Archive of Our Own ^beta

Chapter Text

December 1, 2019
5:57 PM

Anne > Mom
I'll be right there

Mom > Anne
Don't take too long. Everyone's already here.

6:10 PM

> Anne?
> Are you on your way? The walk is 5 min

6:12 PM
> Anne Boonchuy this isn't funny. Come home now.

6:16 PM

> Stay where you are. I'm coming to get you. Still at Starbucks?

6:20 PM

> From now on you are going to tell me exactly where you're going every single time you leave the house
> And school
> You know what, from now on you need to come straight home after school
> I don't want to smother you, I just want you to be safe.

6:25 PM

> At the Waybrights'. They haven't heard from Sasha since this morning
> If this is Sasha's idea of a prank, it's not funny
> I know you wouldn't do this willingly.

6:32 PM

> Mr. and Mrs. Wu haven't seen Marcy in an hour
> They think she's angry with them but I'm not sure why, and it isn't my place to ask
> They think she's giving them the silent treatment, I told them what's happening

6:40 PM

> I'm going home, but I'm staying by my phone. Please, please, text me when you can. Or call.
> I love you.

7:00 PM

> I'm going to assume you're at another friend's house and your phone is dead
> Please call me when you can. Come home right after school.

9:05 PM

> I'm going to sleep. Please stay safe. Happy birthday.

December 2, 2019
7:48 AM

> Have a good day at school. Learn lots. xoxo

8:24 AM

> Your homeroom teacher says you didn't show up.
> Please, baby, what's going on?
> I promise I won't be mad. I'm just worried
> Maybe I'll be a little mad
> But you get it, don't you?

11:12 AM

> You missed four classes. I'm praying to every god from every single religion that you're just skipping

12:27 PM

> I just got off the phone with the Wus and the Waybrights. Marcy and Sasha didn't go to school either.

> Me and your father are worried to death
> I know you're fine

1:17
> I KNOW you're okay. You're an amazing girl with such a kind heart
> Even if something happened, Sasha's so protective and strong I know you'll be okay
> And Marcy will keep you out of trouble.

2:48 PM

> I know you usually stay at Sasha's after school, but please come home right away

3:04 PM
> Mrs. Waybright says you're not there
> Sasha isn't either

3:18 PM

> Mr. Wu says the same

4:02
> I'm being silly, you're fine
> Aren't you?
> Of course you are

6:27 PM

> Your father thinks we should report you missing. We're meeting with the Waybrights and the Wus tomorrow.

9:56 PM

> Good night. The ringer on my phone is on in case you call.

11:20 PM

> I love you

Chapter Text

December 3, 2019
10:56 AM

Mom > Anne

> Good morning
> I made chocolate pancakes!
> They're in the fridge for when you come home
> Had to wait for them to cool first. Air shrinks when it gets cold and expands when it gets hot. I wouldn't be able to open the tupperware!
> Also.... Dad and I met with your friends' parents.
> We got home an hour ago- I woke up at 6 on purpose, can you believe it?
> You always say old people wake up way too early
> So, we agreed that we need to report you girls missing
> Better safe than sorry, right? It's only been a day and a half, but what's the harm? We know you're okay, but in the off chance you don't come home soon, we want to have all our ducks in a row.
> I'm going to take a nap. Love you lots.

2:57 PM
Katie > Anne
> hey i saw you werent in school today or yesterday do you need the homework for alg and english

4:15 PM

Dad > Anne
> Hey Anna banana, I don't know if you've got your phone on you but I figured I'd text anyway
> We don't really know how to handle this, if I'm being honest
> If you are seeing this, please come home. At least let us know you're ok
> And you can tell us anything

4:42 PM

> I think your mom is texting you updates. She won't tell me but I see her on her phone more than usual, typing. I don't wanna snoop.

5:14 PM

Mom > Anne
> They're putting you, Sasha, and Marcy's names on those LED road signs
> Missing children are prioritized so
> It'll be okay
> They did say that teenagers who go missing in groups generally just ran away
> I just hope me and Dad didn't do anything to make you want that
> I hope everything is okay at school
> While I hope with all my heart that you didn't run away, it looks much better than the alternative
> So, how was your day?

5:45 PM
> Not gonna fall for that, huh?

