I recall the day that changes me completely - the one which devastated me. It was August 2nd 2021 and it was a hot, sunny day. It was a usual day but not for me.

I woke up in my new pink silk pyjama set (short sleeve and shorts) with my blonde bed head as usual. I stretched, yawned and rolled out of my bed slowly. I began to open my curtains and windows and pulled up my blind. I did everything like I usual do in order: breakfast, shower, get changed and get ready for the day. I remember going downstairs to meet my family and dog to watch the tv and we flicked on BBC news. At first, it didn’t interest me much but then something caught my eye. “Lily?” The words flow out of my mind whilst my head is spinning in motion. “That’s Lily?”

Lily is my classmate - we sit next to eachother in English and Biology and we became quite close.

The bold words capture my attention

**13 year old from Riverside Academy is missing**

**Lily Mae Collins was last seen at 3:38pm making her way home from town**

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_LILY!!_ I KNOW HER! SHE’S MY CLOSE FRIEND FROM SCHOOL! I shout to my mother “She’s missing Emily. We need to find her.” I-I can’t believe it. My friend missing? It doesn’t sound real. Where is she?? Is she kidnapped? Did someone find her or has she run off herself. But why would she? She’s happy at home - I

I thought.

I quickly do my daily tasks and get my shoes on and run outside. I have to find her. I don’t care how long it takes - I have all day. It’s summer and I cannot lose her. I will find her. I will.

I search from day to night and there’s no luck. I have tears in my eyes and I don’t want to go home. She will be alright, I just know it. She’ll be somewhere safe I hope. I’ve lost all the faith. So much for the “BSE” (best summer ever.) We had plans to go anywhere till midnight and mess around just us two having a laugh but unfortunately she isn’t even here. _I don’t even know where she is_.

I come home in a strop and smash my bedroom door “No hope then? My parents mutter and isn’t it obvious? I’m not happy and I won’t be until I find her.

**10 days later**

It was Thursday evening, 10 days after the disappearance and I have no motivation for _anything._ I’m annoyed at myself and disappointed. I’ve failed _again_. Silly Emily - cannot fathom or fix a single thing.

**Later that day**

I’m just in my room making beach bracelets and there’s a knock at the door. I get up nervously and make my way to the front door. I slowly unlock the door “Hello? Who are yo-“