Wretched || H. Lecter

} CHAPTER TWELVE {

} CHAPTER TWELVE {

It was a rare day where my time wasn't torn between helping solve murder cases, taking care of Abigail or enduring a brutal back and forth between my psychiatrist.

Instead, I was going back to work after my allotted time off with slight reluctance. Although, I would have to deal with the latter later today as much as it hurt my pride to be in the same room with him.

I laid about it on my bed lazily as the soft sheets swallowed me in warmth, urging me not to leave its embrace. While I procrastinated about getting ready my eyes drifted to the bright canvas that hung carefully above my bed.

It was a remake of 'The Kiss' painted by Gustav Klimt between 1907 and 1908 and I believed it to be one of the most beautiful paintings I had ever set eyes upon. It depicts a man utterly enamoured by a beautiful woman as they embrace one another, the man showering her with kisses full of the type of love you only ever hear about in fairytales.

To me, the painting displayed the true power love held over people as the man worshipped this lady in his arms. He loved everything about her; from the flowers in her hair to the bright tones in her gown.

Oh, to be seen as beautifully as this man sees this woman.

With a deep sigh, I snapped my attention from the painting to get ready for work, my feet dragging more than usual on the way to the shower.

After that I quickly threw on some clothes, my work apron and put my hair into a somewhat tamed bun, not bothering too much about my appearance before leaving my apartment and beginning the short walk over.

By the time I arrived, Dan was already there beginning to open up shop and I began to make my way towards him at a steady pace but the look on his face made my feet speed up and my stomach filled with dread.

"Hey Dan, what's wrong?" I called out once I got close enough and we both stepped inside the pet shop for some privacy.

"Hey Rach, it's Marge," His voice wavered as he mentioned his wife and I could only imagine the worst. "The cancer came back and this time it's terminal." I couldn't help but gasp at the heart-breaking news, he must be feeling awful.

"I am so sorry, she didn't deserve that," I whispered comfortingly to him and he just nodded his head as tears began to well up in his eyes.

"Why don't you take some time off, I'll lock up tonight, okay? You go home and spend time with her." He blinked rapidly, clearly not in the right frame of mind to be working at the moment.

"Thank you." He whispered before pulling me into his warm embrace, squeezing tightly. I just smiled before watching him quickly make his way to his car.

With a heavy heart, I walked inside but not before turning over the sign hanging on the front door to display the 'open' side. I truly felt for Dan, it was just like yesterday when he told me she had beat cancer after all the chemo treatments she went through, the joyous look in his eyes so distant now.

Life wasn't fair.

After a long shift, I finally clocked out, remembering to lock up before I left. I was now on my way to Dr Lecter's office for another appointment and I was dreading it. We hadn't spoken since Minnesota and I was still incredibly angry which made this whole thing more nerve-wracking.

It was a short ride over to his office and the whole ride over I debated on whether or not to cancel last minute. But, that would be rude and the last thing I am is rude.

I quickly made my way to his waiting area, knowing the way off by heart by now, with furrowed brows. I didn't particularly feel like seeing him but I needed to do this. For me, not him.