Wednesday

Chapter 1: Reunion

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Marilyn Thornhill was led down the halls of Willow Hill by a security guard, chains around her wrists and ankles. She was led into Dr. Fairburn's office and sat across from said doctor at her desk.

"I've read your book." Thornhill commented. "Unlocking the Outcast Mind. Came in very handy when I was grooming Tyler."

Dr. Fairburn gave her a slightly disturbed look, but tried to mask it. "You'll forgive me if I don't use that as a pull quote in the next edition. I thought keeping you two apart would finish your emotional hold over him."

"But it hasn't, has it." Thornhill deduced. "And now you want me to tell you how to unlock my little monster."

"I want to know what you did to Tyler, so I can rehabilitate him." Dr. Fairburn corrected.

"Rehabilitate? Oh, is that what you do here? I had always heard whispers that Willow Hill performed secret experiments on Outcasts." Thornhill whispered.

Dr. Fairburn smiled sarcastically. "We also do alien autopsies in the basement. Now are you willing to help me or not?"

"Only if you'll agree to have me transferred here permanently as a patient, and not a prisoner." Thornhill requested.

"That would be for a jury to decide." Dr. Fairburn shrugged. "Well, I'm sorry we couldn't make this work. I'll have to find a more invasive method to unlock Tyler. Arrange her transfer back to Northern State Correctional. And please note that I recommend this prisoner be placed in solitary confinement until her trial."

Thornhill abruptly stood from her chair. "Fine, you've made your point. I'm willing to help. All I ask...is that you let me see Tyler, face-to-face. Just once. Please."

...

Dr. Fairburn was willing to accept her request and led her to Tyler's cell. Once they stepped inside, Thornhill gasped lightly at the sight of Tyler chained to the wall.

"Tyler..."

He slowly looked up at the sound of her voice and saw Thornhill standing in the doorway along with Dr. Fairburn and the guard.

Thornhill turned to the guard and held her cuffed hands out, silently asking to be released. The guard looked to Fairburn who nodded.

Once her chains were off, she slowly approached the bars. "Tyler...it's okay. Mama's here. Look at what they've done to you..."

Tyler slowly walked forward, extending his hand out to her.

"Oh, I know, baby...I missed you too." Thornhill whispered.

"I've been dreaming about this moment..." Tyler muttered.

Thornhill smiled, that is until Tyler suddenly lunged at her. He transformed into a Hyde within seconds and his arm reached through the bars, grabbing Thornhill by the neck and lifting her up.

The guard went to press the button to the collar, but Dr. Fairburn stopped him.

"Don't hit the shock collar, it'll kill her."

"Easy...easy sweetie." Thornhill choked out. "I know you're upset. Just put mommy down. I promise I'll get you out of here."

Tyler released her, throwing her against the wall. She landed on the floor with a thud and began breathing heavily, trying to get air back into her lungs.

Tyler growled, looking at her between the bars of his cage, but Thornhill just smiled.

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