Heart the Mountain Keeps

Chapter One · Caught

I remember the back of the police car more clearly than I remember the officers’ faces. There was no handle I could reach to open the door. I was not handcuffed, and nobody had called me a criminal, but I had no way to leave. I was twelve. I had run from the woman who raised me, and I could not imagine an adult hearing that story without deciding to send me back.

The station was close. I watched the streets pass and tried to remember a turn I might recognize if I had to find my way out again. It did not occur to me that the people taking me there might be trying to help.

I was brought into the station through a backdoor, as a smaller framed officer guided me by the hand. At a second glance, he appeared as though he wasn't much older than I was and could have easily been the older brother of any of my friends and classmates.

“Sit here, Addison.” The young officer instructed, as I was told to sit down upon a cold, hard metal chair that was alongside the oddest looking desk. “I’ll be back in a few minutes. Can I get you anything at all?” He asked, as I could only shake my head no.

A few moments later he left the room. Not much could be heard, as the station appeared empty, even though it was early in the morning. The room had a chill in the air and had the weirdest of smells. It was similar to a musty smell, but it was odd because the room felt dry. It wasn’t rotten or rancid, but it was stale and lingered about. My lips were chapped due to the fact that I was also very dry. I was starving but the thought of food made my stomach turn sour.