Birds In The Drop Ceiling

Chapter 4

"Dr. Diagnose"

Sunday afternoon, Devon laid on the couch in his living room, consumed with fearful memories. The only sound was the clock on the wall, ticking. He tried not to concentrate on the sound, but it was difficult. Sun rays beamed through the window hit Devon in the face. He squinted his eyes, "What's the use?" He sat in his chair and gazed at the wall in front of him, staring at his wedding photo as he rocked back and forth, trying to keep his mind straight. Suddenly his cell phone broke the silence. Devon nearly spilled his coffee on his lap. He looked at the phone but he just let it ring. It finally stopped. A minute later the phone rang again. Devon grabbed the phone and answered, 

"Yes, Hello?"

"Hi, am I speaking to a Mr. Devon Sanders?" The female voice asked.

"Yes this is me, how can I help you."

"This is Dr. Bernstein's office—you gave us you home phone number as a call-back but we were having trouble reaching you."

Devon laid his back head, his eyes closed with embarrassment.

"Yeah, sorry I've been having some issues with my phone." Devon explained. Of course, that was a lie; he had the phone unplugged most of the night and morning with the receiver stuffed under a pillow.

"That's okay Mr. Saunders. What time would you be available to come in Devon?"

Devon's hands were shaking. He could barley grip his coffee cup.

"As soon as possible please."

Devon hung up. He wasn't sure if it'd do any good, but he needed something that could explain this whole thing. He felt so alone again. This strange feeling came over him, like nothing was real anymore.

On his way out to Dr. Bernstein's office, he was nervous. The drive ahead was dark and it rained the whole time, not making the mood anymore pleasant. He pulled into the small parking area, but there were no other vehicles in the lot, and the building looked empty. He walked up to the complex, and rang the bell. A speaker system was rigged outside, with a camera looking at him,

"Mr. Sanders, you don't look so great." Said the voice.

"Yes, hi I'm looking for Dr. Bernstein?"Devon asked.

The Door buzzed open. Devon caught the door and walked through. The hallway was dark, but he continued walking anyway. Memories of the day in the police station when he was about to interrogate Skye's kidnapper rushed through him. Devon was pale, the sweat rolled down his face. This uncertain feeling was getting the best of him. Dr. Bernstein stood at the archway of his office.

"Well I must say I didn't think you were going to call me, I apologize for the last time we met. Rest assured I renewed my tags, and my tail light is fixed." Smiled Bernstein.

"So I've heard you are the best psychologist in the city." Said Devon

"Well, in my early years, I studied medicine first but found a love for psychiatry. Come into my office please." Dr. Bernstein said signaling his hand.

Devon laid it out for him the best way that he could. The events that happened when he was working and that following night when he was at home, not missing any details. The Doctor's eyes were wide the whole time. He remained quiet, just listening to Devon's every word, nodding his head in interest and taking notes.

"Well, that is very strange indeed." Said Bernstein. "I must say, I'm no skeptic of the supernatural but, this goes way beyond me. Have you told anybody else?"