"Sit down and rest as much as you can. Soon you'll see what lies in the dark"

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

V.N.

One of the things that keeps us going is the hope that one day it will end. It doesn't always end well, but what we are looking for will not happen without a try. The thing is: is it worth it?

For years, I had been wishing that my time in that town would come to an end, so I stayed there until I found a way out.
At the moment I'm not sure if Hanna is the only thing I've been looking for here lately.

I woke up, had one of my daily walks and went straight to the library Jessy told me about yesterday.

It wasn't big or small, but had a nice, kind of dirt space. In general, It can be said that the place is very old, which makes me think that there might actually be the book we've been looking for here.

—Good morning -I said to an old woman who was taking care of the balcony.

—Hello, Miss, how can I help you?

—I'd like to know if you have any book about Duskwood's legends or stories.

—There is. Yes.

I can barely believe that coming here was actually worth it.

—Just let me check in the computer so that I can get you the book.

—Ok, thanks.

After 5 minutes propped up on the counter, she frowned and checked some sort of diary.

—Is everything alright?

—Hum. I did find the book you are searching for, but It seems like someone already took it and should've brought back 4 days ago.

Fuck. For a moment I was even happy.

—Oh, god. Alright then, I'll come back another day.

—Goodbye and sorry for that!

*

I was going to tell Jessy about it, but it seemed like she already had to deal with some problems.

Spy mode

Phill:
—I knew you were going to disappoint me again, but the fact that Dan didn't even show up for his first day really is another thing.

Jessy:
—What? 🙁

Phill:
—You swore up and down that I wouldn't regret giving him a job. Isn't that what you said?

Jessy:
—Phill I'm sooo sorry😫 I know that there is a valid reason for that

Phill:
—Sorry doesn't do anything for me.
—And while we are at it: Tell your friend Cleo that she no longer needs to snoop around here. Dont you think that it looks terrible to guests?
—Dont even answer.

I can recognize that name, he's Jessy's brother, which considering his behavior is really surprising because he is a real dick. Poor Jessy.

Another thing that surprises me but not that much is what he said about Cleo. I knew she was hiding or planning something again.

—My brother just told me off because of you guys -Jessy sent in the group where everyone is taking part.
—Dan didn't come to the bar (even though it was his FIRST day) and Cleo was snooping around because of Hanna!

Cleo:
—Snooping around? Thats what he said?!
—My god! I just made him a couple of questions

Richy:
—Just like you did to us the other day? When you hopped the fence, did you have the intention to make us a few questions as well?

Me:
—Ayoo, don't start this

Cleo:
—Very well, I suppose we have to hash this out in front of everyone. So let's go.
—Do you even know how badly your brother spoke about Hanna when I talked to him?

Jessy:
—Whatt?

Cleo:
—"She was a piece of work. The way she dressed was just too much"
—"She always wanted the attention of all men on her"

Jessy:
—He would never say something like that

Cleo:
—"And she always flirted with everyone. It was just a matter of time until she got with the wrong guy"

Me:
—Oh my

What sucks about not knowing people is not being able to judge properly. I can't avoid despising Phill after reading all of this, but I have absolute no idea of what Hanna's behavior was like.

Well, thinking about it and considering the way he treated Jessy, I really believe that Phill must be nothing more than a disgusting cock in the ass who thinks everyone is into him, and until proven otherwise, that opinion prevails.

Cleo:
—Well sorry, but that's how it went. And when I have to defend myself from "snooping around", he has to defend himself from what he said about Hanna.

Richy:
—Did he say anything else?

Cleo:
—No because I left. I didn't want to stay and listen to that nonsense any longer.

Richy:
—I have to say he was out of line.
—Do you think I should talk to him sometime?

Cleo:
—That's up to you. I will stay away from Aurora for a certain time.

Richy:
—Vanysh?

Me:
—Yea, Richy, It might be interesting to keep investigating on Phill. He seems mad at Hanna for no apparent reason.

Richy:
—Aye aye!
—ut only when I get back from work😋

Me:
—Take your time.
—Wait a minute, aren't you your own boss?

Richy:
—Yes
—And thats why work always comes first.

Me:
—Makes sense.

When I thought things couldn't get any more interesting, Dan started justificating himself to Jessy.

