A Neat Mess

38. Clinical Cold

Everyone in the family was looking forward to the therapy session, given what they went through the previous week. First, Jenna was in with Pip. They weren't inside the room for long when Pip walked out and knocked on Blake's door.

"I hope you are not busy, but I think I need you to join our session today with Jenna. I don't think I can handle it by myself anymore," said Pip, still standing.

Blake was reading an article on his computer—nothing too exciting. He got up and followed Pip. "I will be just an observer," said Blake.

"Hold on to that thought," said Pip, and they both joined Jenna.

"Okay, tell me again, Jenna. What do you think happened to Lucille?" Pip asked.

"She's dead," Jenna replied, her voice cold and devoid of emotion. "She's in a coffin, buried deep in the ground, and the worms are already feeding on her."

"So you understand that she's never coming back, and you'll never see her again?"

Jenna's eyes darkened, her gaze unflinching. "I know how death works."

"So how does that make you feel, sweetie?" asked Pip with kindness. Jenna wasn't able to answer that question. Pip continued, "Okay, it's okay. Tell me what you mean when you said you know how death works. Have you seen someone else die?"

"I saw my cat die when I was small."

"How did it die?"

"It was an accident."

"Also, your daddy told me about some kittens you found in the house a while ago. How did they die, Jenna? Was it also an accident?" asked Pip.

"No, I kept the pillow over them and I jumped on it with my knees until they stopped moving," responded Jenna very casually. Pip and Blake did their best to hide their surprise but exchanged a quick look. Jenna caught that look.

"Okay, thanks for your honesty. Now tell me, have you killed any other animals?"

"It was Denis's hamster. I threw it downstairs," answered Jenna with no sign of remorse.

"And you saw it die?" asked Pip again.

"No, not the first time. It became a little slow, you know, like it was very old. I had to throw it two or maybe three times more until it died."

"Okay, so was it before when Lucille fell down the stairs?" asked Pip again. She was getting nervous, hoping Blake would stop her if she was asking the wrong question.

"Yes," responded Jenna with confidence.

"Jenna, do you like killing animals? It's okay if you do, sweetie. You can tell us."

"I do, but I have to hide it because Denise was crying a lot and it was so annoying."

"So you knew what could have happened to Lucille if she fell?"

"Yes."

"Did you want Lucille to get hurt?"

"Yes. I wanted her to die."

"Did you push her down the stairs?" asked Pip, but Jenna shook her head.

Blake got up and walked towards the door. "Okay, I think we've got enough for this session." Then he got up and murmured, "This case cannot get any more complicated."

He was very wrong about that.

"Walk with me, Pip," he ordered.

"So, I guess you didn't invite me to watch a thriller for a horror movie? You have a new diagnosis, something we anticipated."