----------- Mac's Apartment Georgetown 40 Minutes Later

After a quick stop at the candy shop, here I am. Here I am. Standing at her door, staring at the number in front of me...So, I should probably knock...I'm so nervous. Why am I so nervous? I am here tonight to see my Marine, and all I've done so far is stand here, staring at her door.

Gathering up my courage, I knock.

Nothing happens.

I knock again.

Again, nothing.

Frowning, I knock once more, calling out,

"Sarah? Are you in there?" Silence.

Panic is overcoming me quickly, consuming me like a fire spreading through my body. I reach into my pocket and pull out my keys, finding hers quickly on the ring and unlocking the door.

I shove the door open and look around in the inky darkness. No light is on in the entire room. A chill runs through me and I reach over to turn on the light. The light comes on to reveal...

An empty room.

Nothing is out of order, everything's fine. Her shoes are even sitting in their place next to the door. The apartment is cold, though, icy air flowing freely from the general direction of her bedroom. Without hesitating, I drop the box of candy and the movie and walk briskly that way.

Slamming the door all the way open, I enter her bedroom expecting to find her asleep or something equally as safe. Nothing, no military training or past experiences could have prepared me for what I see right now.

God.

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Sorry for the suspense and the short chapter...The next one's longer.