The atmosphere was at its peak in this town where practically nothing happened. Neighbors gathered around Henry Lemoine, pooling their efforts to search for his daughter Anna, who had disappeared since midday.
Worry hung in the air as several hours had already passed since her inexplicable disappearance. The quiet streets echoed with Henry's desperate calls, along with those of his neighbors and members of the Balanese community, all united in a common effort to find the girl.
Every nook was meticulously inspected, and clues were scrutinized in the hope of finding even a sign of her presence. Despite the gravity of the situation, a sense of unity and solidarity prevailed among the townsfolk, determined to do everything to bring Anna safely home.
Along the way, some people had trembling hands, while others spoke in hushed tones, exchanging information or theories about her disappearance. Their facial expressions oscillated between hope and fear as they explored the streets and surroundings, calling out the little girl's name with desperation.
- Anna! Anna !
It was nearly seven in the evening, and the sun was setting over the majestic curves of the Cécité plain, reflecting its myriad colors in the darkening sky. Despite the late hour and fading light, their determination remained intact, illuminating their strained faces as they searched every corner with meticulous attention.
Every clue, every sound, every movement captured their attention, hoping it would lead them to Anna's trail. Twilight brought an atmosphere both solemn and charged with urgency, a race against time to find the girl before night fell completely.
The evening promised to be particularly restless, and everyone armed themselves with gas lamps, candles, and torches to continue the search. In the growing darkness, these sources of light became precious allies, illuminating the dark corners and guiding the steps of determined searchers.
The streets of the Balan suburb resounded with hurried footsteps and anxious voices as the residents combed through the streets and surrounding fields, scrutinizing every shadow for any trace of Anna. Despite the uncertainty, their determination remained unyielding. In this night troubled by worry, the flickering lights of lamps and torches evoked a fragile glimmer of courage and solidarity, lighting the way toward a long-awaited resolution.
Mr. Normil declared reassuringly,
- We won't let you down, Henry.
Henry looked at the old man barely standing on his cane. The face of the missing girl's father was marked by deep distress mixed with fierce determination. His eyes were reddened from withheld tears, but they also reflected an inner fire, an unwavering resolve to find his daughter.
Henry Lemoine, his eyes filled with gratitude, murmured in a broken voice,
- Thank you, Father Nono, for your support in these difficult times.
The weight of his sorrow was evident on his wrinkled face as he continued,
- You have always been there for me.
A slight smile stretched his lips, indicating the comfort provided by the reassuring presence of his old friend.
Henry's gaze inspired both respect and compassion in those who crossed his path on this troubled night. In every step he took, in every glance he cast around, one could feel his total commitment, his silent promise to never give up until he found his beloved daughter.
Henry's furrowed brow and tightly pressed lips expressed ongoing tension. His eyes frantically scanned the surroundings, desperately searching for any sign of his missing daughter. His body was tense and ready to react to the slightest indication of Anna's presence.
Suddenly, he noticed that he was surrounded by a group of neighbors as distraught as he was. Henry looked at each one of them with swollen eyes before whispering with a bitter smile,
- We are all united in this ordeal, aren't we? he began with a voice filled with solemnity. Each of us feels this heartbreaking pain, this oppressive anguish that gnaws at you. But together, we have more strength than we realize. Together, we can find Anna. Let's not lose hope.
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BLOODY CITY
Historical Fiction"Balan" takes us into the story of Henry Lemoine, a widower grieving for his daughter, who finds himself unwittingly drawn into a ritual with frightening ramifications. As he struggles to cope with his pain, he is plunged into a world where magic an...
