Lost

Groaning, I climbed out of bed. I hurried downstairs and headed for the door. Walking down the path, the usual sights greeted my eyes. Many friends were laughing and chatting, talking about the things they liked. As I arrived at school, I spotted Camilla, my best friend, waiting for me by the gate. Ignoring her, I barged through, bumping into several people in the process. 1

“Sophie!” called Camilla, running after me.2

Sitting down on the bench, I pulled out a book and dug my head deep inside it. I didn’t want to talk to anybody right now, I wasn’t in the mood. 3

“What’s wrong?” 4

I respected Camilla’s urge to try and help me but I didn’t need it. I was fine by myself. 5

“Nothing.” I muttered, picking up my book and plodding inside the school building. 6

Just as I arrived at the classroom, the bell rang. I was just in time. Slipping into my seat, I tried to concentrate on the teacher, avoiding Camilla’s gaze.7

Eventually, class ended and I had to leave. My father was due to pick me up, so I walked outside. Spotting his car in the car park, I rushed towards it and jumped in. He didn’t say a thing.8

We soon arrived home. Running upstairs, I flopped onto my bed and cried heavily into my pillow. Nobody understood. Suddenly, the doorbell rang. I let my mother answer it.9

“Sophie!” she called, “It’s for you!”10

I trudged down and saw that it was Camilla. I couldn’t possibly turn her away in front of my parents. Walking outside, I sat down on the grass, my eyes still red from crying.11

“Please tell me what’s going on.”12

I shrugged.13

“I don’t know what you mean.”14

She put her arm around me and eventually I gave in.15

“It’s my brother, Jake. He went missing yesterday. He was out with his friends but he never came back.” 16

Camilla’s jaw dropped.17

“I am so sorry.” 18

“It’s not your fault.” I choked, struggling to get the words out.19

Camilla nodded and got to her feet. She smiled and then headed in the direction of her house. I put my head in my hands and continued to sob. Not even my best friend knew what it felt like. For all I know, he could be laying on the road, dead, the wind blowing through his hair and blood dripping from his mouth. He could be badly hurt, his limbs ripped apart. I stopped myself from thinking of all the horrid possibilties.20