Spy mode

Dan:
—Hey babe
—I'm really sorry
—I simply forgot

Jessy:
—You know damn well how important Phill is to me

Dan:
—I know. I didn't do It on purpose. In fact, I was so thankful that you got me this job
—But with all of the stuff that has been going on here lately... I just didn't remember
—Come on, I'll make it up to you

Jessy:
—How so😒

Dan:
—I'm going to take you out to the black swan tonight

Jessy:
—My favorite restaurant 😫

Dan:
—Just me and you babe

Jessy:
—Ughh fine, but I'm still mad at you

Dan:
—I'm gonna come up with something to change that😉

Jessy:
—We will see about that😛

Oh well, I had NO IDEA that Dan and Jess were a "thing".
Maybe they're not and Dan just hits on everyone, but that's a shame anyway. I really thought that Richy and Jessy were kind of in love with each other.

____________________________________________

N.N.

Vanysh had done some of those puzzles and unlocked a very interesting picture of a raven marked with blood on a tree. She was wierdly sleepy and didn't even know what to think, just sent it to Jake and fell asleep right away.

Darkness, a strong blinding light and trees were the only visible things, in addition to screams that said unrecognizable things and a mysterious voice.

"WAKE UP! WE NEED TO GO NOW!"

"DON'T LEAVE ME! DON'T LEAVE ME"

Vanysh started thrashing and twisting her body as the screams circled her head and tormented her. She was trapped in that dream, desperately trying to break free.

—Don't.... Leave me -She said seconds before falling on the cold floor and finally waking up.

As if it wasn't enough, a headache and shortness of breath came as a "gift". She began to gasp and sat on the edge of the bed, desperately searching for her tranquilizers at the head of the bed.

—Fuck... Fuck. FUCK!
—I can't have a fucking normal life with no stress -She complained while bursting on tears.

In that moment, Vanysh was by herself. She had no one to talk about it and was too afraid to share those things. A bunch of medicines was the only thing she thought could make those visions and voices get out of her mind.

*

She would constantly sleep and wake up for about 30 minutes. The phone was full of messages from Jake and it seemed like they had talked in the meantime of that "daydream" she had.

25 minutes earlier

Vanysh:
—Don even ask me about ttht pic, I dontkow whato think either

Jake:
—Could It be related to that legend you told me about?

Vanysh:
—Ye ye

Jake:
—Well, I'm going to sit back on this one and put it in your hands.

Vanysh:
—Suchh a gentlewmam

Jake:
—I suggest showing it to the others.

Vanysh:
—L
—K*

Jake:
—Are you alright, Vanysh?

Vanysh:
—Why uouldnt I be

Jake:
—You are acting wierder than the usual.
—Besides your differentiated writing.

Vanysh:
-I

Jake:                                                                                                                                                                                            —Did anything happen?

She saw the message but didn't answer.

After 5 minutes, Jake tried again.

Jake:
—Vanysh?
—Are you still there?
—I'm slightly worried about you.
—Please text me when you feel like talking to someone.

Now

"What the hell have I done. I don't even remember this", she thought.

Vanysh was still very out of herself, but decided to deal with Jake and the legend problem to forget about all the shit that happend.

—Hey Jake
—Things wera bit crazy, but now I'm fine

He instantly went online

—I am relieved.
—Do you want to talk about it?

—Nah

—I understand.

—Takl to you later

Right after that, she sent the photo in the group that jessy created for them to talk about the legends, but never used before.

Jessy:
—The sign of the raven! 😲
—Vanysh where did you get it from?

Vanysh:                                                                                                                                                                                         —Hanna's phone. I jus cant say how I did that

Jessy:
—I trust you, Vanysh, and that's why I won't keep asking about it, and Richy won't either.

Richy:
—🤨

Jessy:
—Right, Richy?

Richy:
—Ugh
—Fine😫

Jessy:
—The most important question is: Why did Hanna have a picture of the sign of the raven?

Richy:
—Well, that's actually the second most important thing, but anyway

Vanysh:
—I mighw sound crazy, but Hanna mightve been searchinf about it or even be related to it

Jessy:
—What if the Man Without a Face marked her?
—Let's remember about the legend real quick
—The MWAF marks sinners on their doors with the sign of the raven and then takes them into the forest

Richy:
—You two are crazy

Vanysh:
—It does make swnse, but It also doesn
—I mean, how could Hanna be a sinner and why?

Richy:
—She isn't. This makes no sense.
—And it doesn't even fit the picture

Jessy:
—How come? It's the sign

Vanysh:
—On a tree. Not her door.

