“You must be Mr Brown?” Valerie asked.
“Jackson is fine.” Jackson smiled. “Sorry for my lateness, I had to park in the superstore carpark.” Jackson held out his hand to Valerie. “Nice to put a face to the voice.”
Valerie shook his hand.
“This is Marie.” Valerie said, Marie held out her hand and Jackson took hold of it and shook it firmly.
“Thank you.” He said to her. “For everything you have done.”
Marie shook her hand in discomfort.
“Apologies.” Jackson realised what he had done. “I do not know my own strength sometimes.”
“It’s fine really.” Marie shook it off.
Jackson looked down at Anna.
“Hello.” He said.
Anna didn’t respond.
“We didn’t know her name.” Marie said. “So, we called her Anna.”
Jackson looked at Elizabeth who nodded and then smiled.
Jackson got down on his knees.
“Kimimela.” He said softly.
Anna’s eyes widened and she gasped, her eyes then rolled back, and she passed out. Falling forward into Jacksons opened arms.
Anna woke and sat forward, she was alone in the waiting room.
“Hello?” She said softly.
She got to her feet and looked at the door.
“Hello?” She said again.
Walking to the door she opened it and tripped, falling to the floor.
She was no longer in the hospital, she was in a forest.
She stood up, feeling the grass tickle her hands. She looked around at the trees that surrounded her, long grass and hundreds of different flowers. The sunbeams broke through the branches, the odd insect and butterfly flew around.
“Hello?” She called out.
No one answered.
A whine from behind her and she turned around, seeing a fox sitting in front of her.
“Hello.” She said and smiled.
The fox mewed.
“Where are we?” She asked.
The fox growled softly and walked away from Anna, she looked up and saw the door. A single red door in the middle of the forest. The door creaked as it opened, and the fox walked through it into the darkness.
“Where are you going?” Anna said. “Wait.”
Anna ran after the fox, running through the door and finding herself falling through the air and landing on a cold hard surface.
She groaned, her hands covering her face.
“Are you okay?” Catherine said. “Silly girl, falling down a couple of steps.”
Catherine sat at the table in her dressing gown, brushing her damp hair. In front of her a mug of tea, steaming.
Anna got to her feet and rubbed her knees, looking around in confusion and looking behind her for the door only to see the steps leading to the hall.
“Hello.” Anna said. “Who are you?”
“Sit down.” Catherine smiled.
Anna sat at the end of the table, a small cup of tea in front of her. She carefully put her hands around it, feeling the warmth.
“Kimimela.” Catherine said. “It is hot, be careful.”
“Kimimela?” Anna said.
“That is your name.” Catherine said with a smile. “Do you remember?”
Anna smiled and shook her head.
“It will come to you.” Catherine stood up and walked to the end of the table, sitting down next to Anna. “They have found you, haven’t they?” Catherine asked.
Anna nodded and sipped from the cup, looking up at Catherine with curious eyes.
“Do you like it?” Catherine asked. “Mint tea.”
Anna smiled.
“Do you recognise them?” Catherine sat back in the chair, crossing her arms. “Jackson and Elizabeth?”
Anna shook her head.
“They mean so much to you, and you to them.” Catherine explained. “Go with them.”
“Anna?” Anna asked, putting the cup down.
“You are Kimimela. That is your true name.” Catherine placed her hand on Anna’s chest.
“I am Kimimela.” Anna said in confidence.
“You are special.” Catherine said. “Do you remember what happen the night you were found?”
“No.” Anna said.
“You were in the bath when the men broke in. You heard a gunshot and ran down to find me on the floor, bleeding. You slipped in the blood and hit your head. The man tried to get hold of you.” Catherine explained.
“The man from my dream?” Anna asked.
“Yes. The man from your dream.” She smiled. “He was going to hurt you, so you ran and hid from him.”
“He died.” Anna said. “How did he die.” She pushed her cup away, looking at Catherine for an answer.
“I don’t know.” Catherine said. “After the police came you panicked and ran to the kitchen and hid.”
Anna nodded.
“Tell them.” Catherine said. “Everything will be okay.”
“Will I see you?” Anna asked.
“I don’t know.” Catherine said. “Maybe.”
Anna leaned forward and wrapped her arms around Catherine, hugging her tightly.
“Thank you.” Catherine gasped. “Close your eyes.”
Anna closed her eyes.
“Now open them.” Catherine’s voice was distant.
Her heart beat faster and louder, echoing in her ears.
Anna opened her eyes and found herself looking up at trees, gently moving against the breeze. The afternoon sun broke through the branches, painting light beams through the forest. She recognised where she was, she had been there before in her dreams.
Anna gasped and sat up, feeling the gentle breeze against her face. She got to her feet, brushing the grass off her legs. Her long hair was platted and was down to her lower back, her pink dress came down to her knees.
“Kimimela!” Jackson's voice echoed through the woods. “Where Are you?”
Kimimela giggled and ran down to the lake, kneeling behind the fallen tree.
“You cannot hide!” He called playfully.
Kimimela stood up and looked around but couldn’t see him.
Something caught her eye, a flash of blue against the glinting sun.
