<><><> September <><><>
— That day, the eighteen-year-old girl left her house to attend her university classes, but she never arrived — the man announces on television — This is the case of the mysterious disappearance of Carolina Hernández that shook her entire community and moved thousands of people across the country with the goal of finding her
— Mommy, I'm home! — a voice says from the doorway. The woman mutes the television and stands up, heading toward the door — Today was a long day. I'm sorry I didn't let you know I'd be late, Grandma — he says and kisses her forehead.
— There are left overs. I'll get you some to eat before bed, — the woman says and walks toward the kitchen.
— Thanks, Grandma — he answers with a smile. He looks around and even opens the door to one of the rooms in the apartment — Where's Yenedith? — he asks after not seeing her.
— She said she'd be staying with a friend tonight — Grandma says.
— I'll call her — the man comments, somewhat annoyed. He approaches the kitchen but stays leaning against the doorway — She shouldn't leave you alone while I'm gone.
— No, don't bother her — she replies as she takes a plate from the pantry. — There's not much she can do with an old lady. She's not like she used to be when she liked to do crafts — The woman serves the pasta with meat and extends the plate with the intention of giving it to her grandson, who accepts it almost immediately.
— It smells delicious — he says with a smile on his face and walks toward the dining room, which is behind the sofa, in front of the television — Today's cases? — he comments before taking a bite of his food.
— I wanted to hear you — the woman says, approaching with a glass of lemonade. He takes the drink and watches her sit on that sofa.
— Did she tell you who she was going to be with? — he asks.
— With Gem — she answers and turns up the volume – The girl who helped us with the move.
— Didn't she live right on the corner?
— Yen told me she moved to the north of the city, near her university — Daisy answers. The program continues for a few minutes until it goes to a commercial break — I'll get you a dog, a pet so you won't feel so alone while Yennedith and I are gone — her grandson says.
— I don't feel alone — she argues.
— With the dog's company, you can go out more often and socialize.
— Socialize? I know very well that what you want is to abandon me in a nursing home — the woman protests.
— But what does that have to do with the dog? — the man asks. Daisy continues for a while, ranting about her rights to the house and her own sanity. To which her grandson shakes his head and sighs tiredly.
After dinner, he tries to contact his sister, but she doesn't answer. As he passes through the hallway that leads to his room, he sees a framed photo on a dresser. A photo of his mother, his four-year-old sister, and his grandmother standing in front of the house, a house he finds difficult to accept as his home now. A sudden memory of his mother's funeral shakes the warm feeling that grew in him when he saw that photo. A feeling that turns into a wave of tears. Daisy approaches to hug him.
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A few nights ago, another of the viewers of Today's Cases noticed a certain similarity between the journalist and her husband— Edwin, come here! — the woman shouts. The man approaches and aims his sight in the direction she's pointing. — Doesn't he look like you when you were young? — the woman asks.
— It's not funny, — he says — you know my son is missing.
— I'm not talking about that. I just thought it was curious — she says — I'm pretty sure that if you bring a photo of your younger self and put it beside the TV, he's your twin.
"I'm Tadeus Windmill and I'll be back with you next weekend with a new episode of Today's Cases" Says the man on TV and the channel goes to commercial break. Edwin hides his intrigue and retires himself from the presence of his wife to make a phone call.
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During the morning, the sharp sound of the alarm abruptly awakens the journalist — Breakfast's ready! — his grandmother announces from the kitchen.
After taking a shower and eating breakfast, Tadeus is ready to go to work. — Is Yen back? — he asks, receiving no response. He checks his sister's room once more, but she's not there. He kisses his grandmother's forehead before leaving and tries to contact Yenedith all the way, unsuccessfully.
Hours go by swiftly at work, and Tadeus is one of the few who stays until late at the office — Time to go, it's almost midnight — his boss tells him.
— I'm a little behind — Tadeus says.
— I understand it's been a lot of work, but you also have the right to rest — the man says. — The audience has received you well. Just keep bringing that energy and don't worry too much. You'll have time to adjust.
— Thank you — Tadeus replies and picks up his things.
When he returns home, he leaves his briefcase by the door and announces himself from the entrance, but there's no answer. His sister hasn't answered any of his texts and neither has she returned his missed calls. His grandma is nowhere to be seen but he decides to think that she's at her sister's house, it's not that common to happen but, it has happened before when grandma wants to change environments to refresh her mind.
Morning arrives in the blink of an eye for Tadeus. He feels tired, but the concern for his sister's whereabouts makes him take the phone. — Good morning, Gem. How are you? — he asks hopefully, once the girl picks up the phone.
— I'm fine. And you, how are things going? — Gem asks. — How's Mrs. Daisy?
— Everything's fine, Gem, — he says — Um... I wanted to ask if Yenedith is with you.
— Yen? No, she went back home, — the girl answers — What's wrong? Didn't she go back?
— When was that? — Tadeus asks, a bit confused.
— Yes, she left Monday morning. She said she had to go back with Mrs. Daisy because she'd been at my house since Thursday of last week. —
"It's Friday." Tadeus says to himself, trying to think. He doesn't remember seeing his sister sleeping in her room on Monday night, and he didn't see her for breakfast Tuesday morning either.
— Is there something wrong? — the girl asks, amidst the silence.
— Thanks, Gem - He says and ends the call.
Tadeus decides to go to the police station to report his sister's disappearance, or at least to inform the authorities of his suspicions. As he's getting out of his car, a man approaches him asking for directions, and that's the last thing he remembers before waking up in what appears to be a motel room. The first thing he sees is a large mirror on the ceiling.