caelum

Ana and Caelum were inseparable. Since they were children, they did everything together: they went to school side by side, played until late afternoon, shared secrets and laughs. They even had a little cabin hidden in the backyard where they would spend hours just talking or, sometimes, without saying anything, just holding hands.

One day, Caelum took some small pieces of wood and colored thread and made two necklaces. One for himself and one for Ana. They weren't perfect necklaces, but they were precious to them, representing the friendship they swore they would never forget.

But life changed in an instant. On the way to school, a masked man appeared out of nowhere. He pushed Caelum away and, within seconds, dragged Ana to a black car. The vehicle disappeared down the road, leaving only silence and despair.

The police were called. They searched for weeks, months, years… but found nothing. Little by little, everyone believed Ana had disappeared forever. Everyone except Caelum.

Eleven years later, Caelum was now a police officer known for his dedication. He still wore the same necklace around his neck, always remembering his childhood promise.

One night, he and his team received a report of screams coming from an abandoned house. They stormed the premises and subdued a violent man who attempted to attack them with a knife. After the suspect was taken away, Caelum decided to check the rest of the house.

It was then that he saw a shadow cowering behind some boxes. He approached slowly, his hand on his holster, his heart racing. When the flashlight's beam illuminated the young woman's face, he felt a shock.

She was scared, thin, her arms covered in bruises, her eyes full of fear. She didn't say anything, just backed away as if she didn't trust anyone.

Caelum thought she was just another victim… but then, something glinted on her neck. A necklace. A necklace made of wood and colored threads, identical to the one he wore as a child.

His chest tightened. His hand instinctively went to his own necklace.