I stood in front of the vanity, knotting my tie. My smile seemed unusually bright this morning. It felt good to feel happiness again after 15 years. For the first time in 15 years, I looked forward to something. I was eager to spend quality time with my family again, all of us together... complete. After adjusting the tie to my desired length, I glanced at my watch and read the time aloud: 6:50. The firm didn't open until 8:30 am, so I had more than an hour. I returned my gaze to the mirror and stared at my reflection.

Mother would have been so proud of me and how well I have handled this family, I sighed loudly. My attention drifted to my journal, sitting pretty among the stack of books arranged neatly on the study table beside the mirror. I drew out the chair and sat on it. Taking my journal and a pen carefully, I flipped to a new page that would soon be filled with my thoughts. It was the only thing that kept me going in this distasteful world, and the only thing that would stop me from becoming him. I took my pen and began;

Dear diary,

Dominic and I got the girls yesterday. I wish Mother were here physically to see how far we've come. She would have been so proud. I know she's still with us, still watching over her boys. I see her in my dreams; I hear her whenever I'm about to make a significant decision. She shows me that she still cares about her boys. The night Dominic and I went to get Rhea, I saw her sitting at the edge of my bed. She praised me for my maturity and for making the right decision. She called me a savior to those girls and told me I was doing the right thing. She also repeated how proud she is of who I've become.

Mother is right; the girls might not understand now, but they will eventually. They will see how we've saved them from the evils of the world, from the wolves. They are going to be cleansed of the evils of this world, and I trust Rachel to teach them the rules. Rachel is such an obedient girl. She does everything without complaint and seems to have understood that we actually mean no harm. I really didn't mean to hurt her initially, but she was so defiant. She had to learn, so the correction was justified.

Roselyn, on the other hand, seems withdrawn. She is so cute and doesn't talk much. I find her timidity attractive. Rhea seems defensive, but I know she will soon learn. The girls are so lovely; Mother would have been very pleased with my selection. I can take care of and protect them; I will do what he never did for us. He hated and abandoned us; he destroyed everything Mother worked hard to build. Our family was happy before all that. Why didn't he let it continue that way?

I paused my entry and closed my eyes. The memories came flooding back—memories I've tried to push away for the past 15 years. It all came back, 10-year-old me, five months before shot hit the fan.

***

"Mum! Damian doesn't want to give me the car anymore. He keeps running around when I try to get it." Dominic wailed, tugging on Mum's dress. I giggled at how grumpy he had become lately. "You don't have to be grumpy, you know? Just say 'big bro' and I'll hand it over to you," I teased, sticking out my tongue at him, which only made him more upset.

"Well, big brother indeed. You're only older than me by like 20 seconds. I don't owe you any title! We're both the same age. Mum!" Dominic whined persistently. Mum's stern voice cut through our squabble. "Boys, that's enough. We came here for a nice family outing, and that's exactly what's going to happen. Come over to the table and eat," she said firmly. Her tone was stricter now so we'd listen. On normal days, she was funny and jovial. This was our first family day this month; we usually went to the park for a picnic twice a month. On other Saturdays and Sundays, we might play games occasionally.

I admired Mum so much; she looked beautiful today. Her dark hair and skin tone matched ours. Her smile could brighten even the gloomiest day, and she always read us bedtime stories. Mum was very hardworking and always said she wanted the best for us. She often mentioned how she couldn't wait to see me become a lawyer and Dominic an accountant.

Grandpa died and left his estate and business to her; she was an only child. Dominic and I were so sad when Grandpa passed, but Mum assured us that he now lives in the sky and watches over us. When we asked her why she didn't have a sister or brother, she said the doctor had advised Grandma not to have more children. But she always said she'd like us to have a sister or sisters.

"Damian! What are you thinking about? I've been calling you for the past two minutes, get your butt over here," Dad yelled from the table. It seemed like I had zoned out again. I shook my head and ran to the table.

"Please help me with the drinks Damian," Dad said again as he went to the car to keep unloading our picnic stuff. I followed him and grabbed the crate of drinks. "Thanks, boy!" Dad said with a smile, running his hand through his chestnut brown hair. One day, I'd love to grow up and be like Dad; he loved and took care of Mum. We set up the picnic table successfully and sat down to eat. Just as I was about to start, Mum smacked my hand and wagged her finger at me. "Don't forget, we have to pray," she reminded me, and Dominic giggled. I rolled my eyes at Dominic and closed my eyes as Mum began to pray.

