The Convict

Holding On

TW: This chapter contains mentions of suicide and suicidal actions. Please read with caution.

After Lesly told me what happened with Dakota, I knew I had to get home as soon as possible before Dakota lost herself again. So against doctor orders, I discharged myself. I didn't care about my parents' protest or my aching body; I knew I had to get to Dakota before it was too late.

Before Dakota got even more blood on her hands, be it hers or someone else's.

Holding On

"Melony, you need to go back to the hospital," Dad said sternly.

"Melony please," Mom begged.

I ignored them and used my code to unlock the door.

I still haven't gotten my phone or keys back, or my car for that matter.

"Take it easy Mel," Lesly rubbed my shoulder.

I opened the door and gasped in shock.

The entire house was destroyed.

Furniture broken and shattered. Cushions ripped and gutted. Things overturned, holes in the wall, and blood on the floor.

"Don't go inside," Mom holds me back.

I pull free of her and walk inside my heart hammering in my chest as my eyes dart around for any sign of Dakota.

Everyone follows me inside as I look around, I have to use Lesly to help me walk. Technically I shouldn't be up and on my feet for another two weeks. My back aches in protest.

"Dakota?" I call.

My shoes crunch on the broken glass on the floor.

"Dakota answer me!" I demand.

Nothing.

I feel my eyes water as I push past Lesly and limp to the bedroom.

The master bedroom is the only room with the door closed.

I take a deep breath, my hand hesitating before the handle.

"I can't, I can't," I turn to Lesly. "If she's dead in there I can't," I sob.

Lesly steps in front of me and turns the handle.

Everyone holds their breath in silence.

I hear her gasp in shock.

I turn and for the briefest of moments, I see Dakota hanging from the ceiling fan before Lesly steps in the way.

"Don't look, don't look," she blocks the way.

"No!" I scream and bury my face into her chest. "Dakota!" I sob.

"Lord have mercy," mom whispers.

"We have to call the police," Dad says.

"No!" I push past them and go into the room. "No, no, no," I limp over to her body.

"Melony!" Lesly chases after me.

"Dakota!" I hug her close to me.

That's when I feel she's still warm.

"She's, she's!" I can't get the words out before I climb up on the bed and tug on the fan with all my might.

"Melony stop!" Lesly tries to stop me.

"She's warm!" I shout and with pure adrenaline, I rip the fan from the ceiling and Dakota falls to the floor.