The Forgotten

Kathrine was nineteen, her copper-red hair cascading in long, unruly curls down her back. Her figure was slender, her posture impeccable—she carried herself with a quiet but undeniable confidence. There was a grace in her walk, a fluidity that drew the gaze of nearly every man she passed. And she knew it. She liked the way their eyes lingered on her, the appreciative glances that made her feel seen, desired.

Though she often felt insecure, convinced no one would ever want her, these fleeting moments—these tiny acts of attention—reassured her. They weren’t much, but they whispered that she was worth noticing.

She wasn’t just waiting for any man. She was waiting for the man—the one who would offer her flowers for no reason other than the fact that she existed, who would worship the very ground she walked on, who would remember the small, seemingly insignificant details about her: the way she laughed, the book she always carried, the shade of blue that made her eyes sparkle.

Though she was quiet, Kathrine radiated an energy that was warm and inviting. She was a listener, someone who could sit in silence yet make you feel like the center of her world. No matter how small the conversation, she was never disinterested—her attention was a gift, rare and genuine.

Kathrine lived in the small, peaceful town of Barret. The town was filled with friendly faces, warm greetings, and familiar smiles. But like any place, there was a small group of people who didn’t quite fit. They were the ones who stood out, in ways that others might deem strange or uncomfortable. People who didn’t belong to the neatly packaged definition of “normal.” Kathrine didn’t judge them. She never would.

She had not a single ounce of malice in her. Her heart was open, full of love, and she embraced everyone around her with a kindness that seemed to shine from within. Those who were fortunate enough to be in her presence could feel it—a warm, radiant energy that wrapped around them like a comforting hug. Kathrine was the kind of soul who would offer a helping hand without a second thought, the first to listen, the last to criticize.

Her heart saw the good in everyone. She had been raised with love and care, sheltered in a home where kindness and understanding were second nature. Her parents were young when they found out they were expecting her—still in their twenties, full of hopes and dreams for the future. Their journey to parenthood hadn’t been easy; it took them three long years to conceive, and during that time, the pain of disappointment was almost too much to bear. There were moments they thought they might never have a child, and their hearts sank under the weight of the sorrow. But then came the spark of hope, that little glimmer that kept them going. And on the 27th of June, 2002, she was born—Kathrine Erskin, their miracle.

They watched their little girl grow day by day, year by year, as her personality blossomed like the first flowers of spring. Her laughter filled their home, and her curiosity painted each day with a new shade of wonder. It was clear to everyone who knew her that she was destined to light up the world.

Kathrine was inspired by the young women she saw on television, particularly one remarkable figure named Joyce. Joyce hosted a popular talk show where she spoke to young people, helping them navigate life’s challenges and build their futures. On one episode, she interviewed guests who reflected on their journeys, sharing stories of where they began and how they had grown over five years.

Joyce’s influence extended far beyond the screen. She donated generously to homeless shelters, children in need of medical care, and even animal rescues. Kathrine admired every aspect of her—her strength, her compassion, and her commitment to making a difference. To Kathrine, Joyce wasn’t just a television personality; she was a guiding light.

While Kathrine loved her mother deeply, she saw her as someone whose dreams were contained within the walls of their cozy home. Her mother was a stay-at-home parent, pouring endless love and care into Kathrine’s world. But Kathrine wanted more—she wanted to explore every corner of the earth, to reach out and help anyone and everyone she could.

At school, Kathrine’s bright spirit was impossible to miss. The halls seemed to hum with energy when she was around. Her laughter rang out like music, and her kindness was magnetic. Teachers often mentioned at parent-teacher meetings how Kathrine included everyone in her activities. If someone sat alone at lunch, she would abandon her seat to join them. If a classmate was upset, Kathrine would kneel beside them, offering a hug or encouraging words.

“You could never catch her on a bad day,” one teacher remarked during a meeting. “She brightens everyone’s day, even on cloudy mornings.”

Kathrine’s academic performance matched her sunny disposition. Her grades were excellent, and she never missed a single day of school. She loved every subject, but she was especially drawn to social studies, where she learned about global issues, historical figures, and ways to create change.

