My story begins as most stories do nowadays; somewhere in the middle. A surprising event to hook the readers. Explanations follow. The beginning and the end hashed together.
I found a piece of ribbon on the floor. The one which is all satin. It's wide and red. I had not bought ribbons, not since I finished school. What was that piece doing there? Wrapping on something I bought? But I had barely enough money to eat most of the days. Gifts were few, only sent by my parents. The piece of ribbon gave me something to think about. I did not have much to think about most of the days either. I am imagining a break-in into my room. But why would anyone want to do that? I have nothing except a mattress, one saucepan, one griddle, 4 T-shirts, 1 remainder of a T-shirt, 2 pairs of jeans and 2 jackets. And of course, 3 sets of undergarments. And an old picture of me and my family. There is nothing much in there. And most of the people around this area know it. Where did this piece of ribbon come from?
I have been trying to find her for 4 years. I have today. I visited her house today. I got the address from one of her friends in the local supermarket. I got to know the friend by chance. I saw her walking with him near the railway station once. I saw him again one day at the supermarket till. I asked a few questions. It was her. I pretended to be a long lost school friend and got her address. The building was derelict, dirty and behind a smelly takeaway. It was 2 o'clock and I knew she worked then. I made my way to her floor as inconspicuously as possible and opened the door with my recently acquired knowledge of using a hairpin to pick locks. It was a basic lock. I opened it on my first attempt and was pretty proud of myself. The room was tiny and a mess. It was a living room-cum-bedroom-cum-kitchen and the bathroom was a hatch in the wall. There was some food on the stove. Clothes lying on the mattress and the floor. A bottle of shampoo near the bathroom door. And what I was looking for, the picture on the stool behind the door. It is confirmed then. It is her. I was overwhelmed at the realization. 11 years is a long time. I took out my pack of tissues and dried my eyes. I know where she is. Now to get the rest of the machinery in action. We could have her back by the end of this week. We need a plan.
Ribbon? I should just let it go. The pesky landlady might have opened the house; but, what would be the ribbon for? She's almost bald and dresses like a man. Hmm. I should just let this rest for a while. I will concentrate on the getting some sleep now. It's been a long hard day. There were too many customers today. Must be a good day for hardware and a bad one for my fingers. Got two cuts from the wrapping paper! I hope I get some bonus for today. Am hoping to buy a mobile phone. I would like talking to Danny more often. Not that anything is happening, you know, romantically, but he reminds me that I have college degrees. That feels nice.
