Tragic Fate

[Oriana's POV]

Hi, I am Oriana Hailey B. Hoody. It's September 9, 2009, and I'm currently 17 years old. My parents tragically passed away in a plane crash when I was just 12 years old, and my kind-hearted uncle became my guardian. He is a good man, and I affectionately refer to him as Papa Bear.

On this particular cloudy day, I found solace in my room. Exhausted from the outside world, I immersed myself in the art of unlocking various locks and solving intricate puzzles. Papa Bear often reminded me that my late father was a talented magician, while my mother had an expertise in precious stones. He always encouraged me to follow my own path and become whoever I wanted to be.

However, there was a void within me that material possessions and solitary activities couldn't fill. Despite having the freedom to buy whatever I desired by secretly opening Papa Bear's vault and taking some money, I still felt a deep sense of emptiness and coldness in my heart. I had grown accustomed to being alone, finding solace in my own company, and I detested the attention from boys at school who continuously sent me letters.

One day, a boy who was tall, handsome, and the center of attention for many girls, approached me and professed his love. He invited me on a date, declaring, "I love you! Because of you, I have found love!" Yet, I calmly replied, "Love? It's just a distraction from what truly matters." With gentle words, I turned down his invitation, convinced that love only hindered and diverted one's focus from important things in life.

As I delved into my math studies, Papa Bear knocked on my door, his smile radiating warmth and happiness. He invited me to a children's party taking place at his other mansion. Politely, I declined his offer, for he knew me well enough to understand my antisocial tendencies and disdain for parties.

My little cousin, Kelly, smiled and waved at me, bidding me farewell as they embarked on their journey to the party. In that moment, a soft smile graced my face, and I felt a glimmer of warmth permeate my once cold heart. Seeing the love and joy shared among my family members, I couldn't help but feel a deep sense of love and gratitude.

As their car disappeared from view, I whispered a prayer, asking for their safe journey and eagerly anticipating their return. The love and bond I shared with my family began to thaw the ice within me, reminding me that amidst the solitude and detachment, there existed a profound connection that brought meaning to my life.

In that moment, I realized that love, in its truest form, could coexist with one's pursuit of personal growth and individuality. Perhaps, with time, I would come to understand and embrace this powerful emotion in a way that didn't compromise my own identity and aspirations.

With renewed hope and a softened heart, I returned to my studies, cherishing the love and support of my family. I understood that the warmth and solace they provided were irreplaceable, and no amount of material possessions or isolation could ever replace the love I found within their embrace.

September 10, 2009 - 03:00 AM

I abruptly woke up to the sound of police cars patrolling outside, their sirens piercing through the silence of the night. Something was amiss, and an unsettling feeling gripped my heart. Though groggy from sleep, my curiosity drove me to investigate the commotion.

As I made my way to the front door, a sense of foreboding washed over me. Papa Bear's somber expression told a tale of sorrow and despair. He informed me that Kelly, my dear cousin, was missing, along with six other children. The weight of the news struck me like a thunderbolt, leaving me bewildered and filled with a mix of disbelief and fear.

In Papa Bear's tired eyes, I could see the anguish of a father who had lost his beloved son. It seemed as though he had cried so much that there were no more tears left to shed. The news delivered another devastating blow—my Uncle Petri had been found lifeless, a victim of the criminals behind this heinous act. The police revealed that there were no traces of the children's bodies, labeling them as missing.

As I absorbed the information from the newspapers, television news, and radio broadcasts, my heart grew heavy with discomfort. It felt as though a numbing sensation had engulfed me, shielding me from the cruel reality of the situation. When was the last time I had experienced such profound loss? The pain of losing someone dear to me was almost alien, yet it weighed heavily upon my chest.

I could not bear to witness Papa Bear's mourning for his only son. It pained me to think that I had also lost a little brother, Kelly, whose smile and laughter had brightened our lives. The weight of grief settled upon my shoulders, an indescribable sadness that engulfed me.

"Luce in Caelo Diamantina, custodi oculum vigilem." These were the words my mother had left behind for me, accompanied by her code, Lucy's diamonds in the sky. Papa Bear had told me that my mother had a special connection with diamonds, considering them as symbols of strength, beauty, and hidden truths. She believed that within each sparkling diamond lay a story waiting to be discovered.

My mother would often point to the night sky, adorned with countless stars, and refer to it as her celestial treasure trove. She called it "Lucy's diamonds in the sky," a secret language shared only between us. It was a reminder to always keep a watchful eye, to seek the hidden truths and protect what was dear to us.

The diamonds in the sky became a source of solace and inspiration for me. Whenever I gazed at the twinkling constellations, I felt a deep connection with my mother, as if her spirit was present in each shimmering star. It was a comforting reminder that she was watching over me, guiding me from beyond.

Papa Bear explained that my mother had entrusted everything to me, not just material possessions, but her wisdom, her strength, and her love. The legacy she left behind was not merely about wealth or inheritance, but about embracing life's mysteries, unraveling the hidden truths, and always keeping a vigilant eye on the world around me.

One day, as I was returning home from school, my curiosity piqued when I noticed a newspaper with the headline, "The Wednesday 999." The arrangement of numbers reminded me of the devil's code, 666, but inverted. It seemed evident that this was no mere coincidence. The criminals responsible for these abductions and murders were far more sinister than the devil himself.

The world around me had become a dark and treacherous place, hiding secrets and malevolent forces that threatened the very fabric of our existence. It was a chilling realization that evil could lurk in the shadows, preying on innocence and shattering lives.

A resolve ignited within me, fueled by a desire to unveil the darkness that plagued our lives. The words of my mother's code echoed in my mind, a reminder of the strength and resilience she had instilled in me. I vowed to seek justice, to uncover the truth behind the Wednesday 999, and to protect the lives of those still trapped in the clutches of this wickedness.