The crisp, cold winter wind lashed at anything and everything it could make contact with. Whistling like a horde of souls, it passed through every nook and cranny as if it were escaping the fall of night. Although it was only five thirty in the afternoon, the sun was almost ready to begin its descent below the horizon.

Even with the shortened daylight hours, Lincoln park was full of children and even a few adults who were engaged in a variety of extracurricular activities. Frisbees, baseballs, and other airborne objects were soaring above the park’s trees like a salvo of artillery shells.

Nearing the ruckus of laughter, screaming, and joy, a mother strolled along the sidewalk. Karen Murtchinson was a woman in her early forties and employed as a part time teacher at Sunnymead Elementary School. After ending an abusive marriage 5 years ago, Ms. Murtchinson had devoted much of her energy into giving her child the best life possible.

Her brown hair was cut just below the shoulder, curled into a wave pattern. From the countless hours Karen spent outdoors, the sun had gently tanned her skin into a light brown. Ms. Murtchinson was enjoying her regular walk in the neighborhood before picking up Ethan at the park.

But even so, Karen's spare time was up as she accepted her role as Ethan’s mother. After all, she held him dear to her heart. At ten years old, Ethan was a rowdy, yet disciplined, child. He was a well-liked individual in his grade and had a few close friends. In fact, they were at the park with him, doing whatever children do these days.

ETHAN

Ms. Murtchinson had arrived at their designated pick up spot: the parking lot. But with a quick scan of the surrounding area, she didn’t see Ethan anywhere.

In an instant panic, fear, and confusion washed over Ms. Murtchinson. She didn’t know how to feel because she was so shocked, but at the same time she knew exactly what to do.

ETHAN!! WHERE ARE YOU!?

“Ethan!” she cried, frantically. “Ethan!”

No response.

Ms. Murthinson started running. She didn’t know where she was going, but she knew she needed to go somewhere.

She kept picking up speed until she was practically flying through and beyond the parking lot into the surrounding areas.

A tear formed in Ms. Murtchinsons eye. However, after all she had been through, she was still strong, she didn’t need to break down and cry when there was still hope left. She calmed herself down as much as she could, wiped her tears away, sat up straight, and focused on the road.

With her eyes still peeled, she got into her car and shut the door. She went to dial 911, but suddenly, Ms. Murtchinsons cell phone rang. It was from Amy, her next door neighbor. Still driving, she answered the call, quickly.

“Hello?” she asked.

“Karen, it’s me Amy.” Of course Ms Murtchinson knew this, but she didn’t have time to bicker with her silly neighbor.

“Hello, Amy. Please make this quick I can’t find Ethan.”

“Yes, that’s just what I was calling you about. It appears that my daughter Teresa has made it home from her activities, but your son Ethan has not. Is he with you?”

“I just said he wasn’t -,” she sighed. “Thank you Amy. I’ll call you if anything changes.” She hung up the phone to call the police.

As the phone rang, she sat there and couldn’t even remember why she got in her car in the first place. Karen was truly frazzled. The phone finally picked up, and she explained in a panic.

The officer told her to stay where she was and that they would be at the scene shortly. Karen felt that she should be doing something, but she listened to the officers advice.

What was she doing? Why was she still driving? She stopped the car and pulled back into the parking lot. She needed to get her mind straight.

It was getting even closer to sunset now, as Ms. Murtchinson stood there, completely alone.  Ms. Murtchinson was worried about her son, and now standing there alone, in the darkness, she was worried for her own safety.    

More and more time passed, and the police still weren’t there. It was 6:25 now and the sun was about half way set. There was a cool breeze and it was quite cool for the beginning of October.  The “golden hour” of finding a missing child was slipping away.

As usual, there were a few people at the park going about their day. But for some odd reason, Ms Murtchinson didn’t see any of the familiar faces she would normally see. She picked up Ethan everyday and the park regulars weren’t there today. “It must just be a coincidence,” the panicked  mother thought to herself.

Finally, after what felt to be hours of waiting, the police showed up. Lights flashing silently, the officers hurried over to Karen Murtchinson. It was 6:30 pm now, and the search for Ethan Murtchinson was getting longer and more tense, although it had only been five minutes.