Hospital for Souls

Chapter 19

Knock. Knock. Knock. 

I hear the knocks at the front door of the house, they're loud and clear. I freeze where I am, too afraid to move, and too afraid of when Jake will return. At first, the Hospital for Souls seemed like a dream come true. The place could finally fix me. I never felt that I had the ability to fix myself, so I looked at the Hospital for Souls as a place where there was hope for me and someone actually knew how to help me. This seemed like a place where someone could finally save me from myself. Now, this place is a living nightmare. I already never sleep, so I'm repeatedly waking up into the same nightmare, only getting closer to my death each time. I always wanted to kill myself, and I always hated my life. For once, I've never been more afraid to die. Maybe it's because I know I'll go to Hell if I do, or maybe it's because this place finally gave me the will to do it.

Knock. Knock. Knock.

I hear the knocking at the door again, which takes me away from my thoughts. I'm still too afraid to move, I feel the chills running over my body. Then, that's when I hear a voice that I know all too well.

"Raven, it's Snake. I know you're in the house. Please open the door. I need to talk to you." I can barely move at the sound of his voice, tears instantly begin streaming down my face. I know Snake will do anything to try and talk to me now, so I need to hide. I know Jake's house like the back of my hand, and fast but quietly, I go up the steps and into his room. I then go straight for his closet and hide behind a pile of blankets that Jake keeps in here for when he gets scared or really upset. Now, I'm using these blankets to hide from one of the things I fear most: losing people I love and care about.

 I hear the front door open, and I hear Snake's footsteps walking throughout the house. They're slow, he must be looking around. I hear him walking in the direction towards the bathroom. Then, that's when I hear voices.

"Jake," Snake says in a calm voice. "Have you seen Raven?"

"You're not allowed to see her." Jake says back to him. I can't believe that Jakes out of the Hospital for Souls. Why would they let him out so soon?

"And why not? I mean, she is my girl friend."

"Ha, then why did you leave her? Don't play stupid with me Snake; I know what happened between the two of you. You don't understand her, and you broke her heart. Why should I let you hurt her more than you already have?"

"Jake, please you don't understand."

"No you don't understand Snake. All you've done to Raven is repeatedly hurt her over and over again. You don't understand her. As much as I know she loves you, she's a lot better off without you. Now please, do me a favor and get the fuck out of my house and the fuck out of both of our lives."

"Jake, please. I need to make things right."

"You can make things right by leaving and by letting me help her." Everything goes quiet, and I hear whispers, but I can't make out any of what they're saying. Shortly after, everything goes completely quiet. Then, that's when I hear the footsteps coming up the stairs.

There's no way that I can move now, I'm stuck where I am. I feel my heart beat accelerating, but I begin to take deep breaths as quietly as possible to try and calm myself down. If I don't calm myself down soon, they'll surely be able to find me a lot easier.

I feel someone standing in the doorway of the room. Fear races through my body, and I go perfectly still. I then see him slowly walk towards the center of the room. He begins looking around carefully, watching for any movement. I don't move, but watch him and where he's looking. Then, he looks directly towards the closet. I feel the sweat beads beginning to form, but I still don't move. Then, he talks.