The Shadows We Hide

Chapter 14

Catherine's POV

I wake up with a jolt, praying that everything was just a sick dream.

I call out to Cody, but instead of my son's familiar voice, Zak appears.

"Zak? Where is Cody? He usually comes when I call," I ask, confusion etched on my face.

Zak's expression is somber, his eyes filled with a fake concern.

"Catherine, don't you remember? You killed Cody. I tried to stop you, but..."

I feel like I've been punched in the gut.

"No! Zak, you're lying! I'd never..."

Zak's voice is smooth, convincing. "Oh, Cathy, but you did. You told him to leave us alone, and when he didn't listen, you took my weapon and killed him. You then fainted."

I'm consumed by a wave of grief, my mind reeling with the impossible truth.

"Oh, my Gosh! No! My Cody! Not my Cody! My children!"

Zak's voice is a gentle whisper, a soothing balm to my shattered soul.

"Shhh, it's alright. Just lay down. I'll bring in some of your favorite tea."

I lay back down, my mind struggling to comprehend the horror that Zak has described.

But something doesn't feel right. Something doesn't add up.

As I lay there, I feel a sense of unease, a feeling that something is off. And then, I remember the words of Psalm 23: "Even though I walk through the darkest valley, I will fear no evil, for you are with me; your rod and your staff comfort me."

I cling to those words, finding comfort in the knowledge that God is with me, even in the darkest of times.

I try to piece together the events of that fateful night, but my memories are hazy, unclear.

I remember arguing with Zak, remembering the feeling of desperation and fear.

But I don't remember killing Cody. I could never do that.

As I lay there, I feel a sense of determination wash over me. I will get to the bottom of this.

I will find out what really happened to Cody.

Zak's POV

I watch Catherine lay down, a sense of satisfaction washing over me.

Everything is going according to plan. With just a pinch of kassix, I can make her believe whatever I want her to believe.

Catherine is all mine!

I go downstairs to make her favorite tea, my feet skipping with excitement.

I add a dash of kassix to the tea, watching as the powder dissolves into the liquid.