Jessy:
—Oh
—That's just a minor detail

Vanysh:
—We can see that It wasn sent to her personallyw
—But now we know tha she was looking intwo it

Jessy:
—Maybe he marked it there to lure her?

Vanysh:
—Which does make sense accprding to Alfies story

Jessy:
—Hanna was taken to the forest

Richy:
—Well well, now we are reading a little too much into it

Jessy:
—What sins could Hanna have committed?

Vanysh:
—Can you imagine it?

Jessy:
—This is a proof
—I said from the begining that the MWAF would lead us to Hanna!
—Not even our boring gearhead can deny 😋

Vanysh:
—Richy is just skeptical

Jessy:
—Yes yes, but you two will see it soon😑

Richy:
—I have to get something out of my chest
—You don't even have to say a thing Vanysh
—But I am sure that the hacker has something to do with the fact that you got your hands into that picture
—Adios🧐

Smart ass -Vanysh thought. Richy was right, but that wasn't a positive sign. She didn't want any of them to know about the contact she's been having with Jake because it was clear that none of them trusted him completely. Neither Vanysh did.

"Hey. Are you available?" -Cleo sent her 10 seconds after their conversation.

—Sup Cleo.
—Yes, I am

—Glad to hear

—Did anything happen?

—More or less. I just discussed with Dan
—He's mad at me because my mom talked to his mom about the search. She wanted them to help out.

—And why the hell is he mad at you?

—He blames me for that

—He's out of his mind

—Yea, but you know, his mom has severe knee problems and he feels responsible for her actions

—Oh. I didn't know that
—It isn't your fault anyway.

—You're right. Thanks for letting me vent, I won't forget about it

—Whenever you need.

Vanysh was about to leave her phone when Jessy texted her as well.

"I urgently need your help😬"

So everyone is freaking out today? -She thought.

—Hey, Jess. What happend?

—Here:

She sent a photo of her in front of the mirror. Jessy had a ponytail and was wearing a flower print shirt along with black skinny pants.

—Or here:

It was another picture of her, but with a black skirt and a stripped shirt.

—I like the second one best

—Me too
—Thanks💕

As Vanysh had read Jessy and Dan's conversation previously, she already knew the answer, but asked anyway:

—What's the occasion?

—A date🤭

—Nice. Do I know this person?

—You sure do

—Let me guess... Dan or Richy?

—Almost there

—Dan?

—Yes!
—Well, I wish we could just keep talking

—Then let's just talk

—You know what? I much rather just spend the evening with you
—Dan doesn't even deserve to go out with me today
—Vanysh we've got a date🤭

—Do you have to call it that?

—It's afriendly one, if that's what you're worried about

—Ok then.

—Let's go to the rainbow café

—Humm.
—I don't have anything to do right now, so...

—Perfect. See you there in 10 minutes?

—See you.

*

After dressing and brushing her hair, Vanysh went to the café, where Jessy was waiting for her in a table outside.

—Hey jessy.

—Hello!
—Let's grab a drink?

—Sure.

She called the waitress.

—I would like an orange juice. How about you, Van?

—Me too.

*

They kept talking and the drinks arrived within 5 minutes.

—To us, Vanysh! -Jessy said as she raised the drink for a toast.

—To us
—What's going trough your head right now?

—All of this, honestly. A lot of things changed since Hanna has been gone

Right after that, both Vanysh and Jessy received a notification.

Spy mode

Dan:

—Hey, I have been waiting outside for the last 10 minutes. Just come meet me inside.
—Do you want me to order you a drink too?

Even though Dan could be an ass sometimes, Vanysh was sad for him and kind of guilty for that.

—Sorry for that.

—It's ok.
—Back to the subject, I understand how you feel.

Jessy smiled.

—Hold on, Jessy. Did you tell Dan you wouldn't meet him?

—No...

—So you'll just let him wait all the night?

—Maybe...

—Oh yell.

—Let's just forget about him.
—I'll make you a question now.

—Alright.

—Would you rather go out to eat or go to the movies?

—I'll let you choose.

—Movies, then!

—Would you see a horror one?

—Sure.                                                                                                                                                                                        —I have another question... Do you like Cleo better or me?

—What kind of question is that?

—I'm just wondering...

—I really like both of you, and I would rather you two getting along.

—Well I try, but It's been really hard lately.

