My Daughter Arial Olshansky August 2006 Just a few weeks before the commencement of another school year, the last remnants of summer hung in the air, clinging to the edges of each passing day. Bella and her sister, Anna, sat in their sleek silver car, accompanied by their mother, Carol. With a calm composure, Carol guided the vehicle down the meandering street while Anna's gaze fixated on the clouds drifting lazily overhead. Meanwhile, Bella's restless feet produced a lively dance to the rhythm of the car radio, their synchronized movements leaving imprints on the back of the front seat. They had just concluded a wearying day of shopping for school supplies, their minds brimming with little bits of anxiety for the upcoming year. Bella, the younger of the two siblings by three years, possessed a vibrant energy displayed through her rapid - fire speech , o ccasional slurring , and merging of words as she tried to string together the newly acquired words she had learned over the years. Sensing her sister's need for guidance, Anna, the elder sister, translated Bella's linguistic maze The car glided onto Hemingway Drive. Nestled within the confines of a small cul - de - sac, their grand home loomed ahead, promising comfort and a soon - to - be warm dinner. Anna folded her jacket, her movements fluid, as she gracefully opened the car door. Bella mirrored her actions before they both stepped away from the vehicle, but Bella left the door open . Bella hand gestured a silent invitation from the air, but no one emerged besides Anna from the other side Confused, Anna turned and glanced back at the open door without Bella closing it. Meanwhile, Bella ascended the staircase towards the house, oblivious to closing the door after leaving the car. Anna couldn't help but roll her eyes, a mixture of annoyance with judgement, as she reached out to firmly close Bella's side of the car. Anna then joined Bella, determined to confront Bella for the mishap as they ventured into the welcoming embrace of the home. “Hey Bella, this is the fifth time this week you haven’t closed your door to the car,” Anna said. “I don’t understand how it’s so hard.” Anna locked the door as Bella turns around to confront her sister. “You didn’t leave the door open for Margert?” said Bella, “You probably locked her outside and didn’t wait for her.” Anna turns with a glare at her sister as she brought up the despicable name of Margaret for what it feels like the hundredth time this week. “Bella, I thought we talked about this, Margert isn’t real,” said Anna , a mischievous twinkle in her eye, fully aware of the peculiar nature of Bella's imaginary friend, Margaret. It seemed that after every single activity, Bella would excitedly recount her adventures with Margaret, completely oblivious to the fact that imag inary friends couldn't magically materialize from vehicles. Anna couldn't help but chuckle at the absurdity of it all, marveling at Bella's unwavering faith in the impossible. With a knowing smirk, Anna turned towards the window to see the car door Anna couldn't help but shake her head in amusement. She took a moment to appreciate the sheer creativity of Bella's imagination before closing the blind of the window, joining Bella in the kitchen , ready to eat dinner — imaginary friend or not. Bella turns to her sister. “You keep saying “my friend,” when Margert is my daughter ” says Bella. Anna turns with a smirk and says “Oh really? A five - year - old with a daughter ? ” “She isn’t my friend; I have a daughter just like mama and we used to do the same things that mama does with us” sadly lipped Bella. As Anna continued to eat her dinner, her mind was consumed by a nagging thought, a little idea that had taken root and refused to let go - the possibility of another little sister running around the house. The mere notion of it made her chew her food a lit tle slower, as if savoring each bite would somehow distract her from annoyance of sharing the last of her toys with an additional person. Mother Carol, sensing the restlessness in her children, gestured for them to finish their meal and prepare for bed. It had already been night fall since they had arrived home, and darkness had descended upon the world outside The thought of bedtime only heightened Anna's inner thoughts . As Anna reluctantly took her last few bites, she couldn't help but steal glances at her mother, searching for any signs or hints that might the idea of another daughter. Well, granddaughter in this case. Mother Carol, going about the kitchen, appeared oblivious to the struggle her daughter was facing. It was as if she had no idea that her gestures for bedtime were only fueling Anna's apprehension. With a