The Girl Named Mirage

Belle walks toward Elven who's carrying they're 1 year old daughter who's fast asleep. He's looking at the vast ocean in front of him. He seems preoccupied as he doesn't bother to respond when Belle calls his name.

" Hey babe... "

And she planted a kiss on his cheeks.

" Hello! " she said abruptly and turned away, avoiding his eyes.

Her face reddened as she was surprised by her own gesture. She's embarrassed. It wasn't anything special, just some light peck or small kiss but it still affected her. They were in a 5 year relationship and 2 out of that 5, they were married and blessed with a beautiful daughter. And yet, she still acts like a teenager having a crush!

The man didn't seem to react much though, only slightly turning his head and a little smile graced his face. It was a genuine smile with a bit of amusement.

She took in the scenery. The sun is shining brightly over the surface of the ocean. The waves are crashing against each other creating a loud sound. The air is cool but not cold. A slight breeze was blowing her shoulder length black hair.

" I'm done with the registration."

She quickly changed the subject before he started to tease her endlessly.

" We can board the ship when it's time. "

She said while she slips her identification card in her jacket's pocket.

Elven just nodded and continued staring into the ocean. His dark brown eyes scanned everything. After a few more moments he softly caresses his daughter's hair and softly kisses her head.

" Sweetie, won't you wake up already? We're gonna ride the ship soon! You want to see the ocean, right? "

He softly said in a voice full of affection. Belle couldn't help herself from smiling at them. He loves this girl so much, she can tell. That much is evident from how much he talks about her. He loves to hold her. He loves it when they're spending time together and he would always be careful with the way he speaks to her.

This is the most relaxed she has seen him since their wedding. The stress that usually surrounds him was nonexistent.

After a while they started to board the ship that will take them to Elven's father's land. They're going on a vacation.

But as soon as the ship's leaves the dock, the rain started to trickle. The wind suddenly picked up causing everyone to shiver. They've never expected such weather today.

" Let's head to our cabin and rest. We can just go back here at the deck when the rain stops. "

As they're walking along the deck, they heard an older woman murmuring something unusual.

" Something's wrong."

She says while looking at the ocean. The sea looks dark and gloomy. She could see huge waves moving slowly.

She had no idea what the woman meant by "something's wrong". But she knew that it probably had something to do with the rain.

Elven led his family inside their cabin. Their daughter is still fast asleep. Time passes and it's still raining. It's almost dinner time. They didn't have a chance to enjoy the view outside. The baby woke up and asked for milk.

" I'll go get us something to eat. " Elven said and headed outside.

" Sure. " Belle simply replied while she breastfed her baby.

She closed her eyes as she felt her head spinning. The ship's moving roughly now. The rain's getting heavy. Then she hears a baby cry. She opens her eyes and looks at her daughter, she's not crying.

" Of course she's not, she's busy. "

She smiles at herself because she heard the cry outside and yet she checked the baby in her arms.

The crying continued frantically and being a mom, Belle put down her baby and looked outside and saw a baby girl that she guessed was the same age as her baby. Alone. Slumped on the floor and dripping because of the rain.

" Oh my goodness! Where's your mom? "

She picked up the baby and scanned the corridor. It's empty. No one is there except for her.

" Come on, let's get you dry. "

She picked up the baby and quickly grabbed the railings. The ship won't let her stand straight. It takes her more than two minutes to reach the cabin as she's struggling to keep her balance. She managed to open the door and finally made it inside. She snatched a towel and covered the baby she found outside with it. She placed the baby on the bed beside her own baby who's quietly playing with her toys and then she sat on the chair beside the bed.

Her diaper was full and covered in water. Her dress has gotten wet too, soaking through. Belle breathed out and started to change the baby's diaper and put some dry clothes on. She's still crying so she grabbed a bottle of milk and gave it to the baby, she gladly took it. She looks really hungry.

Then she heard something again.

" Where's my baby? Where's my baby? "

Belle hurried outside leaving the two babies on the bed.

" She's here! "

The woman runs towards her and peaks at the open door. Her face lightened up at the sight of her baby.

" Thank you! Thank you so much! "

The woman's words of thanks flooded Belle. She held the woman's thin and frail hand and led her inside their cabin.

" I go to the comfort room and when I get back she's no longer inside the bag- "

" What?! Bag? "

The frail woman was dumbfounded. Sheepishly, she told Belle the truth.

