THE LOST DAUGHTER

Kali was stirred awake by a man's voice. "It's been touch and go with this patient, but we're seeing progress." 

She sat up abruptly, eyes searching for the stranger—but the voice was coming from the television. The small screen flickered, showing a medical drama. Kali exhaled shakily.

Daylight streamed through the window, casting warm golden hues over the timber walls. The fire had burned down to embers, but the room still held a lingering warmth. 

Kali shifted in the bed and was relieved to find that the throbbing pain in her head had dulled significantly. When she swung her legs over the side of the bed and stood, she was even more surprised to find her strength returning.

She moved cautiously through the house, her footsteps light against the wooden floors. She checked the stairs in the hallway and peered into the kitchen, but no one was there. The house was quiet, save for the muffled audio from the television 

As she passed through the living room again, her eyes caught on a photo hanging on the wall. She stepped closer, her brow furrowing as she examined it.

In the photo, Dakota stood beside her mother, both smiling warmly. Next to them was an older man with weathered features and silver-streaked hair—who Kali assumed must be Dakota's father. Beside him was a younger man with dark hair and a confident grin, his arm slung around Dakota's shoulders.

Their happy faces stirred up feelings of longing in Kali, that of the family she was missing and the happiness that escaped her.

A soft creak from behind startled her. 

She spun around to find Dakota's mother standing in the doorway, her calm eyes fixed on Kali. The old woman didn't say anything. Instead, her gaze shifted past Kali to the photo on the wall. A shadow of sadness crossed her face, her lips pressing together tightly as though holding back words.

Kali's chest tightened, anxiety bubbling up as she thought of her parents and stared at the doctors on the television, reminded of the lab that separated her from them.

Immediately, the throbbing in her head returned, sharp and insistent, like a warning. She gritted her teeth, trying to steady herself, but the overwhelming emotions pushed to the surface. 

A low hum filled the room as her powers flickered to life. The lights overhead dimmed, then pulsed vibrantly. The television screen warped into static, the voice from the medical drama cutting out mid-sentence.

The old woman gripped the edge of the doorway, but she didn't back away. Her gaze stayed fixed on Kali, wide and searching, as if trying to understand what was happening.

Kali closed her eyes, desperately wishing for it to stop. 

Whether it was her body giving in or her own will, the hum dissipated, and the lights and television returned to normal. 

Upon opening her eyes, Kali's first instinct was to grab her things and run. But before she could act, the front door swung open, letting in a gust of cold air. Dakota stepped inside, her face etched with concern.

"I saw the lights flickering from outside," Dakota said, glancing at her mother, who still stood silent. "It's probably just the generator acting up. I'll check on it."

The old woman didn't even acknowledge her daughter as she turned and walked into another room. Dakota seemed slightly aggravated by this, but instead she turned to Kali.

"You slept through the morning," Dakota said. "Sorry, I didn't wake you—I was busy. It's almost four now, but I can still take you to the nearest town before it gets too dark."

She paused when a loud growl from Kali's stomach broke the silence. Kali flushed, wrapping her arms around herself, but Dakota laughed nervously. 

"I should've asked earlier if you're hungry," said Dakota.

Kali hesitated, but before she could respond, Dakota was already in the kitchen. 

Kali followed, admittedly more hungry than she realized. 

Dakota looked around puzzled, "Do you feel like breakfast or lunch? Or dinner?" Kali didn't mind, but Dakota continued. "No cereal, but there's some vegetable soup. How does that sound?"

"That's fine," Kali said quietly.

"Okay. I still have some work to finish up outside," Dakota said, turning on the stove and setting a bowl and spoon out on the table. Without another word she left the room.

As the soup began to simmer gently on the stove, Kali's ears caught the faint murmur of the television from the living room. At first, she ignored it, focusing on the bubbling of the soup, but a particular phrase made her freeze in place.

"...a missing girl..."

Heart pounding, Kali slowly walked into the living room. On the television screen, a female reporter stood in front of a familiar sign—Earlie's Gas.

"Authorities are looking into a possible sighting of Kali Prasad, a 10 year old girl who was abducted three years ago in London," the reporter said, her tone urgent. 

A photo of a Kali, 7 years old, appeared in the corner of the screen, alongside a sketch of what Kali looks like presently. 

