That Place

Ding!

As soon as the doors opened, Serena stormed out of the lift. Why was Aiden Hawk making everything so difficult? Dam* it! That man was dangerous as hell! How did she forget that? 

He'd almost seduced her into forgetting her mission! With a shake of her head, she reminded herself. She needed to uncover the truth and piece together her fragmented memory.But no matter how hard she tried, everything remained a frustrating blank. She rubbed her temples, willing away the dull ache that had settled there. She wanted her memory back. She needed it.

"Argh! This is so frustrating!" She cried. 

Where was she supposed to start now? He'd closed all doors by ordering the hospital to not give her any information. She paused mid-step. There was one other lead! 

Her supposed parents! The people Aiden had taken her to meet. If they were truly her parents, surely they would have proof. Old photographs, documents, something that could trigger a memory.

If they didn't, then there's definitely something fishy going on!

It took her a while but she recalled the name of the street. She hailed for a cab and gave the driver the address. A knot of worry tightened in her stomach. She recalled the uneasiness she had felt. As she watched the buildings pass by, she couldn't help but think about how ironic it was. Just last week, she made a scene when Aiden had tried to bring her there and today, she was going there willingly. 

"Miss, we're here."

The driver's words pulled her back to the present. She paid him and stepped out of the cab, looking around carefully. There was no turning back now. Her instincts screamed for her to be cautious as she gripped the hems of her skirt. 

This is where they had stopped last time. But she didn't know the exact address of where the couple stayed.

Just then, she spotted a small shop nearby and decided to try her luck there.

"You don't look like you belong, miss. Is there something I can help you with?" An elderly man who was by the shop asked. 

Usually old men were gentle but he looked… dangerous. 

"I'm looking for a couple who lives around here. 

Short man with graying hair. And the woman is a bit plump, with a mean look. Their daughter has been in a coma for a while now...Do you know where they live?"

"You're talking about the Thompsons?" He asked cautiously as he looked her up and down.

Serena simply nodded. She didn't know their surnames but this was her only lead!

"Who are they to you?"

Serena gulped at this. "I am their daughter." Feeling distasteful at having to say something like this, she quickly continued, "Do you know them??"

The man nodded slowly, still assessing her, "Yeah I do. You're looking for them, aren't you? I can take you to them if you like."

A chill ran down her spine at his words. There was something in his tone, something she couldn't quite place, that set off alarm bells in her head. She shook her head and forced a smile. "Oh, no, don't go to any trouble. Just the address will do. I'll definitely find it."

"No no! I insist! We wouldn't want you to get lost." As he said that, he quickly started to move, continuing," Wait here. I'll be right back."

Something screamed out at her. But she didn't know what it was. As she watched the old man disappear into the shop, her gut feeling took control. Serena turned on her heels and began walking away. 

"Miss, where are you going?" She heard the old man calling out to her from behind. 

"Oh, I uh, remembered I had something on. I'll see them another time. Bye!" 

Her heart pounded in her chest as she walked away as calm as she could. Her eyes darted around, looking for anyone she could call out to for help. It was only then did she notice how deserted the street was. 

Wanting to see if the man followed her, Serena turned back. A shadow loomed over her. 

"Hel-"

Serena felt a hand on the nape of her neck. Panicked, she struggled but a piece of cloth smothered her nose and mouth. Her vision began to blur as her limbs grew heavy. 

Darkness closed in and everything faded to black.