sigh, Anna reluctantly rose from the table, her thoughts still consumed by the possibility of whether Margert was a real or fake person . Little did she know, the night held secrets yet to be revealed, and as she followed her mother's urgent gestures towards bed Anna got in her bed, unclenched her jaw and went to sleep. Anna's eyes fluttered open as the dream materialized. Before her stood the familiar sight of her home. A girl with fiery red hair perched gracefully on the steps leading up to the front door. The girl's intense gaze locked with Anna's as their eyes met. Anna couldn't help but be captivated by the girl's piercing green eyes, like green apples shimmering in the morning sunlight. There was an air of mystery surrounding her, as if she held secrets. Curiosity moved Anna forward, her feet moving involuntarily towards the stranger. As she approached, the girl's eyes never wavered, studying Anna's every movement with an intensity. "Who are you?" Anna finally mustered the courage to ask, her voice barely a whisper. The girl repl ies , " someone you doubt ," her voice carrying a hint of otherworldly enchantment. Anna couldn't help but be drawn further into the girl's presence. The girls motioned for Anna to sit beside her on the steps, and as they sat side by side "I have been waiting for you, Anna," the girl said "Why?" Anna questione d. Anna's heart pounded in her chest as she turned to face the girl with fiery red hair. But instead of meeting the girl's gaze, Anna was met with a blinding flash of light. The sudden brightness disappeared, and the girl face was streaming down tears of blood. The blood stains her pale face. Panic surged through Anna’s small heart. In a desperate attempt to escape the nightmare, Anna jolted awake, her body drenched in cold sweat. With her heart still racing, she frantically called out for her mother, her voice trembling. But as she cried out, Anna found herself trapped in a suffocating silence. The echoes of her own voice in her room dissipate into the darkness and a sense of isolation wrapped around her. The following morning, as the sun's gentle rays spilled into the room, Anna's eyes once again fluttered open. The air was filled with the laughter of Bella , who was immersed in a playful world of toys in the living room. Anna got up and sat at the living room table , her mind still clouded by the remnants of a haunting dream. She cupped her eyes with her hands, trying to shake off the lingering image of the girl with the unnerving gaze. Lost in her own introspection, Anna was suddenly startled by an unexpected touch on her shoulders. She jolted back, her heart racing, only to be greeted by the warm smile of her father, standing beside her. "Hi! Good morning!" her father greeted, his voice filled with love and warmth. "It's another workday, but I want you to know that I love you and I hope you have a wonderful day with your mother ,” said papa. Anna watched as her father left the room, a lingering sense of unease washing over her as he steps out. She turned her attention to her mother, Carol, who had quietly entered the room and sat down next to her. "Mom?" Anna's voice trembled as she spoke. "Yes, Anna?" Carol replied. Anna hesitated for a moment, unsure of how to express her fears. Finally, she found her voice, her words flowing with a mixture of vulnerability and concern. "You don't really believe in her friend, right?" Anna asked, her voice trembled with a longing for reassurance. In response, Carol looked at Anna with a gentle gaze, her hand tenderly stroking the back of her daughter's head. The touch was comforting, a silent reassurance that she was not alone in her anxieties. "I don't see any harm in letting her imagination run wild," Carol replied softly. “ We all had our moments of vivid imagination when we were younger. It's a beautiful part of growing up, and it helps us explore the wonders of the world around us." Anna felt a weight lift off her shoulders as her mother's words sank in. The love and acceptance in Carol's voice provided solace As she sat there, wrapped in her mother's comforting presence, Anna realized once again Bella gesturing to the air as she sets her toys down to the opposite side of her. “These toys are for you to play with. I don’t mind sharing mine, but these are yours” said Bella to the air. Anna once again stares and the room goes quiet for Anna in her mind. ***** As Anna stepped outside, she w as given the warm embrace of the sun's rays. Drawn to the tranquility of the moment, Anna gently lowered herself onto the soft grass, feeling its cool touch against her skin. Beside her, came running her younger sister Bella Bella's small hand reached out, delicately holding