" I smuggled her to board this ship. I put her inside my luggage. I don't have money, you know. I can't afford the fare price. We don't even have food to eat. I'm glad that they still didn't find out about us until now so can you please do us a favor? "

Her eyes looked at her full of pleading. Belle looks at the baby who's still drinking milk. She's so thin like her mom. While her baby is quietly playing with her feet.

" How old is she? "

" She's already 2 year old. "

" Oh. "

" Okay. "

Belle smiles warily. Trying to hide her pity. The baby is malnourished. She's already 2 but her baby who's just 1 yr old looks much bigger. She doesn't want to compare but her heart feels heavy for the baby's condition.

" We need to keep going. I don't want you to get in much more trouble because of us. "

Then the frail woman picks her baby up.

" Ah, yeah. Sure. "

Belle answered absentmindedly. But then she grabs a tote bag and puts some bottled water, biscuits, milk and some dry clothes for the baby.

" Here. Take this. It's not much but I hope it helps. "

The woman's eyes became watery. She hesitantly accepts the bag. But she needed this. She badly needed this.

" You have such a good heart. "

Belle smiles and shakes her head. She can't find the words to comfort her.

" We're going now. Thank you so much! "

Belle picks up her jacket that hangs on the chair, slips some bills on the pocket and covers the frail woman and her child.

" God bless you and your family "

She just smiles warmly at the woman's sincere words as she bids them goodbye.

As soon as Belle settled on the bed beside her baby, Elven came with a covered tray filled with food.

" Here's our dinner, babe. "

He puts the tray on the table beside the bed.

" Sorry it took so long. I helped a newbie crew at the ship's restaurant to clean his mess. He stumbled and fell due to the rough waves hitting the ship and he got sea sick."

Belle smiles a little. She was happy that Elven was there to help someone. But she's getting worried.

What if the next wave is going to hit them and all of their belongings will be tossed overboard? She'll never forgive herself if something happens to her baby!

Elven has these worries as well but he's just trying to hide it from his wife.

" Is that so? This rain isn't stopping anytime soon, I guess..."

Belle trails her words as she gets up the bed. She doesn't want to sound so worried.

" And it's getting heavier... "

And as if a cue, a big wave hits the ship and it almost turns over.

As they felt the impact, Belle's mother instinct kicks in and she quickly hugged her baby, as the ship slanted, she rolled over with the baby in her arms and her back hit the solid frame of the bed.

" Ugh! "

Despite the ache she's feeling, she manages to cover her baby from the falling objects and keep her safe.

Elven on the other hand was thrown like a doll on the other side and hit the wall along with the glasses and plates that were smashed into pieces.

" Argh! "

The ship manages to back up but it's totally damaged now. The water penetrated the ship. The alarm went off.

" We need to get out of here! "

Though bleeding, Elven gets up and takes his wife and daughter out of the cabin. Leaving all of their belongings behind. It doesn't matter anymore. He needs to be sure that they can get out of here safe.

People start running out of their rooms, panic starts filling the place. As they looked around, they could see the damage done by the storm and people were panicking. They're running away, not knowing where to go.

A group of women came running, carrying a small boy. They didn't know who the child was but they had to take care of him now. As they carried him away, one of the men started helping them. Others followed after them. Though most people are scared, they're determined to help out.

The ship started rocking again. It seemed as if it's getting ready for another wave. Everyone knows what's going to happen next and they're afraid.

Then a loud sound resonated on the ship and the ship started breaking down. The damage is already beyond repair.

" Shit, shit, SHIT!"

Someone shouted. No, they screamed. Their voices were filled with pain, fear, and desperation. They need to get out of this ship. In the middle of the night amidst the heavy rain.

There's no time to waste.

Everyone started running towards the lifeboats and there were too many people, too much chaos. Too many people in such a situation. People were running everywhere. Some fell down and some tripped and others are running faster than ever before.

" The children, women, pregnant, elderly and the handicapped first! "

They heard the man shout. Everyone ran to the lifeboats. There were so many of them. They need to get inside one fast before the ship sinks to the bottom.

" Grab and wear the life jacket! "

" Stop pushing! Everyone can get out of here! "

But the cry of anguish continues.

" Here's a life jacket. Wear this. "

Elven puts the life jacket on Belle, and strap it close with their baby on her chest.

" Sweetie, everything will be alright. "

And then he hugged and kissed his wife and daughter. Belle and Elven try not to cry. They need to be strong. For each other. For their baby.

