A letter to the post man

Back at the house, Alex paced back and forth, his face etched with worry over my sudden disappearance. Every scenario played out in his mind, each more horrifying than the last. The air in the house felt heavier, weighed down by the growing tension. When Nath called him to discuss the last message I'd sent, Alex's confusion deepened.

Why had I contacted Nath instead of him, my own brother? What was I trying to say? The question gnawed at his mind, but he pushed it aside. This wasn't the time for doubts or jealousy. Together, they decided to show the police the cryptic message.

The inspector worked quickly, managing to trace the location tied to my last known signal. Hope surged through Alex as he, Nath, and the inspector piled into a car and drove straight to the coordinates. The route became more desolate with each passing mile, the quiet only broken by the crunch of gravel beneath the tires. Finally, they arrived at the edge of a cliff.

There it was Carl's car, barely recognizable. It stood battered, with its frame twisted and windows shattered. A cold shiver ran down Alex's spine as they approached. The vehicle seemed to radiate despair.

Inside, they found my phone smashed against the dashboard. The screen was completely destroyed, as if someone had deliberately ensured it couldn't be used. Alex picked it up carefully, his fingers trembling. He turned it over, hoping for a clue, but there was nothing.

The inspector straightened and spoke with firm resolve. "We will do everything in our power to find her. This is now a priority case."

Despite the reassurance, Nath's expression darkened. He stepped aside with the inspector, their conversation falling to whispers. Alex watched them from a distance, suspicion flickering in his mind. What could Nath possibly be discussing that required secrecy? He clenched his fists, forcing himself to stay calm.

Unable to ignore his growing unease, Alex turned his attention back to Carl's car. His anger boiled over as he cursed Carl under his breath. Whatever trouble Carl had brought into their lives, Alex couldn't forgive him. As he circled the vehicle, something caught his eye—a single, sharp bullet hole in the front tire.

Leaning closer, Alex squinted at the damage. His instincts kicked in. This wasn't an accident—it was deliberate. Pulling out his phone, he snapped several photos, his mind racing. He flagged down a female officer nearby and pointed out the bullet hole. Together, they examined the car further, uncovering more bullets embedded in the rear tires.

"Someone wanted this car immobilized," the officer muttered, her tone grim.

The discovery added another layer of mystery. Alex turned to Nath, who had just finished speaking with the inspector.

"They said Carl is missing too," Nath said, his voice tight. "No trace of him or his relatives."

Alex's frustration bubbled over. "The police are taking too long. If we wait on them, we'll be stuck here forever."

"I agree," Nath said firmly. "We have to act. If anything happens to Reina…" His voice cracked. "I'll never forgive myself."

Alex froze, stunned by the intensity of Nath's reaction. Why did Nath care so much? What was his connection to Reina? Before Alex could ask, Nath spoke again.

"We need to go back to the scene. There's something we're missing."

Back at the house, Alex's ten-year-old sister, Archie, appeared at the top of the stairs. Her soft voice carried across the room, drawing Alex's attention.

"Is Reina coming back soon?" she asked, her eyes wide with worry.

Alex forced a reassuring smile as he walked over to her, placing a comforting arm on her shoulder. "Archie, Rei's just gone to the northern lands to get a few things. She'll be back soon."

Archie smiled faintly but didn't seem convinced. "I've been calling her all day, but it never goes through," she said, her voice trembling slightly.

Alex's heart ached. Archie was a calm and understanding child, her temperament far beyond her years. At just ten, she was already a reflection of the quiet strength their family shared. Alex reassured her again before watching her disappear upstairs.

"Stay strong, Alex," he muttered to himself before turning to Nath.

The two men set out again, returning to the cliffside. The air was colder this time, carrying with it an eerie silence. They walked the area slowly, their eyes scanning every inch of the ground for clues. The tension was palpable, each passing moment dragging like hours.

Then, Nath's voice cut through the quiet like a blade.

"Alex!" he shouted, his tone frantic.

Alex spun around, his heart racing. "What is it?"

Nath stood frozen, staring at something hidden beneath the thick underbrush. Alex hurried over, his breath catching as he saw what Nath had uncovered. It was a bloodstained scarf—Reina's earring

The sight sent a chill down Alex's spine. His mind raced with questions. Was she hurt? Was she alive?

Nath touched the earring tenderly , his jaw set in determination. "We have to find her," he said, his voice low but resolute.

Alex nodded, his own resolve hardening. Whoever had done this, whoever had taken Reina, would regret it.

And they weren't going to wait for the police anymore.