UNDER THE SIRENS LIGHT

Althea's journey

Four years later, in Althea's bedroom where the light is dimly lit, she sits at her desk, which casts shadows across the walls. She is looking over police academy application forms. Her hands tremble with a mixture of determination and fear as she wrestles with her decision.

Althea's gaze fixed on a framed photo on her desk, showing her and her elder sister, Johaima smiling brightly at the camera. The memory of Johaima's disappearance weighs heavily on her heart, fueling her desire to join the police force and find her. Whispering to herself she said, “I won't give up, Johaima, I'll find you, no matter what it takes.”

Just then, Althea's phone buzzes with a text message, snapping her out of her thoughts. She picks it up, her heart racing as she reads the words from her mentor, Detective Clarence, a seasoned investigator with years of experience.

(Text Message): Althea, are you still considering joining the police academy? I think you'd make a great addition to the force.

Althea's pulse quickens with excitement as she types out a quick response. “Yes, Detective Clarence. I've made up my mind. I'm going to do it.” With a newfound sense of purpose, Althea slips her phone into her pocket and heads downstairs to share her decision with her family.

Moments later, in Montenegro's living room, Althea finds her parents sitting on the couch, their faces showing with worry as they discuss Johaima's disappearance.

“Althea, sweetheart, have you heard anything new about your sister?”

Althea's heart clenches with pain as she joins her parents on the couch, her mind consumed with thoughts of her missing sister. Shaking her head she answered, “No, Dad. Still no word, but I'm not giving up hope.”

Her mom reaches out and takes Althea's hand, her eyes filled with love and concern. Gently, she spoke, “We know you're doing everything you can, dear. But we're so worried about you too!”

Althea squeezes her mother's hand, as she prepares to share her news. “Mom, Dad, I've made a decision. I'm going to join the police academy.”

There's a moment of stunned silence as Mr. and Mrs. Montenegro absorb Althea's words, their expressions a mixture of pride and concern.

Surprised, her mom asked, “Althea, are you sure about this? It's a dangerous job, especially with everything that's happened to your sister.”

Althea nods, her eyes shining with determination as she meets her mother's gaze. “I'm sure, Mom. I can't sit back and do nothing while Johaima is out there somewhere. I have to do something to find her,” she replied firmly.

Mrs. Montenegro wraps her arms around Althea, tears brimming in her eyes as she holds her daughter close. Emotionally, she spoke again. “We'll support you every step of the way, Althea. Just promise us you'll be careful.”

Althea nods, her heart heavy with the weight of her decision but filled with determination. “I promise, Mom. I won't let you down.”

The next day at the police academy training room, Althea sits at a desk surrounded by other aspiring officers. A seasoned police instructor, Officer Gonzalez, stands at the front of the room.

“Alright recruits, today we're diving into tactical training. We'll start with situational awareness. Althea, care to demonstrate?”

“Yes, sir!” Althea stands up, her nerves tingling with anticipation. She approaches the front of the room as Officer Gonzalez sets up a simulated scenario on the projector.

“Here's the scenario. You're patrolling a quiet neighborhood when you receive a call about a potential break-in. What's your move?”

Althea answered, “First, I'd radio for backup while assessing the situation from a safe distance. Then, I'd approach cautiously, keeping an eye out for any suspicious activity.”

Officer Gonzales nodded. “Good. Now, let's see it in action. Step into the simulation room.”

Althea enters the simulation room, her heart pounding as she prepares to face the unknown.

Simulation Voice echoed. “Suspect spotted breaking into a residence. What's your next move?”

Taking cover behind a nearby car, Althea replied, “Requesting backup and assessing the suspect's position.” Then she scans the area, noticing movement near the house. “I see movement near the back entrance. I'll circle for a better view,” she added. Althea sneaks around the side of the house, adrenaline coursing through her veins. She spots the suspect attempting to pry open a window.

Althea shouted, “Freeze! Police! Step away from the house with your hands up!”

The suspect hesitates for a moment before complying, surrendering to Althea's commands. Althea feels a surge of pride as backup arrives to take the suspect into custody.

The simulation voice echoed again. “Scenario complete. “Well done, recruit!”

Althea exits the simulation room to the applause of her fellow recruits.

Officer Gonzalez said, “Impressive work, Althea. You handled that situation with composure and quick thinking.”

“Thank you, Sir!”

“Keep up the good work. Now, let's move on to our next exercise.”

The training session continues, with Althea throwing herself into each challenge with determination and focus. As the day wears on, she grows more confident in her abilities, knowing that each obstacle she overcomes brings her one step closer to achieving her dream of becoming a police officer.

Later that evening, Althea sits alone in her room, reflecting on the day's events. Despite her exhaustion, she can't help but feel a sense of pride in how far she's come. Althea said to herself, “It's not easy, but I'm going to make it through this training, no matter what it takes.”

The next day, Althea prepares for another day of challenges, knowing that each one brings her closer to her goal of serving and protecting her community as a police officer.

In a dense forest on the outskirts of the city, Althea along with her co-trainees and superiors Sergeant Thompson and Officer Gonzalez, trek through the undergrowth, their boots crunching on fallen leaves.

Sergeant Thompson said, “Alright team, today's training will test your survival skills in a real-world scenario. We're deep in the forest, far from any backup. Althea, you're up first.”

“Yes, Sergeant!”

Althea straightens her posture, ready to prove herself in this challenging environment.

“Your objective is to navigate through the forest and locate the target area marked on your map. Along the way, you'll encounter various obstacles and challenges. Remember your training and use your instincts.”

“Understood, Sergeant.” With a nod of encouragement, Althea left and set off into the wilderness, her senses on high alert. She carefully navigates through the dense foliage, keeping an eye out for any signs of danger.

Officer Gonzalez shouted, “Keep your wits about you, Althea. The forest can be unforgiving.”

Althea replied, “I will, Officer. Thank you!”

Hours pass as Althea pushes deeper into the forest, her determination unwavering despite the obstacles she faces. She crosses treacherous terrain and navigates through thick brush.

Finally, she reaches the target area, her heart pounding with pride. “Target area reached, Sergeant. Mission accomplished!”

Sergeant Thompson answered, “Excellent work, Althea. You've proven yourself capable of handling the challenges of the wilderness. Now, let's see how Officer Gonzalez fares.”

As Officer Gonzales takes his turn navigating through the forest, Althea takes a moment to catch her breath and reflect on her journey. She feels a sense of accomplishment knowing that she's one step closer to becoming a fully-fledged police officer.

“Alright team, it's time to set up camp for the night. We'll continue our training bright and early tomorrow morning,” Sergeant Thompson said.

Althea helps her fellow officers set up camp, using the skills she's learned in training to build a fire and prepare a meal. As they sit around the campfire, sharing stories and laughter, Althea feels a sense of camaraderie with her team.

“You did well out there today, Althea. You've got a bright future ahead of you in law enforcement.”

“Thank you, Sir. I couldn't have done it without your guidance.”

As the night wears on, the sounds of the forest make Althea fall into a peaceful sleep.

The next morning, Althea wakes to the sound of birds chirping and the sun filtering through the trees. She rises with determination, ready to tackle whatever challenges lie ahead.

“Rise and shine, recruits! It's time to continue our training!” Sergeant Thompson shouted.

With renewed energy, Althea and her team pack up camp and set out once again into the wilderness.