"The sighting was reported by Harold Earlie at his gas station. Mr Earlie said that the girl identified her parents as Prasad, from London, and a call was made to them before she fled. Highway patrol officers arrived and searched the area, but no sign of her was found. According to her parents, Aisha and Vikram, Kali mentioned being afraid of the police."

The room seemed to close in, as Kali listened with bated breath, while the soup in the kitchen boiled over. 

"Investigators are urging that if you see a child matching Kali's description, to call Crime Stoppers immediately. And stay tuned, at 6pm tonight, we'll be joining Mr and Mrs Prasad at Kingswood Town Hall where they'll be sharing their plea to find their daughter—and to Kali herself, if she's watching."

Kali stared at the sketch of herself on the screen, the image blurring slightly as tears welled up in her eyes. Joy bubbled up at the thought of parents not giving up on her. 

They had come for her. They were still looking, still hoping. 

But that joy was quickly overshadowed by the suffocating weight of anxiety. Doctor Brenner had manipulated everything in her life. What if this was another trap? 

Even though she didn't know what was real or safe anymore, one thing was clear: she couldn't ignore this. She couldn't let her fear hold her back this time.

***

The sun hung low over an endless expanse of snow blanketing the fields, as an old Dodge truck rattled over the frosted asphalt, its engine groaning with every bump in the road.

Inside the truck, the air was frigid. The windows fogged at the edges, and the faint warmth of Kali's breath left small circles on the glass, as she sat rigid in the passenger seat.

From the driver's seat, Dakota cleared her throat, breaking the steady hum of the engine. "So, anywhere in Kingswood you want me to drop you off?"

Kali's gaze didn't leave the road ahead. "Town Hall."

Dakota nodded, her expression neutral. "Town Hall it is."

Kali coughed softly, the sound swallowed by the truck's rattling. Dakota glanced at her from the corner of her eye. "Sorry, the heater's busted. Truck's so old, there's no radio either. But don't worry—we'll make it."

The truck jolted over a crack in the road, and Kali tensed, clutching the edge of the seat. An awkward silence settled between them, broken only by the groan of the suspension. 

She could feel Dakota's unease, as though the woman couldn't wait to be rid of her. But then unexpectedly, Dakota shrugged off her own coat and handed it over.

Kali blinked at the gesture, "You'll be cold."

Dakota insisted, "You look like you need it more."

Reluctantly, Kali took the coat, draping it over her shoulders. It smelled faintly of pine and wood smoke.

"Thanks," she said quietly.

Dakota didn't reply, her eyes fixed firmly on the road ahead. Kali couldn't shake the feeling that Dakota was still uncomfortable around her, but she looked forward as well, her thoughts shifting to what lay ahead. 

Kingswood was larger than Kali had expected. Even as the sun was setting, the town still buzzed with activity. Cars rolled through the streets, and clusters of people strolled along the sidewalks, chatting or ducking into shops.

Kali's unease grew with each passing block. There were too many people, too many eyes and any one of them might recognize her from the news. She sank lower in her seat.

Dakota slowed the old Dodge as they reached the main square, where the Town Hall stood tall and imposing with its stone facade and arched windows. The faint glow of the interior lights spilled out onto the snowy entrance steps.

The truck creaked as Dakota pulled into the parking lot across from the building. Kali immediately noticed the news van in front of the Town Hall. A cameraman adjusted some equipment and a reporter stood nearby, brushing snow off her notepad.

Dakota followed Kali's gaze, but she didn't comment. "So," she said, breaking the tension "You sure you'll be okay?"

Kali nodded quickly, keeping her eyes low. 

Dakota hesitated. "You want me to walk you in?"

"No." Kali's voice came out sharper than intended.

Dakota seemed concerned, but she didn't push it. "Take care of yourself, okay?"

Kali nodded again, pushing the truck door open and stepping out. As she walked slowly up the parking lot, she thought about turning back to say goodbye, but the truck was already pulling away. She watched it disappear down the road, deciding it was better this way. 

Hiding behind a car, her eyes turned to the front of the Town Hall. The reporter and cameraman were still outside, and Kali figured that they must be waiting for her parents to arrive. Her gaze then swept the street, searching for any sign of police cars, but none were in sight.

Not that it mattered, she thought. As soon as her parents arrived, she'd run to them. She'd tell them everything—about the lab, the other children and what had been done to them. With reporters and cameras around, they'd all have to listen.

