My words cut off when his hand closes around mine. I feel it immediately—the warmth of his hand, the pressure of it—and for a moment, I forget what I was about to say.
I look down at where he’s holding me then he turns my hand over, like that’s all he meant to do, and slides something into my palm.
“Look.”
The moment slips. I blink and look down at the folded newspaper clipping in my hand, my fingers closing around it automatically. I pull back more annoyed than I should be.
The paper is brittle with age. My stomach twists before I even finish unfolding it, and I don’t think it has anything to do with the article.
A black-and-white photo of a girl. The girl. The same one from the tape.
My throat tightens. “Where did you get this?”
“The library.”
I blink. “You went to the library?”
He shrugs. “I go there sometimes, actually. I—” He stops, cutting himself off, like he said too much.
His expression changes, his taunting grin slides back into place like nothing happened.
“You should’ve seen Ms. Rowan’s face,” he says. “She genuinely thought I was possessed. I asked for archived newspapers and she nearly cried when she realized I wasn’t there for detention.”
I stare at him thrown, maybe there’s more to him than the rumors.
I look back down at the paper and force myself to read the text:
LOCAL SENIOR MISSING AFTER SCHOOL DANCE
By Staff Reporter
Cynthia Fowler, 17, a senior at St. Clair High School, was reported missing late Saturday night following the school’s annual dance.
According to school officials, Fowler was last seen around 10:45 p.m. near the hallway leading to the girls’ restroom.
Several students reported that she appeared “upset” or “unwell” shortly before she disappeared.
Friends told authorities that Fowler had briefly left the dance floor but never returned.
Her personal belongings, including her purse and coat, were later found inside the school.
There were no signs of forced exit, and staff confirmed that all main doors remained monitored throughout the evening.
Police have stated that the circumstances surrounding Fowler’s disappearance are “unusual” and are asking anyone with information to come forward.
As of Sunday afternoon, search efforts are ongoing.
“Okay, so… this is the girl from the tape?” I ask.
“I think so,” he answers.
I look at the photo again. “So what does this mean?”
“That those stains are important,” he says quietly. “You see it now.”
I exhale.
“That means…” he steps close enough that I can smell the minty gum he’s chewing.
