Elijah Hartman sat on the edge of his bed, gripping his acceptance letter to the federal law enforcement academy. It was supposed to be his ticket to fulfilling a lifelong dream, a dream inspired by his late father, Derek Hartman. But his mother, Dr. Vanessa Sterling-Hartman, had crushed it with her harsh words. "You? A cop? With your pathetic grades?" Her voice echoed in his mind as he rose and prepared to leave the house, seeking solace in the familiarity of Bayport's streets.
Elijah wandered aimlessly, his thoughts consumed by his mother's disdain. He was drawn into Shadow Creek Alley, where the familiar shadows seemed to offer some comfort. But the tranquility was shattered when a group of thugs emerged from the darkness. "Word is your dad, Derek Hartman, was a DEA hotshot," one of them sneered. Elijah fought back, but they overwhelmed him. A sharp pain pierced his lower back, and his strength ebbed away, leaving him to ponder his mother's last words as consciousness slipped from his grasp.
Dr. Vanessa Sterling-Hartman entered the autopsy room, her expression steely as she prepared to examine the remains discovered at the millworks. Her professionalism was unwavering, even as she registered the brutality inflicted upon the young victim. "The victim is male, between eighteen and twenty-three," she stated, her voice clinical. But as she reconstructed the body, a familiar dread gnawed at her. Detective Sam Boone stood by, his presence a silent reminder of the horror they faced.
Floating above, Elijah's spirit watched his mother work. Her hands moved with precision, yet her eyes betrayed a flicker of emotion. "Mom… have you ever considered that the body on your autopsy table might be the son you’ve always ignored?" His thoughts were a silent plea, unheard by the living. Dr. Hartman continued her task, unaware of the connection between her and the victim she sought to identify.
Dr. Hartman walked out, her face a mask of determination. She was met by Rachel, her sister, whose eyes were wide with worry. "Vanessa, Elijah's been missing for more than a day now!" she exclaimed. Dr. Hartman dismissed her concerns with a wave of her hand, her frustration boiling over. "If something happens to him, it's his fault for being careless," she snapped, her words sharp and final.
Elijah's spirit drifted through the streets, his heart heavy with unspoken words. He watched his mother from afar, longing to bridge the chasm between them. "I'm sorry, Mom. I won't apply to the academy. Please don't be mad," he thought, knowing she couldn't hear him. As his presence faded into the night, he hoped for a future where they might find peace, even if it was beyond the veil of this world.