Chapter 5
638 Words
Mike, Jake, and Selin scoured Mia's classroom, department library, and surrounding areas, but their search yielded nothing. They informed the authorities, who launched a second, more thorough search.
A teacher revealed that Mia hadn't attended class that day. Fellow students claimed they hadn't seen her, adding that Mia was quiet and often kept to herself. The teacher shrugged it off, citing skipped classes as common.
Mike and Jake corrected the teacher, explaining they had dropped Mia off at the department. The teacher's expression turned serious.
"Let's check the surveillance footage," the teacher suggested.
In the security room, they confirmed Jake's account through the cameras. However, the stairwell cameras had been malfunctioning for some time, leaving only corridor footage usable. The stairs, primarily emergency exits, were rarely used due to the lift. But the lift had broken down two days prior.
"This doesn't make sense," Mike said, frustration mounting. "We need to review the entire building's footage."
Jake nodded. "And check for any witnesses."
Selin's eyes welled up. "What if something's happened to her?"
As darkness gathered outside, a teacher proposed, "Maybe she got the wrong floor? Let's check the top floor."
Some teachers hesitated, fueled by longstanding rumors about the fourth floor. But Jake, Selin, Mike, and two brave teachers decided to investigate.
The elevator was still out of order , so they trudged up the stairs, dust and leaves scattering with each step. The fourth floor's deserted corridors seemed to whisper eerie tales.
As they searched, the silence was oppressive. Just as they were about to leave, a faint figure caught their attention.
"Mia!" Selin screamed, rushing toward her.
Mia lay motionless at the far end of the hall, her body limp in a coma-like state. Jake, Mike, and the teachers rushed to her side.
"Call an ambulance!" one teacher shouted.
Mike's voice trembled. "What happened to her?"
Jake's eyes scanned the area. "We need to find out."
Selin clutched Mia's hand. "Don't leave us, Mia."
The next afternoon, Mia slowly regained consciousness. However, her mind was foggy, and she wasn't fully coherent.
To avoid alarming her parents, Selin fabricated a gentle explanation. "She's not feeling well, low blood pressure," Selin told them over the phone. "The doctors are taking care of her."
Mia's parents expressed concern, asking if they should come. Selin reassured them, "No need, we've got everything under control. The hospital staff is excellent. We'll keep you updated and call if necessary."
Mia's parents reluctantly agreed, trusting Selin's judgment.
As Selin hung up, Mike and Jake exchanged worried glances. "What really happened to Mia?" Mike whispered.
Selin shook her head. "We'll wait for the doctors' assessment. Let's keep the truth from her parents for now."
Mia, still disoriented, mumbled incoherently. Selin held her hand, trying to comfort her.
Saturday morning, Mia fully regained her sanity. With Mike, Jake, and Selin by her side, she recounted her ordeal.
"I saw a white figure... I was tied to a chair in a classroom... I don't remember anything else."
Her friends exchanged worried glances. "But Mia, you were found in the corridor, not a classroom," Selin said gently.
Just then, a teacher arrived, inquiring about Mia's health. Upon hearing her story, the teacher's expression turned solemn.
"This is identical to what happened to another girl two months ago," the teacher revealed. "No marks on the body, no signs of physical harm. The doctor attributed it to fear or hallucination."
Despite assurances to investigate, the teacher's tone hinted at a supernatural explanation.
"We'll look into it," the teacher said, "but for now, focus on recovery. You're granted a week's holiday, Mia. Rest and take care. Keep us updated."
As the teacher departed, Mike whispered, "Do you believe it's really supernatural?"
Jake frowned. "We can't rule it out."
Selin's eyes locked onto Mia's. "We'll protect you, no matter what."
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