Save Me

Emma's POV

Lying in my bed, tossing and turning, I can’t help but feel the excitement building up for tomorrow. It’s been three long years since Mia left for Chicago to develop herself mentally and financially. Since then, I’ve been stuck under the constant watchful eye of our controlling mother. Now, at 17, I often wonder what it would be like to have the freedom to do whatever I want, whenever I want, without being constantly monitored.

The thought of finally having Mia back fills me with a sense of relief and excitement. She always seemed so free-spirited, so confident. I’ve missed her more than I let on. Mia was the one who understood me when no one else did. And now, with her return, maybe things will change.

But then there was her past—her struggles with addiction, the reckless choices, and the mistakes she tried so hard to leave behind. I want to believe she’s moved on from that, that she’s better now. But what if she isn’t? What if coming back here brings it all rushing back? I’m excited to see her again, but part of me is terrified. Terrified that she’s not the Mia I remember. Terrified that I’ll lose her all over again. 

I shake the thoughts away, trying to focus on the excitement. Tomorrow, Mia is coming home. For the first time in years, I’ll get to see my sister again. Maybe, just maybe, she'll help me find the freedom I’ve been craving.

As I lay in bed, my hands and feet crossed, staring up at the ceiling, I was too excited to even think about falling asleep. The anticipation of seeing Mia tomorrow kept me wide awake. I decided to try calming my restless mind with some soft instrumental music, hoping it would help me drift off. After a few minutes, the soothing melodies began to settle my thoughts, and soon, I felt my eyelids grow heavy. Before I knew it, I had fallen asleep, the music still playing softly in my ears, the headphones still in place, as I slipped into a peaceful, dream-filled rest.

I woke up the next morning to sunlight filtering through my bedroom window, the soft rays gently warming my face. My headphones and phone were still exactly where I left them the night before. Crawling out of bed, I could already smell the sweet aroma of pancakes drifting up from downstairs.

I headed into the kitchen, where the familiar aroma of breakfast filled the air. Mom was busy at the stove, humming softly as she cooked. But what really caught my eye wasn’t her—it was the person sitting in Dad’s chair in the living room. I didn’t need to guess who it was—I already knew. A wave of excitement washed over me as I crept up behind them, a mischievous smile forming on my face. Without a sound, I covered their eyes with my hands.

“Hmm, I wonder whose hands these are? Could this be my soon-to-be college-bound, seventeen-year-old hottie of a little sister that all the boys want?” Mia teased, a cute chuckle following her words.

“You got that right!” I shouted, pulling my hands away from her eyes. Before I knew it, Mia leaped out of her chair and wrapped me in a hug so tight, I was gasping for air.

“Excuse me, you mean all the books want,” Mom chimed in from across the room, making us both burst out laughing.

“Calm down, mommy detective. It was just a joke,” Mia said, flashing her pearly whites.

“Why didn’t you come up and wake me?” I asked, a little disappointed that I had missed her arrival.

“I thought I’d let my beautiful sister get her beauty rest. And, by the way, it gave me the perfect opportunity to get you a little something,” Mia said with a grin, pulling a small box out of her pocket.

“This can’t make up for all the birthdays I’ve missed over the last three years, but I hope you like it,” she added softly.

Curious and excited, I carefully opened the box, my eyes widening as I took in the delicate necklace inside. My name was elegantly engraved on it, shining under the light. A warm smile spread across my face as I looked up at Mia, feeling the love behind her thoughtful gift.

Tears welled up in my eyes as I gently traced my fingers over the engraved letters of my name. It was beautiful—simple yet meaningful.

“Mia… this is perfect,” I whispered, looking up at her with gratitude.

She smiled, her eyes softening. “I’m glad you like it. Now, help me put it on you.”

I turned around, lifting my hair as she fastened the clasp behind my neck. The cool metal rested against my skin, a constant reminder that no matter how far Mia went, she was always with me.

Just as we were soaking in the moment, Mom walked in with a knowing smile. “I see you two are already having your little sisterly bonding time.”

Mia smirked. “Of course, Mom. Had to make up for lost time.”

Mom chuckled before glancing at the clock. “Well, I was just about to finish cooking breakfast. Why don’t you two set the table?”

Mia and I exchanged playful looks before jumping up to grab the plates and utensils. It felt just like old times—before she left for Chicago, before the distance. We moved around the kitchen with ease, laughing and chatting as if no time had passed at all.

As we set the table, Mia nudged me with her elbow. “I missed this, you know,” she said softly.

I smiled. “Me too.”

We sat down to eat, savoring Mom’s fluffy pancakes and crispy bacon while catching up on everything we had missed in each other’s lives. The morning was filled with stories, laughter, and warmth—the kind that made me forget how much I had missed my sister these past few years.

After breakfast, Mia and I decided to spend the entire day together, making up for lost time. We started by heading to the park, strolling along the walking trail as we talked about everything—her life in Chicago, my senior year, and all the little things we had missed out on during the years apart.

At one point, we sat on the swings, laughing like little kids again, and for a brief moment, it felt like she had never left.

After the park, we stopped by our favorite ice cream shop. I got my usual cookies and cream, while Mia went for chocolate fudge. We sat by the window, watching people pass by as we enjoyed our sweet treats, talking about the silly things we used to do as kids.

When we got back home, we lounged on the couch, flipping through channels until we settled on a reality show that had us both yelling at the screen. We laughed so hard that our stomachs hurt, making fun of the dramatic moments and predicting what would happen next.

As the evening rolled in, the comforting aroma of Mom’s homemade lasagna filled the house. We gathered around the dinner table once more, savoring the delicious meal while chatting and reminiscing.

Before I knew it, the day had come to an end. After dinner, I retreated to my room, still admiring my new necklace in the mirror. Just as I was about to hop into bed, my phone buzzed with a text from Mia.

"Let’s go out again tomorrow"

I smiled at the message, my heart warming at the thought of spending more time with her. It was rare to have her home, and I wanted to make the most of it. With that thought in mind, I set my phone down, snuggled into bed, and just as I was about to drift off to sleep, a sudden bang outside my window jolted me upright.

Heart pounding, I scrambled out of bed and rushed to the window. My breath hitched when I saw Mia standing outside. The source of the noise became clear—she had just slammed her cell phone onto the pavement, shattering it into pieces.

I had never seen her this angry before. Her body was tense, her hands clenched into fists at her sides. Something was very wrong.

I was about to call out her name when, without warning, she turned, got into her car, and sped off into the night.

Panic surged through me. My fingers trembled as I gripped the windowsill, my mind racing with questions. Where was she going? What had made her so upset?

Unable to shake the sinking feeling in my chest, I bolted out of my room and ran into the kitchen, where Mom was washing dishes. My words tumbled out in a frantic rush as I explained everything I had just witnessed.

Mom’s face shifted from confusion to concern, and I could only hope—pray—that whatever had just happened wouldn’t lead to something worse.