Chapter 15

Jasmine has officially been missing for three months now. The search parties have dispersed, but I still go out everyday, and Jack comes with me thrice a week. I am beginning to lose hope myself, but I don't say anything to anyone. Me and Jack are currently searching in a different area, one that is more out of the way than our main stomping ground. “Do you miss her?” I ask suddenly. “Heather, I mean. What I mean is…does it ever get better? The pain.” Jack looks thoughtful for a minute, staring at an unknown point somewhere in the distance. “It's hard to tell really. I was only four when she went missing so I suppose I've always been growing up in her shadow. My dad and stepmum still miss her, that's for sure. So no. I don't think it does.” We pass a lovely little house, the hedges trimmed to perfection and the whitewashed bricks somehow remaining spotless. There is a field right next to it, a lush green one with unkempt grass spindling up to your waist. I trudge my way through the overgrowth, running a soft finger through the plants and enjoying the tickling sensation of the grass on my bare ankles. November is drawing in, and all I can do is hope to god that we find Jasmine by Christmas. I trip on a loose bit of ground, flying over and landing painfully on the damp, slightly frozen earth below. Jake comes rushing over, helping me up then examining the loose soil closer. “Ginny, get me the shovel.” He says, and my heart thuds in time with my quick footsteps as I sprint back to the car.