Excruciating

Part 2

Within the room there were two murky windows denying the maximum sunshine to penetrate the gloomy woodwork. Dust covered filing cabinets lined the room, adding to the enclosed feeling. Crosses of the lord hung one each wall with rosary beads draped across. At the end of the room, below the circular windows, sat a desk. A stack of paperwork was held down with a leather bound bible.

"Mr Hensley, welcome. Please, please sit." Welcomed the sister. "This must be your cousin, Emerson" She spoke with a fading Scottish accent. She beckoned them to sit on the chair facing the table.

Robert walked towards the table, leaned over and shook Sister Margret's hand. Emerson followed behind, and bowed her head, muttering hello. Both sat on the chairs and discussions began.

"Now, Mr Hensley, I've been informed that it was your brother, Patrick Hensley, who was a patient here. He passed away last December, lord bless his soul, from consumption." She stated, and continued. "He was admitted on January 1961, for a developmental issue of the brain." Robert nodded solemnly.

Emerson hated that they said Patricks death was due to consumption. Never had the boy shown a sign of fever or illness. He was cremated before the family could see him, leaving Emerson and Robert to question why.

"And now, you'll be admitting Emerson Hensley, your paternal cousin, to us for signs of grief and self abuse." She read off a page in front of her, as she had done for all her information. "Yes sister." Answered Robert, glancing at his cousin. "The whole familys worried about our Emmy and we wouldn't want anything to happen to her."

Minutes had passed and Emerson had zoned out. None of the questions were aimed at her, she wasn't asked to speak. Before she knew it she was standing, hugging her cousin, and being escorted off through double doors. In her head she repeated the plans she had made

Stay out of trouble.

Take notes.

Go home.

Expose the truth.