—I've seen.
—Anyway, how about Richy?

—What?

—I think you guys would make a great couple.

—Hahaha I don't even think he likes me.

—I think he does.

—But I would know if he did.

—Really?

—Well... I'm not that sure now.

—Just pay attention to his behavior.

—I sure will.

*

They kept talking until it started to get dark.

—It was a nice "date"
—Thank you for that -She said as she smiled.

—Yes, it was. I better go now, since it's getting darker and darker.

—See ya!

They hugged and went to different sides.

V.N.

I was already out of the café when Dan sent jessy another message

"Where are you?"

And right after that, he sent me a message. Fuck, does he know I'm the reason for him to be alone tonight?

—Hey -He started.

—Long time no see.
—What do you want?

—I was just bored, and since you are online I thought we could talk

That's strange, specially coming from him, but since he's alone because of me I'll give him a chance.

—We can talk

—Nice
—To be honest, I just got stood up                                                                                                                                —But because I'm a total idiot, I'm standing here hoping that she will show up after all

—I'm sorry for that.

—It's not your fault.

This guilt is eating me alive.

—Anyway, where are you at?

—At the black swan. A mega-expansive restaurant down the kings street

—Seems nice.

—Wanna stop by? I'll buy you some whiskey

Considering that I'm free, walking home and I kind of owe him that, I could go there. But now the medicine's effect is gone and I'm back to the normal, which makes me realise that meeting Dan where he was supposed to go on a date with Jessy isn't a good idea. I don't know what could happen if she found out.

—I wish I could, but I can't.

—Why?
—It will be worth it

—I'm trying to fix my broken shower, which has been giving me a lot a work these days.
—Maybe someday.

—I can get it fixed to you after we get out

—Dan. I can't.

—I understand
—Do you know what's the worst part?

— Your choice of words?

—Haha, I didn't know you had a sense of humor
—I think I misjudged you
—The worst part is that she's completely ignoring me now

—Don't give up, one time or another she will answer.

—Yea yea, I can pull my own leg
—They have a fantastic whiskey here. Too bad it's so expansive
—Did I mention that I was drinking whiskey?

—Yes, you did. Several times.
—How many did you have already?

—I didn't keep count
—I just did the people next to me get up from their table
—This town is really unberable
—But it seems like you've made friends with everyone around here huh?

—What do you mean?

—I am not like a bad guy, you know?

—What's up, Dan?
—You have never showed interest in me before

—I did too

—Lol ok

—What do you want me to do?
—Guys like me always get into the line of fire. We can't change that

—Hold on
—You're saying that I would suspect you if I got to know you better?

—Yep
—But I guess the time has come anyway
—You will see that I'm a good guy
—Sure, I have little flaws here and there
—The others do too. They just hide it better.
—Cleo, who is always snooping around, for example. And don't even get me started on her mother
—Richy
—Richy Richy Richy
—Everything is about his damn work. He might have to close that shit, but everything is so dandy rightj

It's funny how Dan says he is a good guy but starts to talk some shit about his friends right away. Yet, I know he is just drunk and mad with life.

This is the kind of situation I would use to know about the things the others won't tell me, after all, no one is as sincere as a drunk, revolted person. However, I won't. The group has slowly fallen apart, and bringing up the reason for that won't help them.
In the end, I'll try to unite them because they'd be much happier, which is my priority at the moment.

—Dan, quit it.
—We both know you love them, even though they have their flaws.

It took some time for him to answer.

—I had a little bit too much to drink. It happens
—Do you ever drink?

—No, I don't

—How boring

—But if you wanna know, I do some shit here and there

—Really?

—Yea, but that doesn't matter right now. You need to stop drinking.

—Oj no
—Its too soon

—You're already writing wrong

—Who cates?
—Cares

—Quit. Drinking.

—I did something wrong Vanysh

—What?

—Thomas went in Hanna's apartment
—And I got him the key

Talk like I didn't know.

—You did whaat?

—Yeppp
—You do know that the police consider him a suspect?

—I mean, who doesn't

—What can I say, I pratically opened the door for him
—I felt sorry for him. Shit you know how he is like a little dog puppy or something

—How can you two be so stupid

—He is mt friend too. I am not made from stone!
—This might have happened to you before:
—One of your buddies believes that his girlfriend is cheating, and you are supposed to help him find out?

Fuck. This was so important but no one has told me before. Hanna was cheating?

