Die, Die My Darling

3

     Days passed and it was the same mundane process of Lillian attending sessions, taking notes, and then returning Michael to his cell. Soon he would be her patient, yet she wasn't sure just how to take care of a statue for a human. Despite Michael typically being in a haze, he was always watching Lillian. His eyes would sweep over her constantly as she wrote or fidgeted in her seat.

Finally, the last day for Loomis arrived. His trench coat flowed behind him as he walked to the small room. A guard quickly retrieved Michael and chained him to his seat. Lillian soon arrived after, looking the same as usual with her turtleneck and jeans. Michael's head tilted as Loomis sighed and put his head in his hands

"Michael, I'm afraid this is our last day together before Lillian takes my place. Today will not be filled with questions for you, but for Miss Lillian. I want to be sure that she is fit to help you. Please treat her well, Michael." He said sadly as he stood at the door, beckoning the girl to come with him.

They left Michael alone with the guards as we conversed about the future. Just as Loomis was finished with his lecture, sirens sounded and yells came from inside of the room. Lillian looked at her uncle with a panicked expression and Loomis only sighed. The door bursted open as guards restrained Michael in a frenzy.

The guards were like fleas compared to him, though one yell from Loomis was all it took for Michael to stay completely still. Lillian stood there in shock as she crossed her arms over her chest protectively. Michael wasn't sure what broke inside of him, but that gesture made him feel guilty. His gaze was glued to her as he was brought to his feet. His orange mask had gone crooked on his face but he didn't move. He stood there completely still. Guards tried to pull Michael back by his chains but it was fruitless with his size and strength.

With one large step, he advanced to Lillian. Dr. Loomis quickly stood in front of her protectively and held his arms out around her. Michael stopped and looked down at Loomis. His body towered over him as his eyes silently plead for Loomis to move. He blinked a couple of times, finally grasping on as to what Michael was trying to say. He slowly stepped to the side, exposing Lillian to the large man.

Slowly but surely Michael reached up to his mask. The only person who could see what he was doing was her. With loomis behind him and the tight restraints, he struggled slightly to remove it. Finally, the mask was off. Lillian smiled softly as she gazed into his face. His strong features made her weak in the knees. Loomis watched in awe, from his view he could see the orange mask lying atop Michael's head.

In one swift motion, Michael had brought his mask back down to his face and he turned on his heels to his room. For his final day, Loomis thought this one was eventful. Michael had shown his face after many years of treatment. In such a quick amount of time, he trusted his niece. Loomis believed she could make a difference in his silent life. Before he left he said goodbye to Michael. He patted his shoulder lightly, a single tear flowing down his face.

"Take care Michael, take care." He whispered. The sadness in his voice only made Lillian feel sorry for her uncle.

Loomis stepped outside of Michael's room, Lillian wasn't far behind. The silence was getting to her as they walked through the quiet halls.

"Michael can be a good patient, you know. Those outbursts aren't frequent. If you ever feel threatened please just walk away. His catatonia limits his movements and the guards will be at your beck and call every second you spend there." His voice rang through her ears, completely going through her. She wasn't paying attention to him, her mind was on Michael.

"I haven't tried sessions in years until you turned 18. I wanted you to train with me, with Michael. Thought I believe he should rot in a cell, I still want him to show some emotion." He rambled. "Michael responds to you, he showed you his face. I haven't seen that boy's face since he was 14. Lillian, you are special. I believe you are going to make a difference in his life which is why I chose you. Michael typically isn't good with females, but he has not done anything with an intention to hurt you."

"I won't let you down, Uncle Sam. I will try my best with Michael." She said, now paying attention to his words.

"I know you will darling, which is why I decided it would be best for you and only you to stay with him. This is the most progress I've made with him in years and it's all because of your presence. I must ask you one thing though. Please Lillian, please understand that this man is evil. I don't want him to go fooling you that he is okay to be close to. He will not get out of this sanitarium, but I know he could have a little bit of a life here instead of being a shell."

His long explanations were a lot to take in. Loomis gave Lillian a sweet hug goodbye, squeezing her slightly. Lillian let out a shaky sigh as she joined the embrace. Not long after, Loomis took one final look at the building he has spent so many years in and gave a small, sad wave to Lillian. "We will see each other again, I promise you that." He said, and left.