a blade of grass she had plucked from the earth. With a gentle touch, she brushed it against Anna's arm As Anna observed her sister's peaceful disposition, a calm feeling slightly washed over her. She watched as Bella's gaze wandered; her eyes fixed on a point in the distance. Anna followed her sister's line of sight, her curiosity piqued. "I know where she is buried," Bella stated, her voice filled with a mix of innocence and certainty. Anna's heart skipped a beat, the weight of her sister's words sinking deep into her being. A mix of emotions swirled within her. Her mind raced, trying to comprehend the significance of Bella's thoughts As Anna slowly rose to her feet, a sense of unease settled upon her. Her eyes remained fixed on her younger sister Bella's small finger extended outward, stretching beyond the boundaries of the yard's fence. A shudder ran through Anna's body as she mustered the courage to address the unsettling situation. She spoke, her voice tinged with a hint of fear, "Did mom tell you about that yet?" Bella turned to Anna, her innocent eyes filled with curiosity. "Tell me about what?" she asked, oblivious to the ominous undertone that had gripped her sister. Anna's mind flashed back to a memory, a distant recollection of the first time their mother had explained the concept of death. It was a heart - wrenching moment, one that had left Anna's young mind struggling to comprehend the weight of such a loss. The memory resurfaced vividly, reminding her of a tragic incident that had occurred a couple of years ago In a moment of innocent play, Anna had accidentally caused the demise of a snail. The memory of holding the lifeless creature in her hand, believing it to be sleeping, haunted her still. Her mother had come to her, compassionately explaining the heartbreak ing truth of the snail's passing, forever separating Anna from the friend she once knew. The weight of that memory cast a dark shadow over Anna's present situation. She couldn't shake the feeling that there was something more sinister at play, as if the boundaries between life and death were filling her mind. Bella's innocent gaze met Anna's, unaware of the chilling connection that Anna's mind was making. Anna felt a surge of protectiveness, a desperate need to shield her sister from the haunting knowledge that threatened to consume them both. With a heavy heart, Anna tightly gripped Bella's hand She couldn't comprehend how her younger sister seemed to possess knowledge beyond her years. "How do you know what 'buried' means?" Anna's voice trembled as she questioned, her fear and confusion evident. "Mom only lets you watch your DVD player, and you don't even go to pre - school ” said Anna. Bella's innocent gaze met Anna's, her voice carrying an eerie certainty. " She explained to me that she is no longer with us, but I have known her," Bella replied, her words sending a chill down Anna's spine. Anna's mind raced, struggling to grasp the meaning behind her sister's cryptic words. She couldn't fathom who Bella was referring to and why she seemed privy to such dark revelations. Fear and suspicion gripped Anna as she demanded answers. "Who is telling you these things and why?" Anna's voice d. Bella's gaze remained steady as she spoke, her tone filled with an unsettling calmness. "We are family," Bella uttered "I would tell you the same thing if I had secrets. She doesn't like how you have treated her, but she asks for our help ” says Bella. Anna's eyes widened in horror as the image of the girl with blood - stained tears flashed through her memory once again. The memory was like a nightmarish image , written deep within her consciousness. As she looked up to address Bella, Anna's heart froze in her chest. Standing across the yard, behind Bella, stood the same young girl with fiery red hair. Her presence was haunting, her gaze fixated on Anna with an intensity that pierced through her soul. The air grew heavy as the girl pointed in the same direction as Bell a had moments before, her finger tracing an invisible path through the fence. In an instant, the girl vanished Anna's breath caught in her throat, her mind reeling from the terrifying sight before her. She couldn't deny the chilling reality that something otherworldly was at play, something far beyond her comprehension. Fear consumed Anna as questions swirled in her mind. “ Who was your daughter ? What does she want? And why had she chosen us?” asked Anna. Anna and Bella stood frozen in the yard. The world around them felt tainte d. ***** Anna's heart raced as she grasped the understanding that her mother's strict rules would make their venture outside more terrifying. Even on Carol's better days, the idea of