Episode 1: The Missing Girl

The morning sun spilled through the kitchen window, casting a warm glow over Nathan Foust as he sat at the breakfast table. He pushed his cereal around in the bowl, lost in thought. The sound of his spoon clinking against the porcelain mingled with the distant hum of the television. His father, seated across from him, was glued to the local news, a serious expression etched on his face.

“—and in other news, we have a tragic update regarding a missing girl, twelve-year-old Lily Gaunth, who has been missing for a week now,” the reporter announced, her voice calm but heavy with concern. A photograph of Lily filled the screen—her bright eyes and innocent smile frozen in time. Nathan’s heart skipped. She looked so familiar, almost like a friend he’d never met.

“Poor thing,” his father muttered, shaking his head. “They’re bringing in search teams from neighboring towns. It’s just heartbreaking.”

Nathan’s thoughts raced. He had seen Lily before—at a community event, perhaps? His attention was suddenly broken by a gentle but firm tap on the back of his head.

“Eat faster, Nathan! You’re going to be late for school,” his mother chimed, glancing over at the television with a frown. “What’s got you so distracted?”

He turned to her, his voice steady but tinged with urgency. “They’re talking about that missing girl. Lily Gaunth.”

His father leaned in, eager to share. “They said her family is devastated. They really need help right now.”

“Oh, God. How awful! Which town did this happen in?” his mother asked, her brow furrowing in concern.

“In the neighboring town,” Nathan replied, memories flooding back. “I went there for a competition last year.”

He finished his breakfast quickly, a sense of purpose rising within him. As he walked to school, the image of Lily lingered in his mind. He imagined himself helping to find her, picturing their potential friendship, their laughter echoing through the hallways. Nathan was usually quiet, often lost in his thoughts, but today he felt a fire inside him.

***

The school bell rang, signaling the start of recess. Nathan found a quiet spot on the bench, his sketchbook resting on his knees. As he doodled, his best friends, Paul and Travis, approached, their excitement palpable.

“Foust! You coming shopping with us next week? It's a long waited break after all.” Paul asked, leaning over to get a better look at Nathan’s drawing.

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Nathan shook his head, his expression serious. “I won’t be in town during the break. Have fun without me.”

“What? Why? You never said anything about that before!” Travis exclaimed, his eyebrows furrowing in confusion. “What’s going on?”

Taking a deep breath, Nathan decided to share his plan. “I want to help find the missing girl, Lily. I think I can do it.”

Paul blinked, surprised. “Wait, the girl from the news? You want to actually go look for her?”

Travis’s eyes widened. “I heard about her too. That’s really brave, Nathan.”

“But what if she’s dead?” Paul said with a straight face.

“No. She’s alive,” Nathan stated firmly, a conviction resonating in his tone.

“And how do you know?” Travis asked, curiosity replacing his initial hesitation.

“I don’t know. I hope. I really hope she’s okay,” Nathan replied, determination shining in his eyes.

Paul shifted, a mischievous grin creeping onto his face. “Sweet. Let's find it out.” He continued, “What if we summon her ghost? If she shows up, it means she’s gone. If not, she’s still out there!”

Nathan and Travis stayed silent for a minute. Did Paul really just say that?

Travis stared at Paul, horrified. “You’re insane.”

Nathan, intrigued by the idea, raised an eyebrow. “Actually, he's right. We can know for sure whether she's alive.”

“Seriously? What's wrong with you? It's not something to mess with!” Travis exclaimed furiously.

Paul waved his hand dismissively. “Come on, Travis! Just borrow some of your mom’s tarot cards. It’ll be alright!”

After a lengthy debate, Travis, the more timid of the three, finally relented. “Fine! But only if you promise to stop if I get too freaked out.”

“Deal,” Nathan said, excitement bubbling in his chest. They made plans to gather at Nathan’s house that night for a sleepover and to conduct the ritual after midnight when his parents were asleep.

***

As night descended, Nathan’s room was filled with flickering candlelight, casting long shadows across the walls. The boys were gathered around a makeshift altar, their faces illuminated by the soft glow. Nathan felt a mixture of thrill and anxiety, the air thick with anticipation.

“Okay, here’s the plan,” Nathan said, taking charge. “We follow the instructions exactly. No messing around.”

Paul smirked, adjusting his glasses. “I promise I won’t turn into a pumpkin or anything.”

Travis rolled his eyes, trying to mask his nerves. “Let’s just get this over with.”

As they began the ritual, Nathan’s voice was steady, reciting the incantation with a seriousness that belied his age. The boys focused, hearts racing, glancing nervously at one another. Time seemed to stretch, but nothing happened. Silence enveloped them, and the tension in the room dissipated.

“See? Nothing. She must be alive,” Nathan said, relief flooding his voice.

“Let’s just go to bed,” Travis suggested, eager to escape the eerie atmosphere. They climbed into their sleeping bags, the weight of the night hanging heavily on their minds.

In the early hours, Travis awoke, his need for the bathroom pulling him from a restless sleep. He tiptoed out, but as he returned to the room, he noticed a shadowy figure standing by the window.

“Nathan? What are you doing?” he mumbled, rubbing his eyes.

But when he looked closer, he realized Nathan was fast asleep in his bed. Panic surged through him. The figure was not Nathan; it was Lily.

She stood there, ethereal and delicate, her features faintly glowing in the darkness. Travis’s heart raced, and he couldn’t process what he was seeing.

“Lily?” he whispered, but his voice cracked.

With a sudden jolt, he let out a terrified scream and collapsed, the world around him fading to black.

***

Nathan stirred awake at the sound, his heart pounding in his chest. “Travis! What happened?”

Paul was already sitting up, his face pale. “Dude, what was that scream?”

“Travis, wake up!” Nathan said, shaking him gently, confusion etched on his face.

“Guys, I think he’s out cold!” Paul exclaimed, his voice trembling.

Nathan looked around, his instincts kicking in. “What scared him so much?”

Paul was staring at the window, his voice barely above a whisper. “Nathan, turn around.”

With a slow, heavy breath, Nathan turned. And there she was—Lily. The very girl they had been searching for, standing in the dim light, her presence both haunting and gentle.

The air crackled with tension, and as their eyes met, Nathan’s heart raced. This was just the beginning.

***

To be continued...