> That's okay
> We're eating dinner now

7:14 PM

> I started a new book today
> I was going through your bookshelves
> I didn't recognize a lot of them, turns out most of them have Marcy's name on the inside cover. That girl can READ.
> Anyway, I found one all the way at the bottom to one side. Looked like its pages hadn't seen the light of day since it was bought
> Looked pretty old but it wasn't mine, didn't have Marcy's name on it, maybe it's your father's
> It doesn't have a book jacket and the cover and spine are blank
> I started reading and it occurred to me that I could look on one of the first pages for the name
> But I don't think I want to
> It's a simple story with no real plot and no named characters. I couldn't tell you what it's about if I tried
> I've never read anything like it
> But that's existence, isn't it? In movies there's always the main event, but there isn't one, really. It's all white noise. Sometimes I wish there were, but sometimes I'm glad there isn't
> Whew but that was a lot of serious talk, huh?
> Should I become a poet or what?
> I kid. You're the storyteller in the family. Great around the campfire but not so much when I needed to tell if you were lying
> Anyway, I'm going to bed. Love you.

francesca > Anne
> i just saw u marcy n sashas names on the news they're saying ur missing?? idk if u guys just ran away n if youll see this or what but like, hope ur doing ok

December 4, 2019
7:45 AM
matt > Anne
> dude people are saying that you and your friends ran away
> is that true??

Mom > Anne
> Good morning, baby.
> Turns out I made too many pancakes yesterday for even your father and I to eat so we were thinking of doing breakfast for dinner tonight
> Would be a shame if someone were to.... eat them while I'm at work?
> Think about it.
> I love you

ann 2, electric boogaloo > Anne
> ????
> Attachment: video (42 sec.)
[id: A shaky shot of an old tv in the corner of a classroom, the person recording seems to be hiding their phone. There's a woman on the screen introducing herself as Dr. Vincent, the principal of the school. She says, "It has been brought to my attention that there are rumors and theories about the abcense of three of my students. Under normal circumstances, staff would try our best to dismiss and draw attention away from these rumors, but these circumstances are not normal. The parents of these girls have given the school permission to share this information. On December third, 2019, Anne Boonchuy, Sasha Waybright, and Marcy Wu were reported missing. Anne and Sasha were last seen in their fifth period biology class at 11:28 AM on December first, 2019. They left to go to the sick room and never arrived. Marcy was last seen by her parents the same day at 5:27 PM. If you have any information on the whereabouts of these girls, repo-"]

Chapter Text

December 4, 2019
7:25 AM
Mom > Anne
> Good morning, baby
> Look who broke into the catnip last night!
> [id: a still image of Domino the cat lying on her back in a pile of catnip. The bag can be seen next to her, there are bite marks on it and the bag is nearly empty. Her back legs are pointing straight up and her front legs are bent at her little cat wrists.]
[id: Mrs. Boonchuy holds Domino in one arm and presumably has the camera in the other hand. Domino stares at the camera and straight into your soul. Mrs. Boonchuy is smiling, but there are bags under her eyes. Her eyes are just a little red.]
> Little stinker.
> We've gotten a couple of calls from people who say they've seen you
> Nothibg reliable. I was hopeful at first, thought with a city as populous as LA there would be SOMEONE who's seen you
> That's not to say I'm not still hopeful!
> Just.... the first couple of calls I really thought....
> I don't know.
> The calls happen so often.
> At first I was happy that so many people cared
> Then it just... became a reminder that you're not here

8:04 AM
> Everything is, you know.
> Electric bill is lower because we don't need to heat your room or turn on your lights
> No dirty dishes lying around
> The house is so, so quiet
> I've been getting by by making little stories in my head
> You're never in your room because you're little again and can't go the night without sleeping in my bed
> No dirty dishes because I finally got you to pick up after yourself
> On a school trip
> Over at Sasha's
> But when that phone rings, I can't pretend.
> Always 'I think I saw your daughter'
> My missing daughter

Unknown number > Anne
10:21 AM
> hey anne, brenda gave me your number
> hope that's ok?
> this is margot btw
> just wanted to say sorry for stealing your birthday thing
> the rice snack?
> uh i forget what its called gimme a second
> khao niew bing
> like i was just messing with you but sorry anyway

Dad > Anne
1:07 PM
> Hey Anne! I hope you're doing good. Hope you're safe and have a warm bed and delicious food to eat
> Good thing Californian winters don't get too cold, right? Lucky we're not in northern Cali too
> I swear, the phone is ringing more often than not. That's good though! Means we'll find you.
> We're talking to some kids from your school tomorrow. We just got a call from someone that a group of girls in your grade saw you and Sasha leave.
> Same time you were last seen, right out of the entrance by the nurse's room.
> Love you!