venturing beyond the safety of their home was met with a resolute and unwavering " no." However, fortune seemed to favor Anna on this day, as her mother's busy schedule left her more susceptible to Anna's persuasive tactics. With a sense of urgency, Anna collected her essentials A medium - sized shovel from the garden and a bottle of water. She knew that she was embarking on a mission of great importance, one that she wasn't entirely aware of the consequences of. Yet, driven by her determination to uncover the truth, she couldn't resist the opportunity that her mother's hasty approval had presented. As Anna prepared herself for the unknown, her mind made a chilling connection between the girl in her dreams and the enigmatic figure named Margert – the very name Bella had attributed to her imaginary daughter. The weight of this realization bore down on Anna's shoulders, intensifying the unease that had settled within her being. The line between dreams and reality blurred, as if the secrets of her sister's story were intertwined with a haunting truth that awaite d her discovery With each step she took on this ominous mission, Anna couldn't shake the feeling that she was delving into a world of despair. The weight of her responsibility pressed upon her, threatening to consume her fragile sense of reality. Bella's small finger pointed ahead, leading Anna's gaze to the dense forest that loomed behind the park outside their cul - de - sac. The sight sent a shiver down Anna's spine, as the forest seemed to hold an presence, concealing secrets that were better left undisturbed. Anxiety filled Anna's voice as she questioned her sister, desperately seeking an explanation. "Did you see this somewhere?" Anna asked, her voice trembling Bella's response was filled with a haunting certainty again. "I saw it in a dream once, but I always saw my daughter, and I know she means no hurt ," Bella replied Anna's mind grappled with the conflicting emotions that swirled within her. The girl in Bella’s dreams sounded unsettling, yet Bella possessed an unwavering trust in her. Anna couldn't comprehend how her sister could place such faith in someone who seemed so menacing. Doubt lingered in Anna's voice as she pressed Bella for answers. "How do you know that? Do you trust her to lead us?" Anna asked Bella's response was soft, barely audible, as if carried on a whisper. "Yes," she replied with conviction. With weighing heavily on their hearts, Anna and Bella ventured into the forest. Their steps were cautious, their senses heightened, as they ventured deeper. Anna's unease grew with each passing moment, but Bella's determination pushed them forward. As they walked, Anna couldn't shake the feeling that the forest itself was alive, the trees whispering secrets that sent shivers down her spine once again . The dense leaves seemed to close in around them, casting shadows that danced in the fading light. Suddenly, Bella broke into a sprint, her tiny body disappearing into the labyrinth of trees. Fear gripped Anna's heart as she raced after her sister, desperate to keep her in sight. Panic surged through her veins, as the forest seemed to twist and turn, distorting her perception. With each frantic step, Anna's cries for her sister echoed through the trees, the fear in her voice reverberating through the haunting silence. Her grip tightened on the shovel, an attempt to find strength in the face of an unknown terror. Amidst the disorienting chaos, Anna's ears was pierced by a screams. The sound of a child's agony filled the air. Tears streamed down her face as she called out to her sister Haunted by the chilling cries, Anna fell. ***** Anna's heart pounded in her chest as she gazed up at her sister's bright pink flower shoes and look up to see Bella. The air grew heavy with tension as Anna's eyes followed Bella's pointed finger, leading her to a patch of grass shrouded in the shade of a tree , with a solitary tree looming over it. A chill ran down Anna's spine as she witnessed the eerie sight before her. Anna's curiosity mixed with a sense of foreboding as she asked Bella , "Is that where she is?" h er voice trembling Bella's cold gaze met her sister's, and with a slow nod, she confirmed Anna's worst fears. Anna reached out and brushed her fingertips against the grass, only to be met with a sudden, horrific transformation. Her body convulsed, as if being consumed by an unseen force. A piercing shock coursed through her veins, leaving her gasping for breath. As Anna's consciousness faded, she found herself plunged into the same dream. She glanced around, disoriented, and terrified, only to be greeted by the anguished cries of her sister echoing from the shadows. Anna's