Kali watched the cars drive by the town hall, holding her breath every time one slowed down and hoping her parents would step out. But they all drove past.

Then, from the corner of her eye, she saw someone she didn't expect walking toward the Town Hall. Dakota stopped in front of the reporter and began talking to her. Kali didn't have to imagine what they were saying. 

Her legs moved before her mind could catch up. She started walking toward the back of the parking lot, keeping her head low and trying not to run so as to draw attention. 

But she soon realized that was pointless, as a sleek black car slowly reversed out of a parking space and inched towards her.

Kali immediately veered right to avoid it, but she barely got two steps before another car pulled up. Two men in dark suits stared back at her from inside.

She didn't wait for them to move on her and bolted straight ahead. Then just as she was about to reach the end of the lot, the screech of tires made her stop, as another car cut her off. 

The door swung open with a chilling swiftness, and a stern-looking woman with stark white hair stepped out. 

Kali almost tripped as she turned on her heel, sprinting back the way she came. She zigzagged through the lot, dodging parked cars and glancing over her shoulder. The suited men and the white-haired woman were closing in. She dived behind a sedan, crouching low and trying not to make a sound.

Through the left side mirror she saw one of the men rounding a corner, but she could not see where the others were. 

She did however hear the woman as she called out. "You've already put your parents in danger by calling them."

Kali risked a glance through the right side mirror, spotting the woman standing a few feet away. 

"But nothing has to happen to them," the woman said smoothly. "You can stop this." The woman's hand slipped into her coat and retrieved a dart gun. Its black barrel gleamed in the fading light. 

Kali crouched lower, desperately trying to summon her powers, but the effort only brought the familiar searing pain in her head. She gritted her teeth, forcing herself to focus. The threat to her parents, their lives in danger because of her, fueled her anger.

She clung to it, letting it push her through the pain. Her fingers clenched into fists as she stared at the dark asphalt, willing herself to disappear. But she was out of time.

The footsteps stopped and Kali slowly turned her head towards them. The woman was standing less than a foot away; the dart gun hung loosely in her grip, ready to fire. 

Kali braced herself for the inevitable, but the woman's eyes passed right over her. A wave of relief and exhilaration washed over her. She had done it. She'd made herself invisible.

Staying perfectly still, she watched as the others spread out and checked each car ahead. When they reached the front of the lot, the woman pointed toward the Town Hall, and two of the men started in that direction. Kali craned her neck to get a better look, but Dakota was no longer with the reporter. 

Her thoughts then turned to her parents and the threat the woman had made. She didn't want to give up on them, but it appeared that it wasn't up to her, as the two other men were doubling back to search the parking lot again. 

Crouching lower, Kali carefully made her way across the lot and slipped into the bustling street beyond. The sudden change in noise was overwhelming—cars honked, people chattered, and the clamor of a nearby shopfront bell jangled her nerves. But she kept her head down, weaving through the crowd and their countless eyes that made her feel exposed.

Then just as she turned to check if the men were following her, she collided into someone. Stumbling back, her wide eyes locked onto Dakota's startled face. For a moment, everything around her seemed to slow down, as she stepped back—right into the road.

A van's horn blared as brakes squealed. The driver swerved and missed Kali by inches. Shouts erupted from the sidewalk. A small crowd gathered, murmuring in alarm.

No, no, no, Kali thought. The commotion had drawn attention—not just from the crowd, but from the two men that were searching the lot. Kali bolted down a nearby alley, its tall walls receding into darkness, but it led to a dead end. 

She tried every door, pulling and pounding on them with all her strength, but they wouldn't budge. Then her blood ran cold, as she heard footsteps approaching. 

Ducking behind a dumpster, she begged herself to disappear, but fear overwhelmed her, making it impossible to concentrate. All she could think about was the scene she had caused. That someone could have been hurt or worse, and it would have been all her fault. 

The footsteps edged closer, as a shadow loomed over her. But when she looked up to face it, it wasn't who she feared.

Dakota crouched down, her face softened with concern. "Your name is Kali, isn't it?" she asked gently.

Kali didn't respond, but her wide eyes gave her away.

"The reporter," Dakota continued, "She told me you've been missing for three years. That you were... abducted." She let the weight of the word settle for a moment, then quickly added, "But you don't have to worry. I didn't tell her I saw you."

Kali didn't understand why she would have done that, but she desperately wanted to believe her. Dakota extended her hand. "Come on. Let's get you somewhere safe."