" We'll see each other at the dock. Take care of yourself and our baby, 'kay? "

" Now go! "

He helped her get on the lifeboat. He helped to pull the lifeboat down safely.

" I'll be right behind you. "

" I'll find you! "

" Don't worry! "

" I love you! "

Tears, raindrops and sea water streams down their faces. They were on the lifeboat, but will they be able to reach the dock or any land in this kind of weather?

Belle removes her life jacket and puts it on her baby. She then ties the ribbon from her hair on the strap of the life jacket and ties its end on her wrist. Then she hugged her tight and silently cried.

" Everything will be alright, sweetie. Daddy's going to find us. "

Elven was able to board a lifeboat. He then looked for the lifeboat where his family was boarding. As soon as his eyes found the boat, a giant wave flipped it over. Everyone falls on the water, including his wife and daughter.

Simultaneously, a big wave crashes against the deck. The whole ship shatters. The passengers and crew members who's still there were screaming and shouting at each other. There are some that tried jumping to their death while the rest are praying, hoping that they won't die.

Suddenly, an explosion was heard. The fire starts spreading and the people try to escape desperately.

" Aaaaaah! "

Another big wave crashed on the deck and everything started sinking faster. The people scream in fear.

But that doesn't seem to bother Elven anymore. He jumped into the water to save his wife and daughter. No one dared to stopped him.

" Belle! "

" Yuffa! "

" Wait for me. I'm coming! "

" Babe, I'll save you! "

" Daddy's here, baby! "

He swam towards them but then another wave swept him away and unfortunately he hit the side of the sinking ship and that hit knocked him out cold.

One of the crew saw this and swam to his rescue. It was the newbie crew he helped at the ship's restaurant.

Luckily, his guts kick in and he grabs Elven's hand and pulls him out of the water. His arm is hurting from how hard he's pulling but he has to do it. He needs to get him to safety.

" Stay with me. Stay with me, sir. "

Elven tries to talk but he's only making sounds. Blood trickles down his chin.

" Come on... You gotta stay awake... You need to stay with me, sir. We'd make it out of here together... "

But Elven's mind is floating somewhere. Somewhere where he could be with his wife and child.

He's trying to wake himself up but he keeps losing control of his body.

" We're gonna make it... Please... You promised me, Elven. You promised me! "

The voice of the woman calling for him echoes inside his ears. He wants to answer but he can't move his mouth. He struggles but he can't.

His breathing started becoming harder, he tried to take a breath but he failed miserably. Time seems to slow down. Even though his sight wasn't blurry, the scenery looks duller, more blurred. So much that he can't really tell what's happening. When his vision slowly turned dark, it was like everything stopped moving.

And when he finally woke up, he only wished not to be saved.

Elven opened his eyes and then closed it again. The big waves that tipped off the lifeboat where Belle and their baby boarded flashed before his eyes. He abruptly opened them again and jumped off the bed. The surroundings spun and he almost fell on the ground. Luckily someone grabbed his arm. His head hurt so bad. He touches his head only to feel the bandages. The pain is excruciating. He staggered to stand firm.

" You need to lie down. Your injury isn't a joke, sir. "

He recognizes the crew's voice. He's the one who saves him. He didn't want to lay on the bed again so he decided to just sit down. He still holds his head, pain written on his face.

" Where's my wife and my daughter? Did they find them? Are they okay? "

The man in front of him doesn't answer but instead helps him to a sitting position. He obviously tries not to fall down even though he's sitting. Elven leans back and feels more comfortable. He looks at the other people in the room. They were the doctor and the nurses that's taking care of him. All of them are looking at him, some with sadness and pity, others with worry. They're all waiting for him to talk about what happened or if something's wrong with him.

He's in total pain right now and he can't do anything but to worry about his beloved wife and daughter's whereabouts. He needs to see them with his very eyes.

The crew fell silent. He averted Elven's questioning eyes. And he can't help but feel sorry for him. He understands his pain but he still needs to rest because he is injured himself. He honestly can't do anything right now.

" I don't know anything yet. We lost contact with a lot of them. We're just here to check you out. "

Sadness swept all over Elven. Tears fell from his eyes. He cries silently in front of them. He can't imagine his wife and daughter still floating somewhere feeling cold while he's here in the convenience of the hospital. His shoulder shakes with sorrow and anguish. He needs to go and search for them himself. He needs to do something rather than die slowly from the anxiety of waiting.

