Upon hearing this, Vivian's expression shifted slightly. She immediately fixed her gaze on Bud, deep in thought.
Seeing her reaction, Bud grew a little pleased. It seemed like Vivian was interested in the topic. After all, Joe was well known in Jipsburg, and most people had heard of him.
"At the time, when they disappeared, it just so happened that they were in this very tourist attraction. I was there too, trailing behind them. I didn't pay much attention then, thinking they were just ordinary people, but guess what happened next?" Bud suddenly paused for dramatic effect.
Vivian's face turned cold. "You're not suggesting you saw them disappear, are you?"
Bud swallowed nervously, seemingly recalling something unsettling. He looked around again to ensure no one else was close, then spoke in a hushed tone, "I know you young people don't believe in metaphysics, and the police probably don't either. That's why I didn't report it to them. But I did see how the two of them disappeared."
"You're lying." Vivian's voice was cold.
Bud seemed taken aback by her response. "Why would I lie? I've told this story to plenty of people, but no one believed me. Whether you believe it or not, consider it a legendary tale.
"Look over there, see that tree? They were right by that tree when suddenly, a flash of white light surrounded them, and then they vanished. I thought I was seeing things, but when I got home, I saw the news."
Bud described the scene in vivid detail, pointing to a century-old tree not far away, his eyes filled with a hint of genuine fear. This fear seemed real.
Vivian followed his gaze and looked at the tree. She suddenly felt something stir within her.
Just as she was about to walk toward the tree, Bud spoke again. "Just take it as a story. Now that we're acquainted, I've shared this secret with you. How about leaving me a contact number?"
Vivian turned her gaze away from the tree. "I remember that the Martin Group issued a statement offering a generous reward to anyone who could provide clues. If you really witnessed their disappearance, why didn't you come forward?" she asked.
Bud was surprised that she knew so much. He shrugged and explained casually, "I'm still not sure if it was a dream. And honestly, the police wouldn't believe me, and neither would the people from the Martin Group. If I spoke up, I might just end up making enemies. You're young; you don't understand how dark the world can be. If you offend the wrong person, you won't even know how you ended up dead."
At the time, he had thought it was just his imagination. Even now, he occasionally questioned whether it was a figment of his mind.
When he told others, they all said it was just a hallucination. He even thought so himself sometimes.
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