You lie at our feet, tangled in the earth’s trappings. The sun is high, and we stretch ourselves to catch the lingering licks of light. Would you like some as well? Our predecessors taught us that to offer others light is to offer up our place in the world, but you are such a small, delicate thing. Surely a few specks of sunlight won’t hurt.
Hi!!! Finally back in the states! I’ll be back home in a couple days <3
Delivered July 10, 1:08am
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Ugh have I mentioned I hate public transportation?? So gross
Delivered July 12, 10:45am
Feww finally home!! When are you gonna be back we should go out or something
Delivered July 12, 5:08pm
Ooooh finally getting out huh?? Lol let me know if you need a ride ;p
Delivered July 12, 9:36pm
Bitch are you fucking around with Jacob again? We talked about this he’s bad news
Delivered July 13, 11:48am
Just text me so I know you’re ok? Please??? I’m getting worried
Delivered July 14, 12:28am
The air is still today, thick with dust and traces of woodsmoke that has drifted down from the North over the past season. We sigh and dream of rain. What are you dreaming of? You and yours are prone to constant movement; this we remember from seasons long past. You have not shifted for some time. Feel free to rest here as long as you need. You seem like you need it.
Report Transcript: 07/16/2009
“Maple County Police, how can I help you?”
“I need to file a Missing Persons report.”
“Alright miss, please stay on the line.”
“Ok.”
“Can you tell me the full name of the missing person?”
“Anna Green.”
“And what is your relation to Ms. Green?”
“I’m her roommate.”
“And what is your full name?”
“Katie McConnor.”
“Alright Ms. McConnor, when was the last time you saw Ms. Green?”
“A month and a half ago.”
“And what made you suspect Ms. Green is missing?”
“I got back a week ago from a trip abroad and she hasn’t been home at all. I texted her a million times and she won’t answer.”
“There’s no possibility Ms. Green is simply on a trip, herself?”
“She would have at least texted! It’s not like Anna to just disappear!”
“Please remain calm, Ms. McConnor, we will do our best to locate Ms. Green. Authorities are on their way to get a full statement.”
End Transcript
The day passes, and the next. The season changes as the sun grows distant. Gradually, you nestle further into the nook you’ve made for yourself. This place isn’t wary of you anymore. Leaves have draped themselves over your form. A collection of corvids has passed judgement on you, poking and prodding here and there while muttering among themselves. They’ve never bothered us, but that can’t be comfortable for you. Yet you don’t flinch or flick them away as your kind tends to do. Your dreams must have a strong hold on you. Will you share them with us, small one? It’s okay if you aren’t ready yet. Stay as long as you like.
Missing: Anna Green, Age 23, Female
Green was last seen on June 30 by coworkers. Green’s manager confirmed Green clocked in and out for her shift at the Corner Mart that day but failed to show up for her shift the next day. Authorities do not currently have an active lead on Green’s whereabouts, but there is suspicion of foul play. Any information is to be reported to Maple County Authorities.
There is an upset in the distance. Careless footsteps treading heavy over the earth. A cacophony of voices rising into the waning afternoon sends fauna of all sizes skittering into their respective sanctuaries. Can’t you hear them? Will you not stir, as well? We know not what your kind seeks here, but you must be growing lonely. Or perhaps you would rather be left unfound? Is that it? Very well, friend, we will shelter you.
Evidence Log: 10/29/2009
Site # 76 Location: Jefferson Nature Reserve Items Found:
Maroon zip-up hoodie, women’s, weathered
Seven(7) glass bottles
One(1) black Vans sneaker, left foot, size 6 women’s
Fabric, cotton, torn, weathered
Notes: evidence inconclusive
In our embrace, we hear you clearly. We do not understand why your bones sing of pain, but we will do our best to comfort them. All iron turns to rust, in the end, so it’s all the same to us. But you are one of us now. We take care of our own. We have no need for things like sorrow and pain. Sunshine and good rainfall will suffice.
Body Found in Nature Reserve
Sunday, April 21, a human femur was found in the roots of one of the reserve’s old-growth Oaks by a troop of Boy Scouts.
Troop 122 was on their annual preservation excursion when two scouts found the remains. The boys oversaw picking up any litter they came across and reporting any sharps to their troop leader, according to troop leader Daniel Green.
“It’s a nature reserve,” Green said. “Nature can be a little gruesome sometimes. The boys have seen bird and small animal bones before, but I’ll be damned if that bone came from any animal.”
Local authorities seem to agree with Green. The Maple County forensics department confirmed earlier today that the femur was from a human female, though they have yet to determine any potential clues to the deceased's identity.
“We just can’t be sure yet,” said the Head of Forensics, Jack Johnsen. “The remains are roughly 10 years old, based on the state of decomposition. They aren’t well preserved, so there’s no telling if we will find any conclusive evidence.”
Authorities have blocked off the area where the remains were discovered for further investigation, according to Maple County Authorities.
Published April 23, 2020
What are we? We are home.