Bitter Sweet Justice

The sound of a clock tickling fills the air. A young girl, Addrianna, around eight years old, plays with a rag doll on the floor. Her father, Julio, enters, looking worn and troubled. “Daddy, can you play with me?” Addrianna said while smiling. “ Not now, sweetheart. I have some things to take care of.” Her daddy said while forcing a smile. Julio tells Addriana that he has to run an errand and will be back soon. He reassures her that she’s old enough to stay home alone for a little while. Addy (Addrianna) excited but nervous, agrees. Julio reminds her of the rules: stay inside, don’t open the door for anyone, and call him if she needs anything. Julio leaves, and door clicks shut. Addy sits on the couch, her excitement fading into anxiety. She tries to distract herself with games and snacks, but she keeps glancing at the clock. As time passes, Addrianna’s imagination runs wild. Shadows seem larger, and every sound makes her jump. She plays a game where she imagines being a superhero, but fear creeps in. Meanwhile, the clock ticks on, and her father’s absence grows longer than expected. Julio, who wears elegant tuxedo, walks through the bustling market, where vendors shout and children laugh. He stops at a stall, eyeing a woman. A mysterious vendor dressed in a dark robe smiled at Julio. Mrs. Bautista, known for buying young girls in the city. “Those spices are cheap. I have lots of spices with rich smell inside. Follow me.” with a soft voice, the vendor hinted at secret treasures waiting to be found inside. As he follows Mrs. Bautista, he noticed a small carved door embedded in the side of the cart, almost hidden behind a stack of colorful packed spices. His heart is racing, he glanced around and no one seemed to notice. He leaned closer, running his finger over the designs of ancient symbols in the wall. “Curious?” Mrs. Bautista’s voice was low. Julio nodded, his pulse quickening. “What’s behind the door?” Julio asked. “Only those who seek adventure may enter” she replied “ But beware; not all doors are open for regrets.” She continued. With a deep breath, Julio reached for the handle. It felt warm to touch. As he turned it, the door open, revealing a narrow passageway lined with a bright lights. “Step inside, if you dare.” a man wearing a formal suit said. Without hesitation, Julio stepped through the door, his heart pounding with fear. “ Sit. I’ve got a good offer for you. She’d be well cared for” the man said persuasively and pointing the chair. “ How much?” he worriedly asked. The man gave him a small envelope. He was about to open it but the man stopped him. “Open it outside. Don’t worry, it’s too much than what you asked for.” the mysterious man said while walking back to his desk. A quick flashbacks show Julio’s struggles ; work stress, financial worries, and his desire to get his company back. Julio walked towards the door then stopped. He glanced at the man before leaving. Back at home, Julio sits at the table, a piece of paper before him. Addrianna runs in, he hid the piece of paper in his pocket. “ Daddy, look what I’ve found!” Addriana said. “That’s beautiful, Addy!” He said forcing a smile. He watches her, torn between love and desperation. Flashback of better times with his wife, Addrianna’s mother, flood his mind. Later night, Julio sits alone, contemplating the weight of his decision. He overhears Addrianna humming a lullaby, which brings tears to his eyes. He realized he can’t let her go. “I won’t let you down, Addy!” He whispered. The next day, Julio is awake, blinking against the brightness. He reached for the spot beside him, expecting to feel his daughter, but the bed was empty. Panic set in as he sat up. “Addy” he called but silence answered. His heart is racing while he rushed down the hallway. “ADDY!” he shouted. The living room was empty, toy scattered across the floor, untouched. Julio’s mind raced with possibilities. Did they get her? How did they get in? Was the door locked? He dashed to the front door, finding its security shut. He was about to shout Addrianna’s name but he noticed a note taped in a door. “I’ll buy her a new doll.”