# **The Last Sight**
## **Chapter 1: The Last Sight**
Emma Hart was a girl with a passion for art, a smile that warmed the room, and a secret she kept close to her heart. Her sketches were her escape, her way of capturing beauty and hope when the world felt overwhelming. Today, she had finished her latest piece—a vibrant sunset over the mountains—and felt a sense of pride swelling inside her.
The afternoon sun cast long shadows across her bedroom as she sat at her cluttered desk, sketchbook open before her. Her fingers traced the edges of her pencil, adding final touches to her drawing. As she admired her work, her phone buzzed, breaking her concentration.
She glanced at the screen: a message from Lily, her best friend.
*"Meet me at the park in an hour? Need to talk."*
A smile lit Emma's face. She quickly replied, *"Sure! Be there soon."* She grabbed her hoodie, slipped her sketchbook into her bag, and headed out.
"Emma, don't forget to be home by six," her mother called from the kitchen.
"I won't, Mom! I'm just meeting Lily," Emma called back, waving as she stepped outside.
The neighborhood was peaceful—kids playing, birds singing, a gentle breeze blowing. Emma crossed the street, her heart light. The park was her sanctuary—a place where she could breathe and think away from the chaos of school and home.
As she arrived, Lily was already sitting on a bench, scrolling through her phone.
"Hey!" Emma called, waving.
"Hey! You look happy," Lily grinned. "Did you finish your painting?"
"Yeah, finally. I think it's my best yet," Emma said, showing her the sketchbook.
Lily leaned over, eyes wide. "Wow, Emma. This is incredible. You're so talented."
"Thanks! I want to enter it in the art show next month," Emma said excitedly.
They sat chatting about school, summer plans, and Emma's upcoming project. Suddenly, Emma's phone buzzed again. She checked it—another message from an unknown number: *"Come to the old mill tonight. I'll be waiting."*
Emma's smile faded, replaced with a flicker of concern. She hesitated, then looked at Lily.
"Who is that from?" Lily asked, her voice laced with worry.
"I don't know. Probably a prank," Emma responded, trying to dismiss the unease. "Probably just someone messing around."
But her mind lingered on the message as she looked toward the darkening sky. A strange feeling prickled her skin, a mixture of curiosity and apprehension.
"I should get home soon," Emma said reluctantly. "Mom will worry."
"Yeah, me too," Lily agreed. "Text me later?"
"Definitely," Emma nodded. She waved goodbye and headed home, the message echoing in her mind.
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