***

I sighed as I checked my watch; it was 8 am. I closed my journal and grabbed my suitcase from beside the chair. "I zoned out again. I'd better start going now if I want to make it to the firm on time," I said to myself, exiting my room.

I knocked on the door of Dominic's room, which was opposite mine. "Dominic, get your ass out here or we're going to be late!" I called. There was a rustle as he unbolted his door and emerged. He wore a suit similar in design to mine but different in color. While I wore black, he wore blue.

"I'm ready," he said, adjusting his tie. I led the way downstairs and reached the front door. Dominic grabbed his key from the top of the fridge in the kitchen and joined me outside. I glanced one last time around the living room, scrutinizing the bookshelf. Satisfied everything was in place, I locked the door and mentally prepared for the day ahead.

***

Elvis's POV

Last night, I stayed over at Rhea's house. Before 6 am, I was up again. I decided I was going to start searching today, with or without the police. Mrs. Davis offered to make me a cup of coffee and French toast. Although I wanted to object, she looked at me pleadingly. I sat on a stool at the island and watched as the coffee brewed in the coffee maker. The aroma of French toast filled the air, but it couldn't overpower the thick tension in the atmosphere. I drew infinite circles on the counter with my finger and grew impatient with each passing minute. Every minute that passed without searching for Rhea felt like a wasted minute. I'd seen her in my dreams, calling out to me, and I couldn't do anything. That was another reason I was up so early. She couldn't be that far, could she?

I glanced at Elaine; she looked gloomy and moved sluggishly. Her hair was in a messy bun, and she yawned every 30 seconds. "You know, I have faith that we'll find her. Rhea wouldn't run away; I always made sure she was okay," Elaine said, her tone revealing her doubt. I sighed and stared out the window. Where should I start searching? I checked the route to the ice cream parlor yesterday. Perhaps I'll go back, question Mr. Davis, and check the streets I missed.

Elaine noticed I wasn't really engaging in conversation with her. She stopped what she was doing and took a seat opposite me. "Thank you for loving Rhea, I would want no other person for her". I gave her a tight nod and continued pondering all the possible places I could search. She used her hand to wipe a stray tear, "You know she's all I have, ever since we lost Louis two years ago. I mean..." she paused, trying to steady her breathing.

I looked at her with sympathy. Yeah, I remember when Rhea lost her baby brother to pneumonia. That was one of her lowest, that is, until the shooting happened. Come to think of it, Rhea and her entire family have been through a lot. They lost their only son, survived a school shooting and now this. The craziest thing is that these all happened within 2years. Rhea and her family are the strongest people I have ever seen.

I looked into her once sharp blue eyes that have now been clouded by sadness. "You are one of the strongest persons I know Mrs. Davis, and Rhea is very lucky to have a mother like you. Rhea is strong, and I know she's waiting for us to find her", I said hopefully. Elaine nodded her head and went back to what she was doing.

I glanced at my watch; it was 6:30am. Few minutes later, Rhea's dad came downstairs, looking shaggy as ever. He nodded at me and placed a town map on the counter. He motioned at me to come closer, and I did.

"I stayed up all night; I couldn't sleep. I think we should start with the back roads. When the police finally file a report and join the search, we'll have more resources. I can ask the neighbors to help when they're available; I'm sure they'd be willing. First, we'll go to the ice cream parlor and ask Mr. Dray what he knows. I also have a feeling we should check the park; maybe we'll find something," James said, dishing out instructions.

"Why the park though?" I asked, curious.

"Son, haven't you heard about the recent murders in town?" he asked, looking at me intently. My mind raced, and I closed my eyes.

"Yes sir, I saw something about that on Twitter. So, do you think it's the same person?" I queried.

"Well, yes. All the victims have similar features, and since Rhea fits the profile, it's a plausible theory. Elaine and I were thinking of moving Rhea to Texas because of the news," James said, and I froze.

Rhea didn't tell me; how could she not mention it? I silently questioned, as if she were there. Mr. Davis seemed to notice my shock and reassured me, "it's okay, Elvis. Elaine was going to tell you. It doesn't matter now. What matters is finding Rhea". I nodded, and he continued tracing circles on the map.

At some point, I zoned out again. My mind couldn't focus on anything or anyone but Rhea. I hoped desperately that she was safe. I'd kill anyone that dares to lay a finger on her.

"I'm coming to find you, Rhea. Just hold on," I vowed silently.