Chapter 11: Unexpected encounter

Caitlin shared her story, but Maggie seemed puzzled by it all. Caitlin’s hospitalization followed a brutal attack in an abandoned house, where teenagers stumbled upon her, scaring off the assailant. Despite Caitlin’s disbelief, Maggie remained firm. She insisted on a doctor’s examination to ensure Caitlin’s well-being and memory recovery.

As Maggie discussed Caitlin’s condition with the doctor, Caitlin observed silently. Her sister’s expressions shifted from turmoil to eventual relief, which eased Caitlin’s mind. Then, two police officers approached Maggie, including a young officer who caught Caitlin’s eye. A strange warmth fluttered in her stomach, and goosebumps covered her skin as she fixated on him. He glanced at Caitlin through the window, igniting a mix of fear, excitement, and an inexplicable attraction.

“What did they want?” Caitlin asked Meggie when she returned to the room, trying to suppress the tremor in her voice. Her eyes met her sister’s, and there was something ominous in them. “Why did the police come here?”

Maggie sighed, sitting down beside her on the bed. “They’re investigating the attack on you, dear,” she replied, clutching the business card in her hand. “They said any information could help them with that.”

“And who is this young officer?” Caitlin asked, trying to distract herself from her inner turmoil.

Maggie chuckled, shrugging slightly. “His last name is Smith,” she replied. “One of the most common surnames out there. Remember how we used to laugh at characters in shows with that name?” she added, hoping the conversation would relieve some tension. Caitlin laughed together with her sister, but it was visible that something is wrong. “What’s wrong? Are you uncomfortable that I talked to the police?” Maggie asked, puzzled, sensing something was off.

“No, no, everything’s fine,” Caitlin quickly reassured her, but her voice sounded somewhat unconvincing. “It’s just… I recognized that officer. He… he appeared in my dreams.”

Maggie stared at her sister in disbelief. “He appeared in your dreams?” she asked, not believing her ears. “Are you sure it was the same person?” Caitlin nodded, her inner feelings too strong to ignore. “Yes, I’m sure,” she said firmly. “I recognized him right away. It was him – the man from my dream, whom I was desperately searching for.” Maggie fell silent for a moment, trying to take in all this information. “Maybe it’s just a coincidence,” she finally ventured. “Or… Or maybe you saw him somewhere and then thought he must be your type?” She laughed and started tickling her sister to cheer her up. Caitlin dodged and squirmed with laughter until Maggie accidentally hit the sore rib that caused Caitlin considerable pain. After that, the sisters settled down, but Caitlin pondered, unable to find answers to the questions Maggie raised. She simply sat on the bed, feeling the anxiety gripping her heart. But she knew one thing: she wouldn’t be able to forget that face, which had haunted her in that prolonged dream while she was unconscious.