INSTITUTION OF THE ILL AND FORGOTTEN

CHAPTER SEVEN

Alexander pic ^^^

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Skylar's POV

Another therapy session with Leo has gone nowhere. To be honest, I don't even know why he keeps trying when we keep getting the same result. Throughout my life, he has been one of the most persevering people I have ever met. Most people would have already gotten tired by now; they would have left me alone like everyone else in my life or would have started using force. I know it's not smart pushing to see when they will all crack out of this "I care for you, and we would never hurt you" stage, but when you're used to getting beaten every single day, the mental torture of wondering if and when they will start is so much more painful. It becomes a constant worry: when will they get tired of this facade?

As I left the therapy room, my mind raced with these thoughts. The persistent dread gnawed at me, making it hard to trust anyone, even someone as kind as Leo. The hallways of the institution felt both confining and expansive, a paradox that mirrored my inner turmoil.

I made my way to my room, hoping to find some solace in the familiar surroundings. Rony's voice echoed in my mind, a constant companion in my isolation. " They will all crack eventually. It's only a matter of time," he whispered.

"No, Rony. Not everyone is like that," I argued internally, though I wasn't entirely convinced myself. The fear of betrayal was deeply ingrained, a scar that seemed impossible to heal.

Back in my room, I sat on the edge of my bed, trying to focus on the small comforts around me. The soft blanket, the dim lighting, the faint sound of footsteps in the distance—all served as reminders that I was still here, still fighting, even if just barely.

A knock on the door interrupted my thoughts. "Skylar, can I come in?" It was Tyler, his voice gentle and patient.

"Yeah, sure," I replied, trying to mask the uncertainty in my tone.

Tyler entered, his expression a mix of concern and determination. "How was your session with Leo?"

"Same as always," I shrugged. "Not much progress."

Tyler sighed, sitting down in the chair across from me. "I know this is hard, Skylar. But Leo and I, we really do care about you. We want to help."

I looked down, the words feeling both comforting and suffocating. "It's just... hard to believe that sometimes." DON'T TRUST THEM, RONY SCREAMED IN MY MIND, DON'T TRUST THEM.

"I get that," Tyler said softly. "But we're not giving up on you. We're here for the long haul, no matter how long it takes."

After the talk with Tyler, I needed some time outside, away from them, away from everything. Sometimes I wished I could have gotten away from myself.

The air outside was cool and refreshing, a stark contrast to the stifling thoughts swirling in my head. I walked aimlessly, my feet leading me to the edge of the institution's grounds. There was a small garden here, a quiet place where I could be alone. I sat on a bench and closed my eyes, trying to shut out the relentless noise in my mind.

"Why do you always run?" Rony's voice echoed, a mixture of curiosity and frustration.

"Because it's the only thing I know how to do," I whispered aloud, hoping that saying it might somehow make it easier to confront. "Running keeps me safe."

"But does it really?" Rony challenged. "Or does it just keep you trapped?"

I didn't have an answer to that. Maybe it did both. Maybe running was a way to survive, but also a way to avoid truly living. I sat there, wrestling with the thoughts, the pain, and the fear.