Page 81 of Whispers in the Dark
His eyes float over to the envelope between us. “I know this place is expensive. It’s more than we can afford. And I think it’s time we try to find someplace cheaper.”
Adamantly, I shake my head. “No way.” I remove my hand from his and grab the envelope. Standing up, I tear it into pieces and toss them into the fire. “We tried those places, and you weren’t getting the help you needed. You were getting worse. And I’m not letting you go back there. I’ve paid through the end of this month, and then I’ll figure out how to make this work. I always do.”
He sighs, leaning back in his chair. “We’re just fighting a losing battle, honey.”
I refuse to believe his words. I rub my temple. “I’ve been thinking maybe it’s time we ask for help. I think I should tell someone what’s going on.”
He eyes me with disdain as if I’ve betrayed him. “You promised me, Alina.”
“I know I did,” I say. “And I’ve kept my promise, but things…” Things are getting worse. Not better. And I don’t think I can do this alone anymore. “I just think, if we let the Alaries know what’s been going—”
“No,” he says forcefully, shaking his head. “No one is to know. Especially not them.” He lets out a cough, one that doesn’t sound great, prompting me to walk over to the breakfast nook and pour him some tea. I hand it to him and am pleased when he takes a few sips. “You always make the best tea.”
I do?
He places the porcelain cup on his lap and gazes at the fire, appearing lost in a memory.
“Dad?”
“Do you remember the first time we met?”
“The first time we—” I swallow hard.Please no.
“I was traveling for work, and it was snowing, just like it is now.” His eyes appear distant as he continues. “And you were bundled up in your pink coat, waiting for the next bus. I saw you and…” He smiles. “Well, my dear Anya, it was love at first sight.”
“Dad,” I whisper, my voice breaking. “I’m not Mom.”
He blinks a few times, his hand suddenly shaking and causing tea to spill over the sides. “What?” He anxiously looks around, a grimace forming on his face. “What’s happening? Where am I?”
I take the cup from him and place it on the table. Kneeling in front of him, I reach for his hands, clasping mine around them. “It’s okay.” I smile, not wanting him to know that I feel like a piece of glass ready to shatter into a million pieces. “You’re okay. You’re safe. I promise.”
He eyes me suspiciously.
“Do you know your name?”
Please. Please. Please.
“I’m…” He hesitates before saying, “I’m Gregory Fowler.”
“Good.” I lightly squeeze his hand in encouragement. “And do you know where you are?”
He looks around the room and then shakes his head.Okay, don’t freak out. He hasn’t been here that long yet. This place may still look unfamiliar to him.“You’re at Mindful Care. Sometimes, you forget things, but the amazing doctors and nurses are here to help you with that.”
He nods, a slight bit of recognition finally crossing his eyes.
“And do you…” I swallow hard, terrified for him to answer the following question. “Do you know who I am?”
He regards me, his brows cinching together as he digs inside his memory. Suddenly, as if a lightbulb turns on, his eyes widen, his lips parting. “Alina,” he whispers. Tears coat his eyes, steadily falling down his cheeks. “My sweet, sweet, Alina.” He chokes out a hushed sob. “I’m so sorry.”
“It’s okay.” I wrap my arms around him, hiding my tears as I rest my head on his shoulder. “You got lost, but I found you.” Tears dampen my cheeks. “I’ll always find you.”
Chapter twenty
Mauro
Icome through the front door, stomping my boots against the mat before crossing into the living room, finding Alina exactly where I knew she would be. Curled up in my favorite chair, a book resting loosely in her hands, and firelight dancing across her features. Only her eyes aren’t glued to the pages like they usually are; instead, they’re staring outside, appearing almost lost. Distant.
She’s been like this for the past few days, the light she normally provides to my darkness dimming. No longer shining as bright as she used to. The sight of it wraps a tight chain around my heart, squeezing until it’s almost impossible to breathe.