Even at home, Kathrine was a whirlwind of activity. She once asked her parents if they could start a small donation drive for the local animal shelter. Together, they collected blankets, food, and toys for the animals. Kathrine beamed with pride as she handed over the donations, feeling a little closer to the woman she admired so much.

Every night, Kathrine would sit on the couch, eyes glued to Joyce’s talk show. She dreamed of one day meeting her role model and telling her how much she had inspired her.

One evening, as she watched Joyce interview a young woman who had started her own charity, Kathrine felt a spark ignite in her chest. She turned to her parents and said, “One day, I’ll do that. I’ll help people like Joyce does.”

Her mother smiled, brushing a strand of hair from Kathrine’s face. “I don’t doubt it for a second, sweetheart.”

Kathrine had a tight-knit friend group that had been her anchor throughout her childhood. Jazmine, Tia, Caitlin, and Fraya were inseparable during their primary school years. Whether it was playground adventures, sleepovers filled with whispered secrets, or group projects that always ended in laughter, they did everything together.

By the time high school came around, their circle faced its first big change. Tia, who had always been the heart of their group with her bold sense of humor and easygoing nature, moved to another country. The news hit them all hard, but it was Kathrine who felt the sting most deeply. Tia had been her closest confidante, the one she’d always run to with her biggest dreams and silliest thoughts.

Though they couldn’t spend their high school days side by side, technology became their lifeline. Video calls became a regular ritual. Kathrine would sit cross-legged on her bed, her laptop perched precariously on a stack of books, as Tia appeared on the screen, grinning as if they’d just seen each other yesterday.

Their conversations were a whirlwind of teenage girl chatter: the latest drama at school, the trends they loved (or hated), and, of course, boys they fancied.

“Tia, you wouldn’t believe who smiled at me in the hallway today!” Kathrine would gush, cheeks flushed with excitement.

“Oh, let me guess—your new ‘mystery crush’? Spill it, Kathrine!” Tia would tease, her laughter echoing through the speakers.

Despite the distance, they stayed close. Tia might have been miles away, but their friendship remained as vibrant as ever. Kathrine cherished those calls, finding comfort in knowing that no matter how far apart they were, Tia was just a click away.

By the time Kathrine turned 18, she landed her first part-time job at a trendy clothing shop just 20 minutes from home. Fashion had always been a passion of hers. Her closet was a carefully curated collection of stylish pieces she’d saved up for, and her life at the time revolved around looking good—not just for herself, but to catch the attention of boys her age.

The shop became her second home. At first, she worked as a sales assistant, folding clothes, helping customers find the perfect outfit, and learning the ins and outs of the retail world. Over time, Kathrine’s natural charisma and dedication stood out. She earned her boss’s trust, working her way up to an assistant position.

Her boss, a sharp and confident businesswoman who owned multiple shops, wasn’t often around. But she quickly noticed Kathrine’s charm and reliability. Kathrine was the kind of employee every manager dreams of: punctual, kind, and endlessly helpful. She had a knack for connecting with people, whether she was offering fashion advice to a shy teenager or chatting with regulars about the latest trends. Her boss once told her, “You’re more than just good at this—you’re a natural. People trust you, and that’s rare.”

Kathrine loved her job. It wasn’t just about the clothes; it was about the people she met every day. She thrived in the lively environment, where every shift brought something new—a customer looking for the perfect outfit, a team member needing a hand, or even a surprise sale event that turned the shop into a whirlwind of energy.

Outside of work, Kathrine made sure to balance her responsibilities with her social life. Every weekend, without fail, she and her friends—Jazmine, Caitlin, and Fraya—would meet up. They’d plan nights out at bars and nightclubs, or quieter evenings at the movies with popcorn and whispers about their crushes.

One weekend, the group decided to check out a brand-new bar that had just opened in town. The buzz around it was huge—it was sleek and modern, with neon lights, a live DJ playing the latest hits, and a karaoke stage that promised endless laughs.

The night awaits.