A blue butterfly landed on the fallen tree.
“Hello.” Kimimela said softly. “Who are you?”
“That is a blue morpho.” Jackson said quietly, slowly walking up behind Kimimela.
“Blue Morpho.” She replied. “Beautiful.”
Jackson wore a white cotton shirt which hung freely, brown trousers and black boots. He carried leather satchel and wore glasses, silver-rimmed. Light brown hair combed neatly and a neatly trimmed beard.
“Your mothers favourite.” Jackson said. “Be careful you don’t hurt him.”
“He is beautiful.” Kimimela said and smiled. “He is my favourite.”
Jackson laughed.
“Why are you laughing?” Kimimela asked. “What did I say that was so funny?”
“They are all your favourite.” He laughed. “You get that from me.”
“How is mother?” Kimimela asked with sadness in her voice.
“She is very sick.” Jackson put his arm around Kimimela. “But she will recover. She is strong.” He paused. “Strong like you.” He tickled her and she screamed, running from him.
“We have to go back.” Kimimela said. “I have to.”
“You don’t.” Jackson said firmly. “I want you to do what you want. I don’t like to see you suffer.”
“I know.” Kimimela said. “I have to do this.”
“We don’t like you doing it.” Jackson said. “It isn’t normal for a child.”
“I am not a child.” Kimimela said. “Not really.”
Jackson was lost for words.
“I need you both.” She smiled. “And you need me.”
Jackson dropped the bag and dropped to his knees, covering his face as he cried.
“Don’t cry fat
her.” She said and hugged him. “Everything will be fine.”
Marie sat on the couch with Anna on her lap, stroking her hair. Jackson and Elizabeth sat opposite. Jackson had removed his jacket, his shirt straining against the bulk of his chest.
“You are very good with her.” Jackson said. “Valerie tells me you have a girl living with you of a similar age.”
“Yes. Sophie is an amazing girl. She and Anna clicked.” Marie said. “How old is Anna? Sorry I mean Kimimela?”
“She shares the same birthday as Catherine, she turned eleven that day.” Elizabeth looked at Jackson and smiled.
“Has there been any progress with tracking down Catherine?” Marie asked.
“No not yet but we will be working with the police to track her down.” Jackson said.
“Sorry for saying this but do you think she is alive?” Marie asked. “There was a lot of blood at the scene.”
“Yes, we are aware but until we see her body, we do not want to speculate.” Jackson said and sighed. “I wish now we had not left her alone.”
“She told us to go.” Elizabeth said. “You know we can never argue with Catherine.” She laughed softly.
“Have you worked for her long?” Marie asked.
“Over twenty-five years or so. I started as a gardener and Elizabeth was working as an admin officer for Catherine at the time. She set us up.” Jackson smiled. “Been together ever since. We both work as personal assistants and help in aspects of Catherine’s life.”
“Just curious, what did Catherine do?” Marie asked.
“Catherine was very successful with antiques and the stock market when she lived in the states. She had several art galleries in New York, San Francisco and Los Angeles in which she sold off a few years ago.” Jackson said. “Now she paints, creates art and writes.”
Anna began to stir, she groaned and opened her eyes.
“Hey.” Marie said with a smile.
Anna sat up, looking at Jackson and Elizabeth and then back at Marie.
“Are you ok Anna?” Marie said.
“Kimimela.” She said. “My name is Kimimela.”
“Do you remember Jackson and Elizabeth?” Marie asked.
“Yes.” Kimimela smiled. “I do.” She looked at Elizabeth. “Catherine?”
Elizabeth shook head, Jackson took hold of her hand.
“She has not been found.” Jackson said to Kimimela who nodded. “What happened? Do you remember?”
“Yes.” Kimimela said. “Two men came to the house. One man was like a child.” Kimimela said. “Catherine knew him.”
“Martin.” Jackson said to Elizabeth. “Was it Martin?” Jackson asked Marie.
“You didn’t hear this from me, but yes.” Marie whispered.
“The two men argued, and Catherine was shot.” Kimimela said, tears in her eyes. “I was in the bath and ran down and slipped in the blood. Catherine told me to hide.”
“Is that why you had no clothes?” Marie asked.
“Yes.” Kimimela wiped the tears from her face. “I hid until I saw the man look through the window.”
“What window?” Elizabeth asked. “Where did you hide?”
“The refrigerator unit in the basement.” Marie answered. “She was in there a while and lucky for her it was switched off.”
“Kimimela.” Elizabeth said. “Are you ready to come home with us?”
“To the house?” Marie said. “Are you sure that is a good idea?”
“She will be fine.” Jackson said. “I promise.”
Kimimela turned to Marie.
“I have to go now.” She said with a smile. “I will see you again.”
“You better.” Marie said. “You know you are welcome anytime.”
Kimimela threw her hands around Marie and hugged her.
“You are going to make me cry.” Marie sniffed.
“You will be compensated for your help.” Jackson said. “You will not be forgotten.”
“I don’t want compensation.” Marie wiped tears from her eyes. “Just keep in touch.”
Jackson nodded.
Kimimela walked over to Elizabeth and took the teddy bear from her.
