LOCAL NEWS - 6PM
Authorities continue searching for a child
last seen inside a home
where nothing was reported missing.
There was no sign of forced entry.
Neighbors witnessed nothing
out of the ordinary.
The child was last seen wearing--
[CHANNEL CHANGED]
COMMERCIAL
Do old memories
leave stubborn marks?
Our patented formula
lifts the past from any surface
without damaging
who you pretend to be.
One scrub before work
and no one will know
what your fabric has survived.
Possible side effects include
chronic emptiness,
difficulty sleeping,
short term memory aversion.
Ask a trusted adult
whether forgetting
is right for-
[MUTE]
WEATHER - 7:30PM
A low pressure system remains stagnant
over the residence
where the child was last seen.
Expect doors slamming shut
on their own
with no wind,
muffled voices bulging from the walls,
and long periods of silence
misshapen as calm.
Children in the affected area
should take shelter
inside the version of themselves
that draws the least attention.
No downpour is expected.
Everything will be swallowed
before it falls--
[CHANNEL CHANGED]
LIVE GAME SHOW
HOST: Name something an adult can lose
that cannot be found under a couch cushion.
The contestant studies ten empty spaces.
The audience knows.
Clenched teeth.
[BUZZER]
WE INTERRUPT YOUR REGULARLY SCHEDULED PROGRAMMING...
AMBER ALERT
NAME:
AGE AT DISAPPEARANCE: 8
LAST SEEN: Fitting in
MAY ANSWER TO: "Scapegoat"
DISTINGUISHING CHARACTERISTICS
Apologizes for being present.
Uses kindness as a shield.
Mistakes feeling needed
for being safe.
[..........]
Please be advised,
the child may be traveling
with an adult considered trustworthy.
[CHANNEL CHANGED]
SPORTS
--and against impossible odds,
what a remarkable comeback--
[CHANNEL CHANGED]
UNRESOLVED MYSTERIES
"Thank you for watching,
Unresolved Mysteries.
And now,
an age-progressed image
of the missing child."
EMERGENCY BROADCAST SYSTEM:

THIS IS ONLY A TEST--
[POWER OFF]

About the Creator
Kristen Keenon Fisher
Some assembly required.
*Batteries not included.
Enjoyed the story? Support the Creator.
Subscribe for free to receive all their stories in your feed. You could also become a paid subscriber, letting them know you appreciate their work.
Comments
There are no comments for this story
Be the first to respond and start the conversation.