Dangerous Trio

Home Sweet Home

As I sat on the edge of my bed, replaying my conversation with Will, a chill ran down my spine. It affirmed that I wasn't imagining things—Hannibal was indeed something dangerous. Back in Maryland, as soon as we crossed the state line, reality hit me. My once-cozy condo now looked increasingly barren. With just two boxes of personal belongings left to take to Hannibal's home. It felt like a nightmare unfolding: first, my suspicions about Hannibal, confirmed by Will, and now, I was moving in with the man. Will's warning of me not getting too close was impossible now. I didn't know what to do, I was so lost and it was as if there was no way out.

I went back and forth about Hannibal's intentions for me. Of course, I wanted them to be pure, but now I wasn't so sure. Hannibal had said I would be good for Will and that he wanted all of us together. His words were so vague, and my mind wandered, growing more uneasy with each passing thought.

It was clear that Will was unaware of Hannibal's plan for us. Surely, he would have said something the night I visited him. Knowing how Will felt about Hannibal now, he would never agree to any of this. I thought about whether I should warn Will, but I didn't know how. I was so struck with fear, my body was wired, I barely slept which was a blessing in disguise because I don't know if I could handle another nightmare about Hannibal.

When the sun started to creep in my window I wanted to cry. I was exhausted, I wanted sleep and now the day had come for me to live with the man in my nightmares.

"Don't get too close," Will's words echoed in my head. I closed my eyes as tears streamed down my face, soaking my pillow. It was too late—I was already as close as I could be. I fought against the conflicting emotions of fear and adoration for Hannibal, feelings so complex and binding that they felt almost spiritual. What was worse was that another therapy session awaited me, and it would take place in Hannibal's home. For some reason, this felt more ominous. Maybe I was just used to his office; there was a certain level of comfort there, like he was in a cage with boundaries he couldn't cross. In his home, it was a different story. He was boundless. I stopped and stared at the two duffle bags beside my door. This was it. Move in day. I opened the door to see Hannibal, waiting for me. I was silent, like a lamb being led to the slaughterhouse as he smiled.

"Good Morning Gaby, are you ready?" he asked, his voice smooth and calm.

I nodded looking away. As he grabbed my bags I couldn't help but blame myself. I should have read the patient agreement before signing, I of all people who work with lawyers should know that! This was all my fault. Fear tightened its grip on me as I realized I didn't fully understand what I had agreed to in that contract. There could be clauses far worse than what I was experiencing now. I shut the door behind me, and the thud solidified the moment. My life from this point forward would be unlike anything I had ever imagined for myself. Each step to the car played out in slow motion, my feet heavy, much like in my nightmares. I wanted so badly to feel numb, to find a way to make this easier, but there wasn't any. My chest began to tighten as I slid into the front seat. Another gloomy day fitting the scene perfectly.I jumped when Hannibal opened the driver's side door, but luckily, he didn't notice. My jaw clenched as we drove without speaking for most of the way. Finally, Hannibal broke the silence.

"How was your chat with Will?" He asked

My heart dropped. How did he know I talked to Will? I sat still for a moment, looking straight ahead, trying to remain calm.

"You cannot keep anything from me Gaby, and in order for this relationship to work you must be honest." Hannibal added.

Suddenly he was ethical.

"I wanted to talk to him, to get closer, isn't that what you want?" I said looking over at him

"Are you starting to take a liking to him?" He smirked

"I knew you would." He added

I didn't say a word. When comparing Hannibal and Will side by side, it was like comparing a wolf and a baby deer. There was something innately soft about Will, which made me feel more comfortable around him. With Hannibal, my nervous system could never settle, almost as if it recognized the danger from the start, triggering a constant fight-or-flight response. I knew I had to find a way to talk to Will again, but I had no idea how. It was clear Hannibal would find out eventually, so what would it matter? I had a sinking feeling that Hannibal's plan for us was far more complex and sinister than I could imagine. I didn't know what he wanted with Will, let alone with me, and I didn't want any part of it. But it was too late for all of that. This was my life now.