Mom > Anne
1:12 PM
> We have a lead!
> Me and Dad are meeting up with them tomorrow along with the Waybrights
> I know to keep my hopes in check. I don't want to be disappointed
> Love you lots and lots

Chapter Text

December 5, 2019
2:08 PM
Mom > Anne
> Hey, pudding. I was debating whether or not to send you this. I don't want you to feel bad or guilty and I certainly don't want you to see this side of me, but I think it's important that you do, so you know what's happening.
> [Attachment: 1 audio file]
[id:
Girl 1: Oh- this is recording or...?
Mrs. Boonchuy: Just for the police. Not gonna post it online or anything.
[Mrs. Boonchuy laughs halfheartedly. There's a short pause.]
Mrs. Boonchuy: So, can you tell me what you saw, please?
Girl 2: Yeah, uh, well we didn't see much because they were on Anne's bike-
Mrs. Boonchuy: Both of them? I was very clear when Anne got that bike that only-
[Mrs. Boonchuy cuts off her words suddenly. Mr. Boonchuy clears his throat, and a sigh can be heard, presumably from Mrs. Boonchuy.]
Mrs. Boonchuy: Were they wearing helmets?
Girl 2: Um, I don't remember if Sasha was, but Anne definitely was.
[There is a short pause.]
Mr. Boonchuy: Thank you- now, do you know where they might have been going? Did you see where they turned?
Girl 1: Yeah, they turned right at the end of the road and Sasha started saying 'Ooh, arcade!' and kind of pointing so I guess they went there. We didn't see anything else.
Mrs. Boonchuy: Are you sure?
Girl 2: Yes.
[There is a long pause.]
Girl 1: Uh, but, if we remember anything else we'll call you. Promise.]

> Attachment: 1 audio file]
[id:
Mrs. Boonchuy: Hi, I'm- Hello? Hi, I'm On Boonchuy, my daughter and her friend were here a little less than a week ago and I was wondering if you know where they went? Here's what they look like.
[Papers rustle. There is a short pause.]
Owner: They were here a week ago and you're just now looking for them?
Mrs. Boonchuy: They're... Sir, we haven't seen them since they were here. We want to know where they went. Now, do you happen to know where they were headed after they came here?
Owner: Uh... well, I saw them, but I didn't hear anything.
Mr. Boonchuy: Do you have security tapes or anything?
Owner: Well, yeah, but they're just picture. No sound.
Mrs. Boonchuy: Can we see them, please?]
> He showed us the security footage then. There was no audio so I didn't record that part, but in the video, Sasha opened her backpack and I could just barely see cans of spray paint. Knowing Sasha, she probably pushed you to vandalize something.
> But I'm not mad, I swear.
> The owner showed us the footage from outside, so we know which way you went. Your father and I are going to look for any freshly painted walls in that direction. I'll send updates.

Chapter Text

December 7, 2019

Mom > Anne
> We really got lucky! There are a bunch of pink handprints all around the block that was spray painted. (Not that I approve of vandalism!) One of the shops on the block was Starbucks.
> I can't believe I didn't check there before
> I should have. I'm sorry.
> I won't bore you with the details, but!
> Attachment: 1 image
[Anne and Sasha can be seen on a monitor in what appears to be a back room at Starbucks. Anne and Sasha are both looking at their phones. Anne seems to be typing. The time in the corner of the security video reads 5:57 PM. On the desk on which the monitor sits, a hand clenches a set of car keys.]

> We're so close, Anne. We're on our way to the thrift store now.

December 7, 2019
5:02 PM

> Anne... I want you to know that I'm not mad at you for stealing the music box. I don't care. I couldn't possibly care. I'm not mad at Sasha or Marcy. I know that kids make mistakes and it isn't fair to hold it against them. You're still learning.
> We know the direction in which you went. This is almost over.

December 8, 2019
2:57 AM

> I'm so sorry.

