Page 182 of Invisible String

I remember everything.

I’ll ensure he finds his happiness. Staying with me would only hinder him, yet I ache at the thought of losing him. He deserves his own fairytale ending, and deep down, I know I can’t offer that when I’m still unsure of who I am. I’m not quite Sol, nor am I fully Rainey. I’ve lived two separate lives, and now I remember both vividly. I’m a girl caught between, grieving the loss of two selves, unsure if I can ever truly let either go. So, who am I to Max? Sol or Rainey, and what name would I go by?

The last memory hits like a deep puncture wound to the heart.

Jason’s hands clamp roughly around my head, and in one swift motion, he plunges me into the cold water. Instantly, the frigid liquid envelops me, pressing against my skin like an icy vice. My lungs scream for air as I fight against the suffocating embrace, while the world around me dissolves into a mutedblur. Sound becomes a distant memory, replaced by the dull roar of water filling my ears, drowning out all else.

I’m gasping for air. Sharp pain fills my heart, my lungs.

“Her heartbeat is slowing down. It’s barely keeping pace. Get the crash cart now!” a doctor shouts.

“What. No. Her heart was beating rapidly. Why is it slowing down?” Max asks.

There is a lot of noise. This dream is so vivid I can’t wake up.

I’m drowning.

“Baby, don’t leave me. You promised me forever,” Max roars, and the pain in his voice pierces my soul.

The darkness envelopes me with its shadows, and this time, it feels like it might be forever.

Everything goes silent.

Then I gasp.

TO BE CONTINUED…