Time Flies

A month passed and Jack was used to the place. Sometimes, he would even leave the house to play with the neighbors' kids or spend the night at his friend's house.

Even though, he would be out most of the time. He would still find some time to spend with his sister.

---

"I'm happy to see that my brother is finally feeling comfortable here," Mary said, sitting on a stool. There's a coffee table in front of her.

"That's good. So, do you want to have dinner tonight with me?"Lily said.

"Sure but my brother can't join. He said that he will have a sleepover at his friend's house tonight."

"Oh, so it will be only the two of us, I guess. Wanna have a sleepover at my place too?"

"Sure! It will be nice to have someone to keep me company."

"Then... I'll make the plans tonight. See you soon."

"Bye~"

Lily left. Mary then went to take a bath and prepare for the night. At night, Mary went to Lily's house and spent the night there.

The next morning, Mary went back home. She waited for her brother to come back. She waited from morning to night but he didn't return. She started to worry and went to her brother's friend. She went to his friend's house and knocked on the wooden door.

Jack's friend came out of the house and looked at Mary.

"What is it?" he said in a tired voice.

"Where is my brother? Is he staying here for another night?"Mary said exhaustedly.

"Huh!? What do you mean? He left in the morning."

"What? But he didn't return."

"That's strange." he said."Why is it so fast this time?" he mumbled to himself.

"What do you mean so fast? What are you talking about?"She asked with a curious and confused expression.

"Oh, right.... you're new here. Well...the new people, who move here always disappear out of thin air and they never return after that."

"What!?"

"Wait, there's more. The target of the kidnapper or something is always aiming for the kids first and then the adult. But usually, the adults will disappear later than the kids."

"What do you mean by that?"

"I mean the adults will disappear...After 3 weeks their kids disappeared, but some adults will disappear after a year or more."

"Oh, so you mean that adults don't have a specific time for them to disappear?"

"Yes, exactly what I meant."

"....I see. So, can you help me find my brother?"

"Nope, no can do, Miss."

"Why...Why not?!"Mary shouted."Isn't my little brother your friend? How can you not worry about him."

"He is my friend."He  exclaimed "But whenever the people disappear, they will never return so-"

"It's hopeless asking you fake friends to help me. Fine! I'll find him myself!"

Mary left, irritated. She walked back to her home and rethought what he said. She lay on her bed, crying. Will, I never see my brother again. Just like what he said.No!I won't give up! I'll find him until the day I'm kidnapped or die!

She looked out of the window. Determination sparkled in her eyes.