Behind the Curtain
Once again, the door slammed in her face. Another rejection. Strong-willed, the aspiring author continued her way to the next publisher.
In her book, she had revealed the truth about a secret club that try to prevent crime unconventionally. Their objective was to watch over all potential criminals to figure out their routine. After locating a window of time that the potential criminals would be available, they would kidnap them, away from any eyewitnesses. It was quite an ingenious plan.
Amidst yet another disappointing day, she replenished her energy with her usual cup of Chai tea in front of her window; she could enjoy the serenity of nature outside. Breaking her silence, her neighbours screamed, “You are on the front page of every newspaper!” Bewildered, she went back to retrieve the newspaper. There it was. On the front page. ‘AUTHOR WITH MOST REJECTIONS.’ Plastered all over the front page were images of her, followed by paragraphs mocking her failures.
Logging on to her usual news outlet, she found that the news had been blown out of proportion. Every article she clicked on was about her unsuccessful attempt to uncover the truth about the club. CLICK! A pop-up ad appeared. It said, ‘Back off while you still can. Or you will be next…’ Hurriedly, she closed the ad and turned off her computer.
The following day, as she took her usual stroll in the park, she felt herself slowly begin to lose consciousness.
Then everything went black.
As she regained consciousness, she removed her blindfold and saw a letter in her hand, inviting her to a meeting. At the back was the club’s iconic curtain symbol. Quickly, she untied the knots and rushed to the meeting destination.
Once she arrived at the destination, a wave of pain rushed through her head, causing her to pass out. When she had recovered, she noticed nostalgic smells like her home in the past. A strange yet comforting scent. In the distance, she overheard voices talking. Voices that she somehow recognized. Taking off her blindfold, she asked, “Mom? Dad?”
