The Difference Between Fear and Terror

Untitled Part 21

I continue to stare out the window even after his request to look at him. I can’t. I can’t take this anymore. Even after being rescued I am stuck in that closet.

Is there even a reason to stay alive anymore? I am more trouble than I am worth. Gabriel’s nickname is very fitting for me. Trouble. Trouble that they don’t deserve to have to deal with.

He calls out for me again, fourth time now. I think he has given up on getting me to turn around. Maybe he will leave?

That would only be too hopeful.  Instead he comes to the other side of me, sitting in the chair on the other side of my bed.

“Sang, you are a lot of things, but you are not stupid. You were trapped and terrorized in a closet for over a year. You were totally isolated from the outside world. You are faring much better than most would in your situation.”

I still refuse to look at him. I am stupid. I have absolutely no logical reason to be afraid of the dark. I think he senses that he isn’t going to get anything more out of me for this session.

“I’ll be right back.” He is gone for a few minutes and returns with something. He hands it over to me. It is pink and shaped like a crown, with a large button on it. I push it and it glows.

“It’s a night light. Hopefully it will give off enough light that you can sleep.” A night light? Aren’t those for little kids? Well that would explain the shape and color, so I guess so. I never had one. “Th-thank you.”

“You’re welcome. Dr. Roberts is going to come in here and do all of the discharge stuff. I will be by your house in the morning before my shift.” Before his shift? At my house? I can’t ask for him to do that. I’m not worth that. “D-don’t go to any t-trouble for me.”

“It’s not a problem Miss Sang. You are worth it. See you in the morning.” I am more confused than ever. He thinks I’m worth it? I’ve talked to him like twice, and both times I’ve been rude and closed off.

Dr. Roberts comes in with forms along with Mr. Blackbourne. He starts checking my heart rate, blood pressure, and temperature. Mr. Blackbourne sits by my bed filling out my discharge paperwork. He hands it off to me to sign. Everything is filled in aside from my signature.

I glance down the page, making sure everything is right. Somehow Mr.Blackbourne is being allowed to sign as my guardian. I see a mistake.

“Th-that’s not my a-address.” Mr. Blackbourne winces, I assume he didn’t want me to notice. “I meant to tell you earlier, but it was never a good time. Your father sold the house when Marie turned eighteen. All of your things are at Mr. Griffins.”