i will never forget the day i disappeared. it is a string of fragmented memories but vivid enough to remember how i felt. lost. confused. panicked. abandoned.

"where's christine?" they asked one another.

"i can't find her."
"i don't know."
"she's gone."

"i'm right here," i told them. they saw me, but pretended not to. they were conspiring against me. it was just a game.

they feigned concern, looking everywhere: behind the curtains, under the sofa cushions, inside the fireplace. winking, perhaps, nudging and giggling.

"i am right here," i said, tear-stricken, over and over again. jumping up and down. waving my arms. looking straight at them.

until they found me, finally. they rejoiced, clapped, hurrahed. laughter. grins. hugs.

and me, just standing there, wondering what the hell took them so long.