Shattered Mind - Trauma, Texting, and the Slytherins

20

TW:

January

I turn the key in the lock and step inside my house, closing and locking the door carefully behind me. I leave my bag on a cupboard and take off my shoes. I go to the kitchen and turn the faucet on. I wash my hands and also make myself a glass of cold water.

I down it in one go and put the empty glass on the counter. I feel the cold water inside of my chest and stomach, and it feels so relieving.

These hot summer nights are killing me.

I should take a cold shower, I'm sweating. And I'm so tired. It's already 1 a.m. I had to clean up the tables in the restaurant tonight, so I stayed longer.

As I make my way to the bathroom, I notice that the lights in the living room are still on.

Are my parents still awake? I thought they would be asleep by now...

I frown, and walk to the living room. "Hey, mum? Dad?" I ask as I walk to the door and look into the room. I don't see anyone inside. When I'm ready to leave again, I see something in the corner of my eye. Something red?

I walk further into the room and then freeze.

My parents. On the floor. The color drained from their faces, their eyes staring at the ceiling. The beige carpet stained with dried, dark blood. Their pale fingers still intertwined...

I attempt to let out a scream, but it gets caught in my throat.

I can't breathe. I sink down onto the floor, but can't take my eyes off the scene in front of me.

I can't blink.

I can't close my eyes.

It burns itself in my mind.

It shatters it.

Not step by step.

At once.

I keep sitting on the floor for what feels like hours. I can't bring myself to look away. Then I feel a hand shaking me awake.

"Ally wake up" I heard Sophia's familiar voice and felt her hand on my shoulder, shaking me awake, dragging me out of my dream. I shot up in my seat, looking at her, meeting her soft eyes filled with concern.

I was on the verge of tears, but good at holding them back. I felt the looks from the other students on me.

Shit, I fell asleep during class.

McGonagall cleared her throat. "Miss Lennon, is everything okay?"

"Uhm... Yeah... I'm sorry professor, it won't happen again..." I said, feeling embarrassed.

"It's no problem, dear..." the woman said, worry etched on her soft expression, before she continued to teach.

God, I hate pity.

Sophia turned to me, whispering in a gentle voice. "Alice are you okay? What was that?"

"I don't know... I just fell asleep, don't even ask me..." I rubbed my forehead.

A look of realization flashed across my friends face "Did you see it again?"

I didn't answer, I just slightly nodded.

Sophia just looked at me with sympathy, and put one of her arms around my shoulder, gently stroking it. "It's gonna be okay..."

That was nice of her. Really, I appreciated it.

But it won't be okay.

Mattheo - Alice

Mattheo
What happened today in class?

Alice
Nothing, I was just tired and fell asleep

Mattheo
I saw that.
I mean why did you look so shocked afterwards?

Alice
You don't have to know that Riddle

Mattheo
It's about your parents, isn't it?

Alice
Why are you even asking if you already know the answer?

Mattheo
Rude much?

Alice
Sorry.
I didn't mean to.

Mattheo
I don't care Alice, I just want to
make sure you're ok

Alice
And I am ok now, don't worry

Mattheo
We both know you're lying.
But I won't annoy you if you don't want to talk rn.

Alice
Good

Mattheo
Good