Found

Gone But Never Forgotten:

*Spoiler: slight mention of abuse*

                “What happened? Where am I? Who are you?” screamed Kalani. She was panicking; the fear showed in her eyes, her heart rate and blood pressure was sky rocketing. She was to scare to process she was in a hospital bed. “Calm down, you are safe in a hospital. I am Officer Alejandro Ruiz, but you can call me Alex.” Said Alex as softly as he could to calm the woman who was beyond terrified. “Can you tell me your name?” He asked. “Ka-Ka-Kalani Martinez.” She stuttered out. “So, you are her! You have been gone for 12 long years.” Alex stated. “What?! It was only 12 years? It seemed like a million.” She said crying.

Alex’s heart broke, he knew she went through a lot wherever she was for the past 12 years. “Can you tell me anything about where you were? Did someone take you? Can you describe them?” Alex asked her. Kalani shooked her head. “I c-ca-can’t.” she cried.

*Flash back*

Kalani was walking to school one day, she was officially an outcast because her best friend Ashleigh was murdered 6 months before and all she had was Marcos her boyfriend, Esteban her other best friend and Ashleigh’s boyfriend and Asthon; Ashleighs twin brother. With that being said, they were all equally heartbroken so the group kind of died out with Ashleigh’s death. She was hit in the back of the head and when she woke up, she found herself locked into the studio apartment room. The days turned into weeks which turned into months, then year. Kalani was locked in this studio type apartment room another day down. She heard his heavy boots coming down the hall. She didn’t know his name; she only knew him as Sir. He wore a creepy clown mask when he came for his little visits. It was always the same. He would come with food three times a day forced her to eat it all, and then forced himself upon her. If she didn’t cooperate, he would take his belt off and hit her with it until she submitted to him.

One day she had enough. Sir brought her the dinner tray, and she ate like a good girl. However, after she was finished, she asked “sir” if he could hand her a napkin from behind him. He turned around and she picked up the food tray and him on the head over and over and over again. She wasn’t entirely sure he was still alive, but she didn’t care. She took the keys the out of his pocket and ran as fast as she could. She ran until her feet bled and it was raining like crazy, but she didn’t care she didn’t look back either.”

She seen a sign saying she was in Aspen; she knew she wasn’t far from Red Wood; she wasn’t far from “home.” Kalani kept running until she got to a block from her childhood home. Her body was killing her, and her feet was bleeding and crying for her to stop but she kept pushing herself. Then, she saw the cop car and sighed happily and started stumbling towards the cop car. Black spots were in her vision, but she was determined to reach the cop. As soon as she did, she collapsed into his arms and blackness took over. *End of flashback*

“Hello are you okay? Kalani? Anyone there?” Alex waved his hands in her face. “Look I can’t tell you what he looked like or who he is, I can’t even tell you the exact location of where he had me besides it was in Aspen. I don’t even know if he’s alive I bashed his head a few times to get out.” Kalani said. “Well, I will personally be in charge of finding this sick b******. Lets move to happier news I have called your parents and sister and they will be here any minute.” Alex told her.

As if on cue the room door flew open and in came in Kalani’s parents and sister. “Kalani!” They all ran and hugged her in a group hug. They all had tears flowing out of their eyes. Alex cleared his throat and said, “I’m sorry but I am Officer Alejandro Ruiz. I found Kalani running in the streets. I won’t stay long I just want to give you my card. We will need to do official interviews with everyone but not today.” Karina, Kalani’s mother, looked to Alex with tears in her eyes and threw her arms around him. “Thank you for bringing back my princess. I will forever be in your debt.” She said while sniffling. “No need to thank me ma’am, it is my duty to serve and protect.” Alex said his face as red as a tomato from the sudden hug. Kalani’s father Mauricio and sister Milani both said their thanks to Alex and Mauricio said they will be in touch for their official interviews. Alex headed home finally.