eyes darted upward, and there, standing in all her ghostly glory, was Margert Anna stood frozen in disbelief, her eyes fixated on the girl with fiery red hair and piercing green eyes standing before her. The ghostly shriek from Margert pierced the air causing Anna's heart to race with terror. "What do you want from us? ” Anna t rembling, she mustered the courage to speak A small, chilling whisp of air escaped Margot's lips as she spoke, as if the sound itself had been trapped in the depths of her little body for ages. "I don't wish to bring hurt,” Margert ’s words came out in a haunting sound , carrying a hint of sorrow Anna's mind raced as she recalled the similar phrasing her sister, Bella, had used earlier that day. The puzzle pieces slowly started to fit together but fear still gripped her heart. "We don't wish to hurt you either, but please, we just want our mama," Anna pleaded, her voice laced with desperation. “I wouldn’t take anyone away from their mama,” said Margert "What happened to your mama?" Anna asked, her eyes locked onto Margert ’s haunting figure standing amidst the eerie patch of grass. Margert ’s stood still, her gaze fixed on Anna, as if wrestling with the horrid memories that threatened to consume her. Finally, she spoke, her words filled with anguish "A man... a man killed my mama. I went to look. The world turned dark when I passed that corner of the woods behind our home. And then... I awoke here, in this patch of grass. A voice whispered to me, promising that mama would return, but she never did." Anna's blood ran cold as she absorbed Margot's horrifying revelation. The gravity of the situation weighed heavily upon her as she searched for answers. "Who took your mama? Do you know where she is?" she asked, her voice with concern. "I do now ,” a glimmer of anguish flickered in Margert ’s eyes as she responded Suddenly, the cries of Anna's younger sister, Bella, shattered the dreamlike silence. Her desperate screams echoing through the twisted trees. Bella's voice tore through the fabric of the dream, urging Anna to awaken. With determination in her eyes, Anna confronted Margot, her voice shaking with both fear and resolve. "You can't take her from us," Anna declared, her protective instincts flaring. Margot's expression softened, a glimmer of vulnerability shining through her ghostly face "I wasn't going to take her. She is no longer my mama. I am lost, and I need help. You both are the only ones who can see me," Margot explained “How can we help you?” asked Anna. Margot's tiny finger quivered as she pointed towards the dense wood The trees seemed to part before her, revealing a hidden path that led to an abandoned home at the end of a meandering stream. Anna's heart raced as she followed Margot's guiding gesture. Her eyes fixed upon the dilapidated house, a relic of forgotten secrets and lost memories. But what caught her attention was the faint flickering light emanating from one of the windows. As Anna watched in awe, the door of the abandoned home creaked open, revealing a void of darkness. From within, a figure emerged It was a little girl, her innocent features distorted by an eerie aura. “Is that you?” asked Anna. Margot nodded softly. Following the girl's delicate footsteps, a woman emerged from the shadows of the abandoned home. Her beauty was ethereal, her presence captivating Margot's eyes widened, fear mingling with hope in her gaze. "That's her," Margot whispered, her voice trembling. " My mama before she was taken.” Anna's heart sank as the realization washed over. Margot wasn't simply lost Anna recalled the story of purgatory, how someone could be caught between the realms of the living and the dead. The weight of unfinished business prevented her from finding peace. As Anna glanced at Margot, her features twisted with anguish and torment. Anna’s head got heavy watching the beautiful older woman leave the home and she blacks out. Anna awakes to the woods she was left in and lifts her head to find her sister crying in her hands to the side of her. Anna pets her sister’s hand. Bella hugs her sister and Anna stands. “You were right. There is a girl named Margot and she is asking for our help” communicates Anna. Bella turns to her sister and smiles. Anna races into the forest holding her sister’s hand and goes to the abandoned home at the end of the stream. Images of a girl and her mother flicker in her mind, fleeting glimpses of a tragic past that vanish as quickly as they appear. Bella, oblivious to the haunting visions, is too preoccupied with her own childish concerns. S he skips along, her light - up Sketchers illuminating the dark forest floor Th ey arrived at the abandoned home at the end of the