Experiment of Madness

53-A Familiar Threat-Aerra

Three days later.

I sit on the couch, Dag's mother beside me, her hand resting comfortingly on my knee. Ivarsen and Gunnar stand nearby, their arms crossed, their attention focused on me. I meet their gazes, feeling the mix of emotions in the air. I await their words, their expressions unreadable. My heart pounds in my chest, my emotions a mixed bag of anticipation and uncertainty.

Dag's mother's gentle voice breaks the silence. "I think we should talk about your situation with the mental hospital," she says. The weight of her words fills the room, the topic heavy on my mind. I tense slightly, fear and insecurity stirring inside, the memories of the hospital, a dark chapter I don't wish to revisit.

I let out a sigh, mentally preparing myself for the conversation, my heart sinking. I brace myself, my mind recalling the dark and distressing moments from the mental hospital, the thought of revisiting these memories unsettling.

Dag's mother reaches out to hold my hand, her voice gentle and reassuring. "I'll talk to them and take you legally under our roof," she assures me, her words echoing with her promise. My heart skips a beat as her hand holds mine. I feel a surge of gratefulness for her gesture and her promise, a glimmer of hope rekindling.

I can't help but murmur, my voice tinged with surprise and uncertainty. "I'm sorry, what?" My mind struggles to process her words, the offer unexpected and overwhelming.

My heart thumps in my chest, my mind still grappling with her generous offer. Dag's mother offers a kind smile, her hand not letting go of my hand. "You can live with us," she reassures, her voice sincere, her words a mix of generosity and concern.

Sometimes I forget she's blind...

A hint of a smile curves on her lips. Her voice is gentle. "I understand your hesitation and concern, but I see beyond your label of 'mad girl.' I see you, your struggles, and your capacity for growth. Taking you in isn't about pity or charity. It's about offering care, support, and a chance for you to heal."

My eyes well up with tears, her words striking a deep chord within me. My emotional walls feel like they're crumbling, her compassion and acceptance touching me in ways I can't fully express.

Ivarsen speaks up, skepticism laced in his voice. "Are you serious? You'll let a 'mad girl' live with you all?" His words carry a hint of disdain, his attitude dismissive. He raises an eyebrow, his arms still crossed, his gaze skeptical.

"I think we should return her to the mental hospital and then maybe after some time..." His suggestion seems to come from a place of concern, maybe even a fear of the unknown.

Dag's voice rings out, his words filled with disbelief. "Have you lost it?" My heart warms to see Dag walk in, a sense of relief washing over me as he approaches with Fane's and Sasha's assistance. His presence alone brings a sense of comfort and stability. My gaze is drawn to him, our eyes meeting.

Dag's mother calls out to him, her voice filled with a mix of concern and love. "Dag?" Her voice softens.

Dag's response is firm and heartfelt. "Do you think after all this, I'll let Aerra be away from me?"
My heart skips beats, his words resonating deep within me.

Ivarsen's words cut through the room, his tone laced with skepticism and disdain. "She's been in a mental hospital for years. She's sure as fucked up," he scoffs, his attitude lacking empathy.
Dag's voice is strong and unwavering. "Like all of us. All of us are fucked up, just because we weren't in a mental hospital doesn't change anything,"

Dag's words carry conviction, his determination to keep me close clear in his tone. "I won't give her to that hospital or anywhere else. Her place might not be next to me but she'll stay there," my heart pounds in my chest as his words echo in my ears, his unwavering support wrapping around me like a safety net.