Emily hastily stood up and looked for signs of life around her, but the beach was quiet, too quiet. Grains of golden sand clung to her skin, each one burning into her flesh like a miniature brand. “Helloooo?” she screamed, but her voice was tinged with sorrow. What was this strange feeling taking over her? And why couldn’t she remember anything?
Panic struck Emily as she desperately tried to recall what was happening. But it was unsuccessful—her memory was a blank slate. It almost felt as though she had been brainwashed. The only fragment of memory she could cling to was going to the beach that afternoon.