“I have someone to see before we go.” Kimimela said. “I won’t be long.”
“Okay.” Jackson nodded. “We will wait in the reception.”
Kimimela smiled and walked to the door, pausing and looking back at Marie.
“Bye.” She smiled, opening the door and leaving, letting it close behind her.
“I have a question.” Marie said. “Something that is bothering me.”
“Please do ask.” Jackson said, leaning forward.
“How come there were no clothes at the house.” Marie asked. “We found adult clothes but none for a child.”
“Kimimela has been staying with us for a while, due to Catherine being unwell. All her clothes are there. We accidentally took her overnight bag with us, which is why she had none at the house with her.” Elizabeth explained.
“What about the clothes she was in?” Marie questioned.
Elizabeth looked at Jackson and then back at Marie.
“We have no idea, we assumed that the police found them and took them away.” Elizabeth said. “We have clothes for her at the house.”
“Okay.” Marie said. “I had to ask.”
“We understand.” Jackson said. “Children have to be protected in our day and age.”
Elizabeth looked at Jackson and nodded at him as if she were reminding him of something.
“The second man at the house.” Jackson asked. “Do they know who he was?”
“I have no idea.” Marie said looking at her watch. “I am not an active police officer anymore so the information I get is limited.”
“Forgive me for being intrusive.” Jackson said. “Why did you leave the police force?” He asked.
“I was injured in the line of duty and I nearly died.” Marie said. “I struggled with it mentally and it was recommended I took a different path.”
“It was a good path I believe.” Elizabeth said. “You have had a very positive impact.”
“What will happen now?” Marie asked. “With Anna.” She stuttered. “Kimimela rather.”
“We will attempt to carry on as normal.” Jackson said and looked at Elizabeth. “And hope that some news comes of Catherine.”
Kimimela approached the counter in the busy cafeteria and was met by the elderly man. Wiping his hands on a tea towel he smiled and leaned over.
“Hello young lady.” He said with a smile. “Nice to see you again. How can I help you today?”
“I am looking for my friend.” Kimimela said. “Have you seen her?”
The man looked at the far end of the café and pointed.
“Yes, she is over there, where the internet is better.” He said. “Would you like some food?” The man asked.
“No thank you.” Kimimela said. “I have to go soon.”
“Well it was good to see you.” The man said.
Kimimela was just about to leave and she paused and looked up at the man.
“How is your knee?” She asked.
“My knee?” The man was confused at the question. “It has been okay thank you.” The man said.
“I am glad.” Kimimela smiled and walked towards Sophie, slowly and carefully navigating through the tables. Sophie looked up and smiled.
“Hi.” Kimimela signed.
“You can sign?” Sophie asked in shock.
“A little, yes.” Kimimela sat down. “I have some news, and you won’t like it.” She signed confidently.
“You have to go.” Sophie said. “I understand.”
“Did Marie tell you?” Kimimela said.
“Yes.” Sophie forced a smile. “Your family found you?” She asked and closed her notebook.
“Yes. I remember them.” Kimimela said smiling. “I remembered my name.”
“Wow!” Sophie exclaimed. “What is it?” Her face was full of excitement.
> “Kimimela.” She signed out using her fingers.
“Kimimela?” Sophie replied. “Different, but beautiful.” She said.
Sophie looked down at the table, hiding her face. Kimimela tapped the table and she looked back up.
“We will see each other again.” Kimimela said. “I promise.”
“I will miss you.” Sophie said with tears in her eyes.
“Don’t cry please.” Kimimela begged. “This is new to me.”
“Promise.” Sophie said.
“I promise.” She smiled and held out the teddy bear. “I want you to have this.”
Sophie looked at the teddy bear and smiled.
“Really. Why?” She asked. “It must be important to you?” Sophie had never been given anything like it before and didn’t know how to react.
“It is.” Kimimela said. “That is why I want you to have it.”
Kimimela handed it to Sophie who took it from her.
“Thank you.” She giggled. “I love it.”
“Look after him.” Kimimela walked round to the side of the table. “I have to go now.” She was sad and held her arms open. “Hug?”
Sophie put the bear down on her bag and stood up, deeply hugging Kimimela.
“I hope to see you soon.” Sophie said. “I am glad you found your family.”
Kimimela nodded and wiped tears from her eyes. She waved goodbye and signed ‘I love you’ and walked away, not looking back.
Sophie watched as she walked down the cafeteria and through the entrance, forcing herself not to cry, she picked up her phone and sent a text message to Marie, asking her to meet her.
The old man approached the table and Sophie looked up, wiping the tears from her eyes. He placed a small plate down with a slice of chocolate cake on it.
“Hi.” He signed. “Are you okay?” He signed slowly.
Sophie nodded.
“I saw you are sad.” The man said.
Sophie giggled as he struggled to speak, and she wrote in her book and showed the man.
“Oh, you can read my lips?” He said. “I wasn’t sure.”
Sophie nodded.
“Got you a little something.” He moved the plate closer to her and handed her a small fork.
Sophie smiled and thanked him.
“If your mother asks.” He leaned forward. “Tell her it was magic!” He laughed.
Sophie reached forward and put her hand on his.
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