Not Just One Mystery

“Do I have to repeat myself? I already told you—there was no one else with her,” I said, trying to keep my voice steady.

“It’s important we clarify every detail, son. We need all the information we can get to solve this as soon as possible,” the detective replied. He was a man in a black suit, watching me intently as he scribbled everything down in a small notebook. “Tell me one more thing, Chris. Did anyone else know you were going to be there?”

I swallowed hard and lowered my gaze.

My grandmother was there, watching me—and it hurt to realize what I saw in her eyes was disappointment.

I couldn’t blame her. Not only had I lied to her, I had scared her half to death.

I felt like an idiot.

After a few seconds of silence, I gave a weak shake of my head.

“No. No one else knew. Just the guys and me. I’m not sure if they told anyone, but I don’t think so. Everyone was keeping it a secret so their parents wouldn’t find out and ground them,” I added quietly.

The detective sighed, breaking the heavy silence.

“Alright. I think that’ll be enough for now.”

I finally looked up as he closed his notebook and put away his pen.

“Mrs. Evans, don’t worry. We’ll keep looking for answers. Maybe one of the other boys’ statements will give us more leads.”

“Are you sure this is necessary? There are plenty of ways a fire could start,” I said, unable to keep from questioning him.

The detective nodded.

“We can’t rule anything out, son. You were all in serious danger.”

“But do you really think someone could’ve—” I started, but he cut me off.

“I don’t want to alarm you, but fires like that aren’t common in that area. And a disaster like that… sometimes it’s not just an accident,” he said, his tone grave.

The tension in the room thickened instantly.

My grandmother looked at me with worry—and something else. Suspicion.

The detective and the doctor exchanged a glance, as if silently assessing the situation.

“Oh my God…” my grandmother whispered, pressing a hand to her chest. She looked shaken—honestly, I felt the same. “But why would anyone do something like that to kids?”

I cut in quickly, my nerves tightening.

“Can I see them now?”

All eyes turned to me, and suddenly I felt cornered.

I hated this—being the center of attention. Especially with a doctor and a cop watching me.

It brought back memories I’d rather forget. About David. About my mom.

“In a moment, Chris. They’re being treated as well,” the detective answered.

My chest tightened with anxiety. I wasn’t patient, and the uncertainty was suffocating.

I shook my head, cursing myself for hesitating like an idiot.

“It’s just… I haven’t seen them all day and—”

“Relax, they’re okay,” the doctor interrupted gently. “Your friend Marcus only has a minor injury on his arm. He’s being treated right now—he’ll be fine. You’ll be able to see your cousin and the others soon. We still need their statements.”

I exhaled, defeated, as my thoughts drifted.

My grandmother and the two men kept talking, but I stopped listening.

I felt overwhelmed. Confused.

It was too much.

I hadn’t seen any of the guys all day. Thankfully, they’d all made it out of the chaos alive. They were lucky—firefighters had reached them in time and helped them get out.

That’s what Marcus said earlier.

He told us that when he woke up, he saw the chaos and acted immediately. He was terrified the fire had started near where the girls were. He said he went alone without thinking—he was too scared, too desperate.

The injury on his right arm happened when a burning tree branch fell nearby and struck him as he was heading toward them.

Marcus said he found the girls—they were choking on the smoke but still alive. They tried to go back for us—Josh, Aaron, and me—but the fire had already blocked the path leading to where we were.

So, just like me… they took a different route to get out.

And that’s when they ran into the firefighters who had gone in to contain the inferno.

They were the ones who helped them. And they went back in—to look for us—after Marcus told them we were still inside.

That explains why I lost sight of Aaron and Josh. Those men got them out when they got separated… and stopped them, just like Marcus, from going back into the forest to look for me.

That place had turned into hell.

That’s what I’ve been told, anyway.

At least I feel a little calmer knowing they made it out safely.

But I’m still starving for answers.

Because not everything has been explained.

Not the fire.

And not the girl who appeared out of nowhere.

I keep wondering who she is. If she’s from Beacon.

I can’t stop thinking about her.

I want to know what’s happening to her right now. She left me… worried.

Even though I don’t know her—don’t know anything about her—she managed to make me feel this deep, restless anxiety.

She looked so scared the last time I saw her.

I just hope she’s okay now. Or at least… calmer.

And yeah… I’ll admit it.

A part of me wants to see her again.

The detective’s questioning was strange. Too strange. He seemed convinced that what happened wasn’t an accident.

I don’t want to think that way too… but nothing’s been clarified yet.

I’m so done with all of this.

I hate hospitals. I just want to get out of here as soon as possible.

I just want to find the guys.

And her…

I hate hospitals. I’m not even sick, but the smell of this place makes me feel like I am.

My ankle sprain got worse from all the pressure I put on it, and the burns on my arms weren’t too serious. According to the doctor, I’ll have scars—but only for a while.

What surprises me the most is that I didn’t have a panic or anxiety attack.

It’s strange. Being in a situation like that should’ve triggered something in me.