Page 6 of Whispers in the Dark
Due to recent improvements at our lovely establishment, the current monthly expense has increased by twenty-five percent and will be reflected in next month’s billing cycle for all residents. We appreciate your understanding. Happy holidays!
My eyes scan over the words again.
And again.
Twenty-five percent? But that’s… I grab my phone and quickly pull up my banking app, dread pooling in my stomach as I eye the total in my savings account. Running the figures in my head with the added twenty-five percent increase, I realize I have just enough to cover two more months of expenses for my father to remain here. Not a single penny more. My hands tremble as I switch to my checking account, which holds the funds for my own expenses, and see that there’s barely enough to scrape by. I think I can stretch it out if I skip a meal or two here and there. If that fails, maybe I can somehow get approved for another credit card.
I sink into the cushions, rubbing a hand over my temple. I can’t keep living like this.Tears build behind my eyes. Will I need to move him somewhere else? Will that make his progress worse? Will he need to be farther from me? What about his current doctors, medications, and—
A soft snore fills the space beside me, and I watch my father as he sleeps soundly.
He’s comfortable.
He’s relaxed.
He’s happy.
Because he’s here.
And I know what I have to do to make sure it stays that way.
Standing, I gather my things and lean over him, pressing a kiss to his forehead. “Don’t worry,” I whisper. “I’ll take care of everything.”
Pulling my phone out of my pocket, I plan to send Jen a text when I see another message from the same unknown number. My steps falter as I freeze in the middle of the hallway. A chill passes over me as I swipe my finger across the screen, my eyes quickly jumping over every word.
Unknown Number
Have you forgotten what will happen if you don’t fix this?
I swallow back the bile that rises in my throat, looking over my shoulder at my father’s room.
No, of course I haven’t forgotten.
The threat has caused me to have unbearable nightmares almost every night since I saw him.
But what does he expect me to do?
As if reading my mind, another text appears.
Unknown Number
I was showing you kindness in allowing you to choose. But if you don’t select someone soon, I will have no objection to making the decision for you. And I advise you not to play games with me by making me wait.
Shit.My chest clenches at that prospect. I can only imagine what kind of cruel monster he would pair me with. I begin to type a quick message back, my fingers shaking with each stroke.
“Alina?”
I slightly jump, almost dropping my phone. I was so lost in my thoughts that I didn’t hear Andrea approaching.
I drag my fingers through my hair, the corners of my lips curving up. “Sorry, I didn’t see you there.”
She frowns. “Is everything okay?”
“Of course.” I swipe my index finger beneath my eyes, noting the way she regards me. “We were just watchingIt’s a Wonderful Life.That movie gets me every time.” Her frown grows, but I can’t stay here a minute longer, so I sidestep her, grabbing my coat. “I’ll be back tomorrow. Merry Christmas,” I call over my shoulder as I step outside into the cold.
Back to a reality where monsters rule the world.
And knights in shining armor only exist in fairy tales.
