I froze.
For a second, I honestly couldn’t move. Every part of my body went cold.
This wasn’t a nightmare. This wasn’t a movie.
Two children were locked in my little brother’s basement.
Then my training kicked in. The part of me that walks into a trauma room and knows what to do.
I knelt down in front of them. I made my voice as gentle as I’ve ever made it.
“It’s okay. It’s okay. I’m a doctor. My name is David. I’m going to get you out of here.”
They stared at me. They didn’t believe me. I don’t blame them.
I untied the ropes as fast as my hands would let me. One girl collapsed against my chest, sobbing. The other just stared at the stairs, like she was waiting for someone to come down them.
“He picked us up after school,” the first one whispered. “He said he’d help us with homework.”
I held both of them. Their bodies were shaking like leaves in a storm.
I got them up the stairs and into the living room and onto the couch. I wrapped them in a blanket from the hall closet.
Then I called Laura.
“Laura. You need to come right now.”
“David? What’s—”
“I’m at Matthew’s house. There are two girls in his basement. They were tied up. Laura, they were tied up.”
There was one second of silence.
Then her voice changed. It went cold and fast and professional.
“Stay where you are. Don’t touch anything else. Keep them warm. Keep them calm. SWAT is ten minutes out. Is he there?”
“No. He’s at the school. He’s due back around eleven.”
“Stay on the line with dispatch. I’m coming.”
The girls’ names were Emily and Hannah. Emily was fourteen. Hannah was fifteen. Emily wouldn’t let go of my arm.
“I’ve been down there two days,” Hannah whispered. “He didn’t give us any food.”
I got them water from the kitchen. My hands shook so badly I spilled half of it.
The minutes stretched like hours.
Then, from far away, I heard sirens.
Ethan Blake is a skilled Creative Content Specialist with a talent for crafting engaging and thought-provoking narratives. With a strong background in storytelling and digital content creation, Ethan brings a unique perspective to his role at TheArchivists, where he curates and produces captivating content for a global audience.
Ethan holds a degree in Communications from Zurich University, where he developed his expertise in storytelling, media strategy, and audience engagement. Known for his ability to blend creativity with analytical precision, he excels at creating content that not only entertains but also connects deeply with readers.
At TheArchivists, Ethan specializes in uncovering compelling stories that reflect a wide range of human experiences. His work is celebrated for its authenticity, creativity, and ability to spark meaningful conversations, earning him recognition among peers and readers alike.
Passionate about the art of storytelling, Ethan enjoys exploring themes of culture, history, and personal growth, aiming to inspire and inform with every piece he creates. Dedicated to making a lasting impact, Ethan continues to push boundaries in the ever-evolving world of digital content.