" Please. I beg you. Help me search with the authorities. I swear I won't do anything stupid. I- I just need to be there. I don't want to go insane here. Please. Please."

He pleaded in a small voice. The reliable version of him can't be found right now. He's trying his very best not to fall apart. He can't think of anything but his wife and daughter's faces. He missed them. He wants to hug and kiss them.

" I-I'll talk to the authorities, sir. Please try to get some rest and wait for me here, sir. "

After the crew said this, he immediately left the room. Elven was left alone with the 2 nurses and the doctor that checked him up. One nurse walked towards him and she had a sympathetic look.

" I'm going to call your relatives. It might be better for you to have someone to be with to calm yourself."

She said and she asked for their contact numbers. Another nurse came with a tray filled with hospital food. She forced a smile when he found Elven trying not to cry anymore.

" Is your head okay, Mr. Sanford? Don't you feel dizzy right now? "

The doctor asked him. Elven just shook his head and bows. Hiding his tearful eyes.

" Here. Please try to eat these so you gain more strength. Mr. Lambert says that you will go with the search and rescue operation that's why he asked me to bring these to you. "

The nurse sets up the tray of food on the hospital bed's table and leaves the room after. Elven started to eat, forcing the food down by gulping water every time he swallows. But he stands up and immediately reaches for the bathroom with long quick strides, afraid to stumble again. He throws up. His body rejected the food. He can't take it. Not now.

The doctor and the nurses exchange sad glances. They know he's having a very difficult time right now.

He washed up and the hospital's room door opened and Josh Lambert entered. He's a bit surprised as he did not find Elven at the bed. He turns his gaze at the bathroom and there he finds Elven leaning at the door for support.

Elven quickly held up his hand dismissing Lambert's worried face. He slowly returns and sits on the bed without asking for anyone's assistance.

Lambert walks and stands in front of him, light of hope filled his eyes.

" I talked to the coast guards, sir. They give us permission to go. "

Lambert said. He's clearly relieved that they got permission. Elven nods his head. He knows he's in no condition to go but he needs to make sure that his wife and daughter are alright. He needs to know how they are with his own eyes.

" If that's the case, I'll let you go. But please take care and don't push yourself too much. "

The doctor said and left the room followed by the nurses. Elven's face lit up. Hope spread all over him. He will search for his family. He can find them for sure. They will be together again.

They leave the hospital and start the search operation at exactly 8:00 am.

The coast guards spread and searched in different directions to cover as many places as they could. The ship has sunk and got totaled by the giant waves. The shipwrecks were left floating on the water. Most of them are damaged by the impact and are stuck on the beach. Some boats managed to stay afloat and reach the shore.

But some did not.

But they're looking forward to it. They're hoping. Everyone who survived is acting positive. Everyone hopes that they're loved ones also survived. Some are crying and others are cheering. Some are praying. Some wish they could get up and continue searching for their relatives.

A couple of hours later, they're already in the middle of the ocean. They've passed several islands but nothing. Nobody knows which direction they went in. No signs. No survivors. No clue as to whether or not they're alive.

They search the vast ocean here and there. The divers dive so many times that they lost count.

As per the data they've got. 15 individuals were found lifeless. 11 adults and 4 children. 3 adults were from the ship's crew. Some were found floating, some were on the seashore. Some were still inside the sunken ship. How devastating the tragedy they all faced last night.

Yes.

It all happened last night. The ocean seemed mad last night but it's all calmed now.

It's just like what happened last night is just a nightmare that no one will ever forget even as soon as you wake up.

The ocean devours by darkness again. It's time for the search and rescue operation to stop for today. Elven doesn't want to stop but he needs to follow. He wants to be able to go again tomorrow to search for his family. And he needs to rest because his head injury might get the best out of him. That would lead to him not being able to search for his wife and daughter.

Josh Lambert sadly took him to his hospital room. He kindly denies his offer that they eat first before calling it a night. Elven lay on his hospital bed with his arm covering his eyes.

He can't stop remembering the image of his wife and daughter. Those little features. Those tiny hands that wrapped around his fingers. Her laughter and her sweet voice. Everything about them.

He cries himself to sleep. Too tired to move and too weak to fight back the sleepiness that threatened to overcome him.The strand of hope is slowly slipping away from his grasp.