Little girl across the street waved at me day and night for weeks. I couldn’t shake her haunted eyes. When I eventually went to see her, nothing could have prepared me for the devastating truth behind that door.
I saw this girl from my window every night. She was always by the window, waving at me with her tiny hand. Her intense gaze on me sent thrills down my spine.
Who was she? She wanted what from me? I looked at my wife, Sandy, reading on the couch.
“Babe, she’s back. I told you about this girl.”
Sandy frowned as she looked up. “The one who waves at you constantly?”
I nodded, sad.
“Yeah. There’s something… No idea. Something in her eyes.
She seems to be telling me something.”
Sandy put her book down and joined me at the window. “Oh, Arnie,” she whispered, touching my shoulder. Maybe she’s a lonely youngster.
Have you waved back? I shook my head, still staring at the little figure across the street. Sandy, I can’t explain.
It feels more. Like she’s calling me.”
Sandy tightened grasp on my shoulder. You’re scared me, honey.
Just a youngster waving. Don’t overthink it.”
I looked away from the window and smiled. You’re right.
I may be overthinking.”
As I closed the drapes, I felt like I was missing something vital. My dreams of the small child pleading for aid kept me awake that night. She cried, “Don’t leave me,” in my fantasies.
Do not leave.”
Sandy watched over me as I woke up sweating. “Arnie? Are you okay?
In your sleep, you talked.”
Sitting up, my heart raced. “I don’t know. That girl.
My dreams included her. She cried.”
Sandy’s eyes widened in concern. “We should discuss this with someone.
A therapist, maybe? Shaking my head. “No, I need to act.
I can’t ignore this.”
I woke up weary at morning. My head hurt from last night’s nightmares. Even though my favorite breakfast was cooking, the smell of fresh pancakes didn’t cheer me up.
I walked downstairs to find Sandy serving me hot tea and delicious pancakes. “Rough night?”
I nodded, sipping hot tea. “Yes, couldn’t shake those dreams.”
After breakfast, I returned to the window.
Seeing the girl standing there made my heart race. Our eyes met and she waved. I felt pulled to her like a moth to a flame by her small touch.
I dropped my cup clattering. “Finished. Going to talk to her parents.
I’ve had enough.”
Sandy’s eyes widened. “Arnie, are you sure?”
I nodded, staring at the building across the street. I need to know, Sandy.
Unable to articulate, yet I sense she needs me.”
Sandy approached behind me, embracing my waist. “Be careful, please? Call me if anything seems off.”
I turned and kissed her forehead.
“I will. I assure you.”
The street crossing felt like my longest adventure. I reached the building with a racing heart and sweaty fingers as I pressed the doorbell for the apartment I’d seen the girl in so many times.
A woman’s voice crackled over the intercom after a long gap. “Yes? Is it who?
Hello, Arnold from across the way. I wanted to discuss your daughter.”
Another lengthier pause. A buzz opened the door.
The story doesn’t end here — it continues on the next page.
Tap READ MORE to discover the rest 🔎👇