—Wait, WHAT?
—Thomas thought Hanna had an affair?

—Yep
—Anyway he insisted that he could prove it

—With this bracelet. Supposedly she had got it from her new man and he just wanted to go and get it

So this bracelet was it, what Thomas was looking for and stole in the apartment.

—This is too much information.

—Yep
—Look Tommyboy didn't do anything to her. He only wants to find out who her lover is because he is sure that he's behind it all

Maybe Thomas is right. If Hanna was actually cheating on him, this other person has to know about something. That is, if Thomas is innocent and isn't the one behind it after all.

—Hey don't you like riddles? How about this
—The bracelet that Tommy grabbed has initials engraved on it
—J.H.                                                                                                                                                                                            —I'm certain: that's the kidnapper

—I will look into it

—I am going to drive home now. Lord knows I said enough

—Dan, don't
—You've drank too much and can't drive like this

—Noo I am totally fine

—It's three in the morning and you are totally wasted

—Relax I have everything under control
—Get on it Vanysh
—It was a lot of fun talking to you

—Try not to die at least.

I feel incredibly bad and worried, but Dan should get dumped more often. He gave me precious information tonight.

Now I have 2 things to investigate: The MWAF and this bracelet. Maybe they are even connected, but who is J.H.?

___________________________________________

The next morning was cool and sunny, but I didn't get to sleep.

Many people and names were passing trough my head the whole night, but I couldn't think of anyone. That was until Jake sent me a message.

My heart stopped and my stomach froze.

It begins with "J", but I still don't know his last name. I might be paranoid, but I can't think of another thing except for the fact that Jake might be Hanna's lover. He never wanted to tell me why he went so deep to look for her, but clearly he cares about Hanna and knows things no one else could ever imagine.
I need to act cool and get information to kill this doubts I have.

—I just read last night's conversation between you and Dan.

I expected him to.

—Of course you did
—I'm just not going to complain because there is precious information there.

—Those initials...
—J.H.

—Does that tell you anything?

—I can think of one person with this exact same initials.

Before he could say anything, a unknown number called me and I started to freeze from the inside out when I heard that heavy breathing accompanied by bizarre noises of crows. That cant be...

He didn't say anything. Neither did I.
It was a tense connection that lasted 5 seconds.

There was nothing to be said, but one thing is for sure: He is in the forest. Besides the crow noises, I could hear the wind lifting leaves and the eerie vacuum silence that only duskwood forest has.

Maybe it was just a try to scare me, but I feel like something is coming. Something really bad.

—Vanysh? -Jake asked right away

—Sorry, I got distracted

—Those initials on the bracelet
—They match with Jessy's. Jessica Hawkins.

First: Fuck. How did I not think of that?
Second: He isn't aware of what just happened or is acting like it.

—Yea. You're right
—Still, how come?
—Dan is sure that it belongs to the kidnapper.

N.N.

From sudden, that unknown number called her once again, but this time it was a video call.

Everything was blurry and she couldn't see anything, but that voice and breathing were unforgettable.

—I want you to stay out of it. You think this is all just a game, don't you?

Before Vanysh could answer, he began to focus the camera on a tree in the middle of the forest. Right after that, he showed Cleo running.

—Don't you dare to touch her -She said, desperate, but firmly.

He didn't say anything, just kept breathing and then hung up.

"I knew it. I knew he was in the forest and I felt that something wasn't right. He's coming for us and I don't know what to do" -Vanysh thought.

*

The next 2 minutes were turbulent. She kept walking in circles and looking at the window, afraid to see someone outside, and only stopped when Jessy called.

She was crying desperately, and in that moment she knew something had happened to Cleo, but this was another surprise.

—Hey. Something terrible happened...

—What happend? Did anyone get hurt?

—Dan had a car incident last night

—What...?
—He is alive, isn't he?

—I don't know
—He must have lost control of his car... It flipped up several times
—I just hope he got out of it

—I...

—It's all my fault

—No, Jessy

She cried even harder, with fear, despair and guilt. After that, Jessy hung up.

—Shit -Vanysh said out loud.

She sat in a chair as she stared at nothing in hopes of getting some enlightenment, but all she could think of was how she slipped up into letting Jessy kick Dan's ass and how she let Dan drive home that night.

Filled with guilt and despair, Vanysh covered her head with her hands, closed her eyes and sighed as deeply as that stranger who calls her.