Chapter 12: Wish fulfilment

With each passing day, Caitlin’s recovery progressed. Her body ached less, and her energy returned, allowing her to gradually resume normal life. Doctors discharged her from the hospital, prescribing a list of medications she needed to take daily. Maggie, showing support, decided to stay overnight with Caitlin in her apartment during this challenging period. Meanwhile, Caitlin grappled with the mystery of the young police officer she had seen through the hospital window. His presence in her dream felt too real to be mere coincidence. Intuition nudged her to share her thoughts with Maggie. One evening, over a cup of tea, Caitlin opened up. “Maggie,” she began, “I can’t shake off thoughts about that young police officer… You remember when he came to the ward? It was the same man from my dream. I’m sure it’s more than just chance.”

Listening attentively, Maggie furrowed her brows. “But Cait, are you certain it’s not just a projection of your fears after the attack?” she asked, trying to understand.

“I don’t know,” Caitlin confessed, feeling a mix of concern and excitement. “But it feels significant. Maybe I’m just infatuated with him?” The sisters laughed, but Maggie pondered Caitlin’s words silently. She trusted Caitlin’s instincts. “Alright,” she finally said with a reassuring smile. “Let’s do something wild. Call Mr. Smith! Invite him for a date in a public place. Maybe this isn’t all just a coincidence?” Caitlin’s heart raced with excitement. The intrigue of solving the mystery overshadowed her nerves.

“Okay!” Caitlin said confidently, not surprising her sister, who nodded approvingly. “I’ll call him tomorrow and suggest somewhere to meet.” Her heart thudded with anticipation, but the thrill of unraveling life’s most intriguing puzzle outweighed her nervousness.

The next morning, Caitlin hesitated for a long time before calling Mr. Smith, but she wasn’t one to dwell on doubts for too long; she preferred to take action. When she finally dialed his number, she heard a pleasant male voice on the other end, sending shivers down her spine. “Hello, my name is Caitlin Radler. You spoke with my sister Maggie at the hospital.”

“Yes, I remember you. You’re the brave girl who survived that terrible incident. Have you remembered anything?”

“No, unfortunately not,” she sighed heavily. But she received an immediate response. “That’s okay. You just need a little more time. Are you calling to inquire about the progress of the case?” His voice sounded caring and gentle.

“No, I…” Caitlin felt her throat dry up, and her thoughts became increasingly tangled, as if all the gears had suddenly stopped moving. But then there was a click. “I would like to meet with you and tell you something. Perhaps it will help you.”

“Great! Um… Could you meet me tomorrow? Say, around 2 o’clock at Rosie’s Café? Do you know where it is?”

“Of course. I’m looking forward to tomorrow! Goodbye,” Caitlin exclaimed with joy and excitement.