Chapter Text

> I'm sorry, Anne.
> It's clear you left without a trace on purpose.
> I don't know if Sasha put you up to this, or if it was something we did...
> Anne, if we did something to make you want to run away, you can let us know. I promise we will do better.
> You didn't even take any of our money.
> What are you living on?
> I know you don't have much of your allowance left. Just had to buy that special edition director's cut Suspicion Island set.

> I don't know if it's the shock of all this or intuition, but something isn't right about this. You are a smart girl, and running away is not your style.
> Okay, maybe running away from homework.
> But Marcy always was able to pull you and Sasha out of trouble. She wouldn't go along with this.
> But I'm not her mother. I don't know her as well as Mrs. and Mr. Wu do.
> I guess I'm okay about being wrong about a kid who isn't mine.
> But you, Anne...
> I thought I knew exactly who you were.
> Of course, I want more than anything for you to come home. But the fact that you ran away means I just never knew you.

Chapter Text

January 1, 2020

12:27 AM
Mom > Anne

> Hey, sweetheart. It's been a while.
> A.... hot minute? Is that what you kids are saying?
> I'll get to it. My therapist recommended I write the things I'd say to you on little pieces of paper as a replacement for these texts. A different coping mechanism.
> I get it though, I don't want to get too hooked on texting this number then having to
> give it to someone else
> Phone lines are expensive
> We aren't so efficient at the restaurant without you.

> I'm texting for kind of a.... dumb reason?
> It's not dumb, maybe selfish. But it's all selfish, isn't it?
> Anyway, people have been making jokes about 'I haven't seen you since last year!' 'I haven't showered since last year!', things like that. New Years jokes.
> I think I was kind of trying to come up with one no one had said yet
> I your dad and I were going back and forth and it just came out
> It's been almost a month, Anne.
> I love and miss you so, so much. I can't put it into words.
> All the time.

> We don't even get calls anymore.
> I guess it's what I wanted, sort of. Less reminders.
> But.... it hasn't even been a month
> It's like no one remembers
> Sending love from me and dad and regards from Domino
> Kidding. She loves you, too.

Chapter Text

December 1, 2019
5:10 PM

Dad > Marcy
> Come home. We Need to talk.

5:34 PM
[Missed call (Dad)]
> I’m giving you a half hour to cool off. I’ll see you soon.

Sasha > Marcy
5:42 PM
> WHERE ARE YOU?!?!?!

Marcy > Sasha
5:43 PM
> i think i just found the perfect birthday present for anne
> [Attachment: 1 image]

Sasha > Marcy
5:43 PM
> LOL :)
> GIRL WHERE ARE YOU THOUGH????

Marcy > Sasha
5:44 PM
> that antique shop downtown
> the one by tttthheeeee
> i dunno, its kinda closeish to my house

Sasha > Marcy
5:45 PM
> i gotchu. we’re on our way

6:04 PM
[Missed call (Dad)]

> Marcy, we need to talk about this. I know you’ll miss your friends, but you need to think this
through.

> Come on, now, I don’t want to discuss this through text.

[Missed call (Dad)]

6:06 PM
> Seriously?

6:10 PM
> Listen, you can take some more time if you need it. Just…

> Let me know you’re okay.

> Oh, I know, that’s broad. Just tell me “I’m fine.”

6:12 PM
> Your mother asked me to tell you that we’re co-composing these messages and that’s why
she’s not texting. We know you can get overwhelmed.

6:18 PM
> I don’t want to make a big deal of this. We don’t have to have the conversation tonight, just be
home before 8 so you can get all your homework done and go to sleep on time. Love you.

6:34 PM
> You want to tell me why Mrs. Boonchuy just showed up frantic at our house looking for Anne?
> This is a matter of safety now. Where are you? We’re coming to pick you up.

Chapter Text

Mom > Anne

January 14, 2020

2:46 PM
> I got the urge to text you this morning. I just felt like if I talked to you now, you’d hear.

> Call it motherly instincts, call it leftover denial…

> I waited these couple hours because I had to remind myself you won’t hear. I had to tell myself
that until it finally got into my head. See, I wanted to call you.

> Your father and I were eating breakfast and suddenly my phone, which was charging on the
counter, became so there. I don’t know how to explain it. I wasn’t even facing it- I was facing
Dad- but it forced attention from me.

> That’s how I always imagined you as an adult, I think. So present, demanding attention from
everyone just by walking into a room. Being in charge, being a leader.

11:28 PM

> But… you won’t, now.

Chapter Text

Mom > Anne

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