Kali's small hand trembled as it reached out and took Dakota's hand, its warmth and solid grip steadying her. Together, they rose to their feet and began to walk back up the alley. Kali stuck close, her body taut and vigilant.

As they neared the street, Kali stopped abruptly, "Wait," she whispered, her voice barely audible. 

She pointed toward the bustling crowd and Dakota followed her gaze, spotting two men further up the street, their eyes sweeping over the crowd.

Dakota cursed under her breath and crouched slightly, shielding Kali with her body. "Okay," she said firmly, her voice a mix of calm and urgency. 

She shrugged off her coat and wrapped it around Kali's shoulders, pulling the hood up to obscure her face. "We're going to my truck. Just keep your head down and stay close."

Kali nodded, and the two of them moved cautiously along the edge of the street, weaving through the crowd. Dakota kept her arm around Kali, guiding her in the opposite direction of the searching men. The old Dodge truck came into view, parked at the far end of the lot. Kali's legs felt like they might give out at any moment, but she kept moving.

***

During the drive back, Dakota's eyes darted to the rearview mirror every few seconds, but there didn't appear to be any cars following them. Kali sat curled up in the passenger seat, her body half-wrapped in Dakota's coat. The silence between them stretched on, neither of them ready to break it.

As the sun dipped below the horizon, leaving the world bathed in blue twilight, Dakota finally spoke, her voice cautious and soft. "I don't think they're following us."

Kali stayed quiet for a long moment, but a question had been gnawing at her and she asked quietly, "Why didn't you tell the reporter about me?"

Dakota was surprised and considered her words carefully before answering. "You didn't want me to call anyone. Not the police... So I didn't want to put you in a worse spot by saying something. That's why I went looking for you."

Kali hesitated, her gaze dropping to her lap. "Those people... they wanted to take me away."

Dakota's didn't interrupt. She kept her focus on the road ahead, letting Kali speak at her own pace.

"They said they'd hurt my parents." Kali continued, her eyes stinging with tears. "I called them. I thought I could see them… but now…"

"This isn't your fault," Dakota said gently. "Whatever these people did to you, it's not your fault." 

Kali wasn't sure that was true, feeling that every decision she had made was a mistake. She looked out at the vast, shadowy landscape and wished she could disappear into it. 

The rest of the drive continued on in silence and by the time they arrived at the farm, the world was cloaked in darkness. Inside the house, Dakota pointed Kali to the bathroom to wash up. 

Kali locked the door and turned on the bathtub taps, letting the water run warm before stepping in. The heat wrapped around her and finally she allowed herself to cry. 

She hugged her knees to her chest, as her tears fell silently into the swirling water. Her parents' faces hovered in her mind and the pain of losing them again washed over her. 

When the water turned cold, she finally emerged and dressed in the oversized but comfortable clothes left outside. A faint blue glow spilled into the hallway from the living room, and as Kali approached, the sound of voices growing clearer.

Kali stepped into the room quietly, greeted by the unmistakable tone of her mother calling to her from the TV. Dakota sat on the couch, her elbows resting on her knees, staring at the screen.

"Kali, if you can hear this," her mother's voice wavered. "We miss you so much."

Kali moved slowly toward the screen, sinking to her knees in front of it. Her fingers hovered near the edge, as if touching the screen might somehow reach them. 

"Please come home. We love you." Her father broke through, his eyes glistening. 

Kali's lips trembled as she whispered, "I'm sorry. I can't."

Her parent's faces faded, and the room fell quiet except for the low hum of the television. 

Dakota exhaled "I know what it's like to want to fix everything, to take it all on yourself, but... the world won't let you."

Kali stayed silent, watching her carefully.

Dakota's fingers tightened on her knees, "My brother…"

The words caught in her throat, "He didn't want to fight in a war, but he wasn't given a choice." 

She paused to wipe a tear away, "And when he didn't come back, my father blamed himself—thought he should've done more to keep him safe. That regret—he carried it until he couldn't anymore. After that... my mother just stopped. Stopped talking, stopped living. It was like I lost her too."

Kali's gaze softened at Dakota's vulnerability.

"I just don't want you to think you're alone." Dakota said endearingly. "I know it feels that way, but you're not alone."

Kali let the weight of Dakota's words settle over her, and something unspoken passed between them—a shared understanding. They had each other.