“Fred, the cop outside, wanted me to pass on the message that someone will be by today to talk to you.”
Thankful for the subject change, I simply nodded my head. I knew the cops would be popping up every so often. Even though I had given my statement, given every detail I could about nearly everything while I was in the hospital, they would still have questions.
“Is there anything you need from the store?” Ryker asked when I didn’t say anything. I jerked, pulled out of my thoughts.
“No thanks.”
I couldn’t be a burden.
“Emery.” I looked up as he said my name and instantly regretted doing so. His eyes were full of pain. It was as if he could see every thought that ran through my mind. What little of my heart that I still had crashed to the floor as tears blurred my vision again.
What I freaking wanted would be something I’d never deserve, even if it was achievable.
“Oh, Emery.” A warm hand laid atop mine on the counter, his palm warm, soothing.
I tore my hand from underneath his.
I couldn’t take his comfort. Didn’t deserve it.
Before he could say another word, I clumsily got off the stool and sprinted towards the bathroom, where I shut the door, holding it closed as a sob came forth.
Emery
Iwaited until I heard the front door close before I dared to peek out from the bathroom. I was more than embarrassed over my reaction.
Stupid.
I didn’t know how to act around people anymore. I never truly had.
Sniffing, I found the house to be empty. Quiet. Not a soul was in sight.
Shuffling, I ended up on the couch once more. The curtains were still closed, but some light came through from the top and sides. There was no way I’d dare touch them, though. Even if I wanted to feel the warmth seep into me.
I was hidden away from the world, now more than ever.
Leaning my forehead to the tops of my knees, I breathed in as deeply as my ribs allowed. The pain meds had fully kicked in once again. The pain wasn’t nearly as bad as it was when I’d been dragged to the hospital.
That seemed so long ago.
For the first time ever, I didn’t jerk as a softer knock sounded on the door. Not sure who it could possibly be, I ignored it. What was the point in getting up to see? Anyone who wanted to talk to me could come in without my consent anyway.
After a few moments, when the knock sounded again, I heaved a sigh, pushing to my feet before shuffling to the door at a snail’s pace. When I pulled it open, I was met by a slim older lady. Her gray hair was a bit messy, falling out of her bun.
Was she lost?
“Emery Matthews?”
I nodded with a glare, unsure of what to do.
“I’m Gale.”
I didn’t drop my eyes, confused.
“Dr. Gale. I was told you were to expect me…” She trailed off, her light blue eyes seeming uncertain.
I cocked my head to the side, trying to remember. Then, I looked off towards where the police officer sat in his car, watching us. After a moment, I stepped back, letting her in. Even if I didn’t remember her name, there wasn’t anything she could do that was worse than what I’d already been through.
“Where would you like to talk today?”
