THE MONSTER INSIDE ME (#ONC2024)

CHAPTER SIXTEEN: SCAPE

While escaping through the asylum's halls, I feel as if I've been swallowed by darkness, leaving just an empty shell of myself behind. I do not exist; I am simply an inert body running, a zombie with no chance of salvation. Every corner I turn only leads me deeper into the abyss, the walls closing in around me like a suffocating embrace. The only sound is the echo of my footsteps, a constant reminder of my desperate attempt to flee from this living nightmare.

I race down the hallways as if my life depended on it, not looking where I'm going, and then I collide with someone.

He is tall, strong, and has numerous tattoos.

"Oh no, are you alright?" He inquires with a troubled gaze.

"No... I'm not okay. I'm..."

I am quiet. What am I doing, telling a stranger about my life? I never do that. But something about his presence makes me feel safe, like I can trust him.

"What's wrong?" he inquires.

"It's... it's nothing... I... I can't..."

"Tell me what's bothering you. I want to help."

I stare at him. He has dark hair and nice brown eyes.

"No one wants to help me," I say.

The man responds:

"That is not true. I want to help. My name is Alexander, and yours?"

"Arabella."

Alexander remains silent. He appears to be thoughtful. Has anybody told him about me? Perhaps yes. He wears a white coat. He asks:

"Tell me...what happened...?"

I do not want to think about that. My eyes well with tears, and I say:

"My uncle... he rejected me."

"He rejects you. What do you mean?"

I resolved to reveal the truth to the stranger. I want him to detest and avoid me.

"I told him I had feelings for him."

Alexander looks at me with a mixture of empathy and confusion.

"Feelings for him? Do you mean romantic feelings?"

I nod.

"And he... replied by telling you that you were wrong?"

"I know it's wrong, but I can't help it. The demon informed him."