Chapter 9: A long-awaited answer of fear

Caitlin gazed at the photograph that had haunted her memory for so long. Before her was him – the man whose face seemed so familiar yet shrouded in mystery. His black eyes looked at her with warmth, as if she were the most important person in the world to him. His curly blond hair framed his face, giving him a special allure. Caitlin couldn’t tear her gaze away from the photo, as if she wanted to immerse herself again in the moment when they sat together at the table. A sense of relief slowly crept into her heart, as if she had finally found the lost link in her memory. Involuntarily, a smile spread across Caitlin’s face, and her heart filled with hope and joy. With a sense of relief and determination, Caitlin began to realize that the path to unlocking her enigmatic past was now open before her.

Pleasant thoughts echoed in her mind, rejoicing that she had found this photograph. But suddenly, all this comfort was shattered by the sounds of chaos and frenzy. The initial tremors were weak, but as the earthquake intensified, she realized that it was something much more serious. Screams of horror filled the air, people panicked and fled in search of shelter, and the air was filled with the smell of dust and destruction. Clutching the photograph in her hands, Caitlin felt terror at the unknown. She looked around, trying to find any shelter, but there were no tables, doors, or even openings nearby to hide in. Caitlin’s heart raced as she felt the ceiling begin to crack above her, large chunks of plaster and stone falling to the ground. In the midst of chaos and panic, Caitlin aimed for the exit, but faced a crowd battling for survival. Amid the struggle, she realized escape wouldn’t be easy. Opting for the sturdiest wall, she sought refuge from falling debris. As fear and despair enveloped her, she pondered the value of her plight. Closing her eyes, she delved into memories, seeking solace amidst the turmoil.

She remembered running with her sister, Maggie, through the streets, playing hide-and-seek and filling the neighbors with laughter. She imagined the young Caitlin joyfully traveling along the seaside, listening to the sound of waves and feeling the sea breeze on her face. She recalled those moments when lively parties with friends stretched into the early hours of the morning, as if time slowed down to please them. She and Maggie laughed until dawn, exchanging innocent jokes and teasing each other. Gradually, the images of the past merged with reality. The sounds of the earthquake and the cries of panic penetrated through the slowly fading fog of memories. Caitlin pressed herself against the wall, clenching her hands into fists.

The tremors of the earthquake grew stronger, and panic ensued around Caitlin. She instantly realized that action was needed. Relaxing, she struck the wall in search of shelter. Part of the wall collapsed, revealing a narrow passage into the depths of the ruined building. Without hesitation, she slipped inside, hoping that this place would turn out to be a safe haven. But in an instant, everything turned dark, and there were no more sounds. There was only darkness around and wild pain throughout Caitlin’s body, which by sensation pierced every fiber of her being.