stream, its decaying facade looked like a ghostly apparition. Anna hid Bella in the thick bushes, shielding her from the impending danger that lay inside. With a trembling hand, Anna approached the decrepit house, its creaking floor of the deck. Inside, lying motionless on a tattered bed, was a man in his late seventies . His features were etched with an unwavering sternness. But it was the sight of the gun clasped tightly in his hands that truly chilled Anna to the bone. Fear mingled with confusion as Anna's gaze shifted to a spectral figure standing beside the man. It was Margot, her ghostly form pointing accusingly at the slumbering figure. The int ensity of her stern expression sent shudders through Anna's very soul, hinting at the dark secrets that had unfolded within these walls. Margot then points to the fireplace jamb where a Erocalli Victorian Boots sits and a folded piece of ripped pink flowered cloth. Suddenly, Anna was enveloped in a blinding flash of light. She stumbled backward, falling onto the deck beside the ghostly figure of Margot and her mother, who appeared as if falling in slow motion. The impact never came, as Anna found herself standing once again Without hesitation, Anna sprinted towards her sister, the man inside the house stirring awake. A gunshot pierced the sunset sky, but she refused to let fear consume her. Hand in hand, the two girls ran back through the forest, their desperate footsteps echoing through the darkness, leaving the haunted house and its secrets behind. ***** As Anna and Bella burst through the front door to their home , their breaths ragged and hearts pounding, they were met with the chaotic scene of their mother, Carol, frantically searching the house. Her voice trembled with fear as she called out for her children, unaware of the danger outside. Carol's cries pierced the air, mingling with the distant sound of a gunshot. With trembling hands, Carol grabbed her children, pulling them close in a desperate embrace. The door slammed shut behind them, shutting out the outside world. Fear consumed the room as they huddled together, seeking safety Carol's trembling fingers dialed the emergency number, her voice strained as she relayed the dire situation to the dispatcher. The sound of approaching footsteps grew louder, each thud echoing through the silence Seeking refuge, Carol guided her children to the kitchen, where the sturdy table stood as their only barrier. They crouched down, their bodies pressed against the cold floor, hiding from the intruder who drew nearer. Time seemed to stretch as they waited, their hearts pounding in unison with the sound of their own breaths. The tension in the air was palpable, suffocating their senses. Fear and anticipation mingled as the intruder's footsteps grew closer to the front st eps. Outside, the sound of sirens wailed in the distance, growing louder with each passing moment. The sound of the doorknob turning sent shockwaves through their bodies, their hearts pounding in their ears. Time stood still as the door creaked open, revealing the shadowy figure on the other side. Margot materialized before them, her ghostly presence emanating an aura of both dread and power. A blood - curdling scream tore through the air, punching off the walls, as Margot unleashed a forceful push, propelling the intruder backward. The man stumbled, losing his balance, and crashed onto the stairs. The sickening thud echoed through the house as his head made brutal contact with the steps. The fear that had gripped the family was momentarily replaced by a mix of awe and terror at Margot's supernatural intervention. Margot disappears in a light as the police light flashes into their home. Five weeks later. After gathering statements from Anna and Bella, the police swiftly identified the man and proceeded to ransack his home. Although Anna and Bella never mentioned Margaret during their conversation with the authorities, claiming that they had innocently ventured into the nearby woods, only to stumble upon the home of the man in question. To the police’s astonishment, they stumbled upon a chilling sight - an array of trophies meticulously displayed on the man's fireplace. The police instantly recognized these trophies as those belonging to the mother and daughter who had tragically fallen victim to a cold case that had haunted the community for years. This shocking discovery left no room for doubt - the man under investigation was indeed the perpetrator and he later confessed for a “shorter” sentence, but he died in prison a couple of years later Margaret never came back, and Bella never spoke of her ever again . Y ears later , Bella never remembered any of this But Anna remembers