Prologue
911 Operator:“911.What's your emergency?”
Luna:“I saw him.I saw Zane.”
911 Operator:“Ma'am, where are you located?”
Luna:“……”
911 Operator:“Ma'am, do you hear me?Are you or anybody hurt?”
Luna:“I don't want to die.”
SIX YEARS EARLIER
Chapter 1
Ihad prepared my light blue jeans and the white t-shirt with a red cherry printed on it, placing them on my beige reclining leather chair, along with a pair of white socks and my brand-new white sneakers.I wanted to look my best on the first day of school.
I had chosen my favorite outfit, I had just showered, and my hair was still wet and rolled in a towel.My light grey backpack was packed with some notebooks, pens, and markers.I knew I wouldn't need much on the first day.
The sun was setting, creating a warm palette of colors on top of the surrounding mountains.The air was chilly but pleasant.It was unusually quiet, with no sound of cicadas, which were known for their loud singing, a mating call produced by the males.But once it got colder, the singing stopped.This meant the summer was coming to an end, along with their reproductive season and their lives.
“Luna, dinner is ready!”Mom’s voice called up from the kitchen downstairs.
“Okay, I'll be right down!”I shouted, glancing around my room one more time.
The fresh breeze from the open terrace door was ruffling the sheer white curtains, carrying the scent of freshly mowed grass up from the backyard.My dad must have just finished cutting the lawn.I inhaled the scent and closed the door behind me.I hurried down the stairs, the mouthwatering aroma of my mom’s roast filling the entire house.
In the dining room, the table was already set—a red and white checkered tablecloth, three plates and sets of silverware, and wine glasses waiting to be filled.
“Do you have everything ready for school?”my mom asked, turning her face to lock her gaze on mine.I smiled reassuringly.
“Yes, I've got it all covered.I don't need much, but I'm all set.”
“Good, good.”She nodded approvingly.“Your dad is just changing; he'll be out to join us shortly.”
I began serving myself a salad as my mom brought a roast to the center of the table.Just then, my dad emerged from the living room, coming over to me.
“Ah, sweetheart!”he exclaimed, gently tilting my chin up with his thumb.“Are you all ready to head back to school?”
“Definitely,” I replied.“I can't believe this is my final year.”
Mom smiled wistfully.“I remember your first day at daycare like it was yesterday.You were so serious when I left you with the teacher.But when I came to pick you up, you hadn't shed a tear!”
“Ah yes,” Dad chuckled.“But then as soon as we got home, the waterworks started!”
“Oh, she was just overwhelmed, that's all,” Mom said, waving a hand dismissively.
I gazed at them, trying to conjure up memories of that day.It didn't feel so distant, yet the details eluded me.I could picture myself standing by the classroom door, transfixed by the watch above it, wondering if anyone would ever come back for me.I didn't want to play and just stood frozen, even as the teachers guided me through the activities.Strange how that day stood out, while so many more recent ones had faded from my mind.
“I can drive you to school tomorrow,” Dad said with an optimistic smile.
“No thanks, I'd rather take the bus.Emily and Marco will be on it,” I replied politely.
“This year is going to be really important for you.Have you thought about what comes next?”Mom asked, her eyes fixed intently on mine.
“Maybe university?There are some great options nearby.We could even get you a car so you can drive,” Dad chimed in, his face beaming with pride and anticipation.Of course, he had high hopes for his precious little girl—the one who always excelled, never let him down.It made sense that this was the next step he envisioned for his only child.
