Mind Games

Chapter 43 - Sean

Sean smiled wistfully as he read the re-written journal.

He remembered Joey.

Sweet kid. Amanda had completely withdrawn after his death. But a few months later she seemed to be back to normal, if a little more aloof.

In a parallel world this journal could have possibly been true, he thought wryly.

Sean didn't really believe in parallel worlds, but now, for the sake of his sister, he wished there was one. One where she found her happiness.

He rubbed his eyes.

This was not the time to reminisce. He had to fix this mess he had created.

He opened the source folders. Now all he had to do was replace the file.

The file name already exists. Do you want to replace it?

"WHAT ARE YOU DOING?"

The voice boomed into his ear, fury dripping through it.

Sean jumped.

Amy stood inches away from him, her eyes glowing.

Adrenaline rushed through him. He knew Amy could find a way to block this little loophole he discovered in a fraction of a second.

In a flash he hit YES, thanking his stars that the word file would take less than a second to get replaced.

Amy's glowing eyes darted to the monitor and Sean felt a flash of fear. If Amy had a physical presence, she would've killed him at that very moment. He knew that.

But she didn't have form. She just had her mind.

So Sean swallowed his fear and stared back into her furious eyes.

He wasn't sure if this would work.

He wasn't sure if the program would re-read the journal.

And if he was wrong, she would get him. Sooner or later, she would get him.

He was no longer the perfect big brother. He was the enemy now.

She didn't seem to be changing.

The anger never left her eyes.

Sean felt a sense of doom. This wasn't working.

Then, he saw confusion flash through the anger. And he felt a spark of hope.

"Why are you so angry, Amanda?" He asked softly.

The apparation hissed, "I am Amy. Not Amanda."

But he caught another flash of confusion in its eyes.

"Are you really? I don't think so. You aren't a fictional character. You are my sister, Amanda. Why are you so angry, Amanda? What's wrong?

The creature opened its mouth to retort but paused.

"I don't know." It whispered.

"All is well, right?" Sean persisted.

The creature blinked.

"How are things with Joey?" He asked, cautiously.

There was silence. Then a small smile spread on its face. "We are good. We are to be married soon."

"Why are you upset then?"

"I... I don't know..."

"How's your psychiatric practice going?"

"Good, I think. I'm making a difference to people's lives."

Sean heard a tinge of pride in its voice and he felt a wave of relief.

"Okay... that's great. I'm so proud of you, you know that right, Amanda?"

Its smile widened and he felt a tinge in his heart to hear what now did feel like his sister.

"You are the best brother anyone can have." It said.

He smiled back.

"It was good seeing you, Amanda."

"It was good seeing you too, Sean. I have to go now. One of my patients needs me."

Sean frowned, anxiety creeping back into him.

"Who is this patient?" He asked, cautiously.

"Wendy. She's going to slit her wrists soon. I have to stop her."

Sean nodded uncertainly. This sounded more like the program he had intended to design.

"Okay, Amanda. I will see you soon." He said, softly.

It smiled, "See you soon, brother."

And flickered out.