The Note (Incomplete stories)

Fluttering across the blue midday sky, its bright red colour shone beautifully against the fluffy clouds. Maria’s eyes were drawn to the abstract colour against the blue and white scenery, though, it was to be believed she was the only one that fateful day to see it. A thin string flowed gently, tied elegantly around the base of the balloon. Her gaze followed the thread as it slowly floated down from the heavens, where she spotted a rectangular piece of what she seemed to think was an antique newspaper article. It stayed tied to the end; the fine lace never threatening to unravel and loose it’s precious treasure.

The balloon landed between the trees, and the deafening sound that followed jolted her back to reality. Her eyes drifted back to where Sammy was standing, clutching Alan, his bear in a suffocating grip; thank God that doll was lifeless. Shots of panic immediately hit her spine. The sky began to spin in rapid succession. She tried hard to still herself so she could control her thoughts. Her stomach started to growl, “what in God’s name did I even have for lunch?” She couldn’t remember the answer, all her thoughts went blank, it was as though some mystery machine had given her a memory swipe. She even pictured herself in one of those movies were psychopaths experimented on their victims.

“Sammy!” She yelled with every fibre in her bone, as she grabbed her bag and began to look around. Soon the memory of the balloon and the sky was lost to her. There was only one thing that mattered, finding her 5 year old son. So many horrible imaginations began to creep into her mind. But she knew she had to stay positive. She had often heard about kids going missing in the park, but she had never thought that it would happen to her. Beads of perspiration began to break on her forehead, her voice began to crack, and her body went all shaky; like she was sure to convulse at any moment. Her sunshine, her lucky charm! Having Sammy was one of the best decisions she has ever made, and Lord know she’s had her share of many horrible ones.

As she was still searching, a horrible realization hit her. Where had that balloon come from? Why did she suddenly remember it? Fear was starting to give way, and her senses were beginning to come back to her. She coordinated herself and began to retrace her steps. She was back to the wooden bench starring up at the balloon again. Then her eyes caught it, and a bright light of hope shimmered in them. She dropped down her bag and climbed up the tree. To the part where the broken balloon laid bare as in a surgical operation, but the tail still had the rope and the antique newspaper. She grabbed it eagerly and climbed down gingerly to get a better look. It was antique alright, but it wasn’t a newspaper. It was a note with her name attached to it. ” If you want to see Sammy again, get 5 million and be ready by tomorrow evening. You will get a call.”

Vera