THE WANDERER

LOST

The whole neighborhood was in distress. Katy has been missing for some days now and there was no indication that she would be showing up soon. They organized a committee to put together a search party and look for the lost teenager. It was a tough time for the inhabitants of Loja, which was nothing compared to the misery and despair Katy's parents were experiencing.

"How are you holding up, Kid?"

Eric was too distracted by the thoughts in his head to notice Mrs. Smith's question, an extension of her concern. She considered such a gesture appropriate for the situation they were in.

"It's Eric right?"

Eric was still oblivious to the happenings around him, he was so lost in his head that Erica had to nudge him repeatedly before he came to.

"You must be Eric right, my baby's boyfriend."

There was a pain in her eyes. Eric could see the blood-filled artery, it seemed they were going to burst. They were red with worry, tears dangling, and gravity was too weak to pull them down.

"No Ma'am, I'm