joy had lost. If Joy was truly unstable, wouldn’t that be part of the story?

And for someone supposedly so crazy, Joy had remembered Jayda’s face… had come with a warning that now seemed more chilling than ever.

Jayda stood by the window and peeked out again. The Clarksons’ house stood still and quiet. Too quiet.

“She acts like Joy is a problem,” she whispered to herself, “but what if Joy is the only one who sees what’s really happening?”