The Shadows We Hide

Chapter 15

TW: MUTILATION

Zak's POV

I walk into our bedroom, where Catherine is waiting for me

. It's been five years since Cody's murder, and Catherine still believes she's responsible.

I've been manipulating her, using her guilt and shame to control her.

As I enter the room, I see Catherine rocking back and forth.

She's been having nightmares and flashbacks, and I've been using them to my advantage.

"Cathy, hey, it's okay. I'm here," I say, trying to sound soothing.

She looks up at me, her eyes wild with fear.

"I had a dream," she says, her voice shaking. "You had a gun, and you shot Cody in the head."

I feel a surge of anger, but I push it down.

I need to keep Catherine under control.

"Shhh, Catherine. I'd never hurt Cody. You killed him, remember?"

Catherine's face crumples, and she begins to sob. "I don't deserve to live. Please just kill me."

I consider it for a moment, but then I decide against it. I need Catherine alive, at least for now.

"How about I punish you instead?" I suggest.

Catherine nods, eager to please. "I deserve it. Please punish me."

I smile, feeling a sense of satisfaction.

This is what I've been waiting for. I leave the room and return with a razor.

"Cathy, stretch out your arm," I say, trying to sound calm.

Catherine hesitates for a moment, but then she complies.

I make small cuts along her arm, counting them out loud.

As I finish the cuts, Catherine looks up at me, her eyes filled with tears.

"Why do you do this to me, Zak?" she asks.

I smile, feeling a sense of control.

"Because you deserve it, Catherine. You deserve to be punished for what you did to Cody."

But as I look into her eyes, I see something that gives me pause.

A spark of recognition, a glimmer of hope.

Catherine's POV

I look up at Zak, feeling a sense of despair wash over me.

Why does he do this to me? Why does he punish me like this?

But as I look into his eyes, I see something that gives me hope.

A flicker of uncertainty, a hint of doubt.

I realize that Zak is not as in control as he seems.