I shook my head and pantomimed reading a book.
“I’ll see what I can scare up,” she said. “Shouldn’t take long.”
Ten minutes later, she returned with three battered paperbacks. Fluffy escapist fiction. Perfect for forgetting you were on a psych hold and your boyfriend was in jail, accused of a crime he didn’t commit.
I disappeared into the books until they brought me dinner, then again until I was bored. I changed into the pajamas that Meghan had sent. Climbing into bed, I picked up the novel again when the lights clicked off. I remembered from the regulations that I was required to sleep for a minimum of eight hours per day. They must regulate this quiet-time to encourage rest. I couldn’t read, but neither could I sleep, though I tried to appear calm. I didn’t know if I was being watched. Tomorrow, I’d have to take part in outdoor exercise and group therapy, probably the following morning too. I wasn’t looking forward to being social, especially with strangers. I wasn’t in the mood.
With nothing else to do but eat, sleep, and read, the days crawled. My exercise involved supervised walking time outside, but it was cold and not enjoyable. Boring flat walks that were nothing like my recent hikes with spectacular views. I missed Christopher and the mountains. Group therapy was unproductive. They placed me with eight others, and while most of them clamored for attention and wished to talk, I remained mute. I didn’t want to be here, but I did my best to remain calm and pass the time.
The third morning was identical, other than minor substitutions to healthy uninspired food. I was relieved that I hadn’t seen Meghan, even from a distance. She would have thrown off my even keel. Had she taken time off, or was it policy because I was family, or was it her choice to be scarce? She may not wish to see me either. I’d also done my best to put Christopher and Eric from my mind. I needed to stay focused on getting out.
The nurse from the first day collected me after lunch. This time, I recalled where I’d seen her before. She was one of Meghan’s friends and had been at the engagement party. I spied her tag and recognized her name, Chloe.
“The doctor is ready for you now.”
Nurse Chloe escorted me down a long hallway, her shoes squeaking on the shiny floor with every step. We passed more than a dozen doors like mine on either side. A couple were ajar, a few were closed with the lights on, the way mine had been. Most were quiet. From one came the sound of tears and another, screaming.
In the common room that I’d avoided, the TV played one of those raucous talk-shows. The volume seemed too loud, especially after the quiet of my room. It seemed like it was yelling at the four patients who sat on plastic chairs. They appeared engrossed in the drama and paid no attention to us. On the other side of the lounge, stretched another hallway with the doctor’s offices.
“Remember,” Chloe said when she opened an office door. “Be honest with the doctor so she can help. After your meeting, I’ll take you back.
I stepped inside and sat in a wooden chair in front of the desk to wait. I tensed and untensed my muscles to loosen them and wiped my sweaty hands on the faded jeans I wore. It became harder to breathe as my anxiety increased. Behind me came the clicking footsteps of high heels in the hallway.
“We aren’t in the habit of providing computers for patients,” said Chloe.
A familiar voice said, “I realize it’s unconventional, but I’d like my patient to have the means to communicate.”
The first genuine hope I’d had in days rose as the doctor walked into the room. The scent of cinnamon and goat cheese followed her. What did she get for lunch? Probably something better than processed deli meat on dry white bread.
Dr. Maeve placed a laptop in front of me on the desk.
“Isn’t this a mess you’ve gotten yourself into, Elizabeth?”
Chapter 16
Incredulous to find Dr. Maeve here, it was difficult not to burst into tears of relief. I took a deep breath and flipped open the laptop. I logged in as a guest with a single click—no password required. Sensing my powerful emotions, she rested her hand with its long purple nails on my shoulder for a couple of seconds before she sat behind her desk. The constricted feeling in my chest dissipated. I’d found someone that would believe me, no matter how odd my story. She’d seen the scars and understood what Eric was capable of. Somehow, she’d orchestrated my time travel as therapy.
My nurse stood at the door, so I waited to start our session. My eyes cut to her. I didn’t want her to listen and report back to my sister.
“I’ve got this, Chloe. Please close the door on the way out. Conversations with patients are confidential. Elizabeth isn’t dangerous, and I know where the alarm is if I need assistance.”
Dr. Maeve’s voice was crisp and professional.
I could have hugged my eccentric doctor as the door closed.
She waited a few seconds, listening to the nurse’s squeaky footsteps as she departed.
“Elizabeth, you’ve been naughty. I haven’t heard from you in months, despite letting me think you’d stay in touch.” She wagged a finger at me. “How is our experiment going to work if you don’t keep me apprised of your life? Hmmm? I doubt being locked in here is part of your plan for a better life. You’re going to need to catch me up on the details.”
I took another deep breath and nodded. I’d tell her the short version, but at least I could be honest.
“Log in through Zoom and use the chat like usual.” Her bright blue lips pursed as her finger tapped them while she gave instructions.
My fingers flew over the keyboard while I explained about Brandon’s coma and falling for Christopher. She nodded her head when she heard about the deal with Christopher and his more recent declaration that made it null and void.
“That’s more like it,” she said. “Taking control of your life is excellent. More karate and a new boyfriend. Wonderful to hear you haven’t been passive and avoiding everything this whole time.”
I told her about Sunday dinners and staying in contact with my family, the engagement party, and its aftermath. I summarized Eric’s stalking, while she stopped me several times for clarification and details. When I got to the part about the note, she asked if I still had it. I’d saved it initially, but it had since disappeared. She asked that I forward the photo of the heart in the steam when I had a chance.
