In Charlotte's Eyes

Split Decision

Would it have been better if she had stayed dead?

What was the point of going through hell just to finally let go?

Why wasn't he ecstatic?

Parker couldn't understand what it was he was feeling. It was like being thrown right back into grief—in denial. Charlotte was back. It was everything he wanted: her safety, her.. change in mindset and attitude. He was excited, but also not. It frustrated him.

Parker pondered these things as he waited for Charlotte to be done talking with the police. He was told it wouldn't take that long, but by this point he had been waiting for close to an hour. He wondered how things were going.

Someone entered the police station. Parker’s eyes widened. It was Audrey. It wasn't long until she made eye contact with him, a small gasp escaping her. “Parker?”

“Audrey?” It clicked in his brain. She was here because of Charlotte.

She hurried to his side. “If you're here, does that mean..?” She shook her head. “It's true? Charlotte was found?”

“Yes.”

Audrey let out an overwhelmed huff. “I can't believe it.” She chuckled jaggedly, looking away. “She's actually alive. But how?” She returned her eyes to him. “Do you know what happened to her?”

“It's confusing.” Parker’s brows furrowed, looking down. “Apparently she got taken to another world and was forced to compete in a competition along with a bunch of others, but..” He shook his head. “The host disappeared for several months, so she ended up being stuck there?” He sighed.

A small, confused noise escaped Audrey as she processed what that meant. “Wh-.. How?”

“I don't know. I'm still trying to wrap my head around it myself.”

“Whatever. All that matters is she's back.” She said in a hurry.

“Yeah.”

Parker watched as Audrey slipped away and went to the lady at the desk. Their exchange was quiet—Parker being unable to decipher the conversation aside from a few scattered words. After a minute, Audrey came back to Parker.

“What about her infection? Is it really bad?” She asked with worry.

“It-.. actually looks kinda the same as it did before.” Parker shook his head. “She said that she actually died from the mold infection, but was brought back to life. No idea how that's possible, but she didn't seem to know why, either.”

“What..?” Audrey whispered, looking away. “But-” Parker looked up at her from his seat. “Well-”

A door opened. The officer—a blue shuttlecock—that took Charlotte earlier was in the lobby. “Audrey?” He looked at her and Parker.

“Oh—yes.” She walked over to the officer.

Parker suddenly sprang to his feet. He needed to see Charlotte. “Hello, ma’am,” The officer started, shaking hands with her. He glanced at Parker as he approached from behind. “I'm Brad.”

“Excuse me,” Parker interrupted. “Can I come see Charlotte as well?”

Brad had a nonchalant, but unoffending expression. He nodded at Audrey. “We'll let her decide. You alright with that, ma’am?”

“Yes.” Audrey was quick and firm. “He's trustworthy.”

“Alright.” Brad turned around. “Follow me, we'll need to discuss a few things with Charlotte.”

“Okay.” Audrey affirmed.

The pair followed the officer into an office space, Charlotte already sitting down in one of the two chairs inside. Brad took a seat at his desk.