The Fallen Goddess

Police Station

The police officer leads me through a door into a hallway with more doors leading off in other directions.

I follow him through a door to the right, and inside is the cliché look: A one-way mirror, an interrogator and a suspect on the other side, and a camera in both rooms.

I see Koreena, morose-looking and handcuffed to a metal table, and talking to her is another officer. I can hear them, but I don't pay much attention to what they're saying.

The policeman that led me to this room presses a button a type of microphone, and says, "Blake Strogan is here."

The officer says something else to Koreena, then leaves he alone. Koreena doesn't seem to be paying attention; she perks up at the sound of my name and stares at what to her is a mirror.

"Why is she here?" I ask. "She didn't do anything. And shouldn't she being treated at the hospital?"

"She got better in record time; it's almost spooky. And speaking of which, shouldn't you be at the hospital?" The officer says, eyeing me suspiciously.

"Uh, I got let out early, too. My injuries weren't as bad," I lie.

The officer nods, but still looks slightly suspicious.

The door to this room suddenly opens, and the interrogator steps inside. He holds out his hand to me.

"Blake Strogan. Glad to see that you're alive and well."

"Uh, yeah, thanks," I say, taking his hand. "I just think you should know that it wasn't Koreena. She's actually saved me multiple times."

I had intended to lie, to overcompensate, because even though she is not guilty I wanted to sure that Koreena would not be convicted, but as I say this, I realize it's completely true.

"Blake, you underwent a terrible tragedy. Your mind is simply addled. I assure you that this woman is responsible for these last two weeks of your life," the officer says.

"No!" I nearly shout. Now I'm panicking; the nurse was right: these people just want somebody to blame. "It wasn't her. But I can show you who it was."

"Of course you can. You can simply point, because she's right here."

He gestures towards the glass, through which Koreena can still be seen sitting innocently.

"Look at her! Does she look like she could kidnap me?" I snap, becoming angry.

"Anyone can surprise people."

"It's not her!" I bellow.

"I think it's time you rested," the interrogator says calmly, motioning for the other officer to show me a different room.

The officer tries to lead me from the room, but I struggle. I stand my ground, staring at the interrogator.

"Kid, don't make me lead you out myself," the interrogator says , still calm.

"I'd like to see you try," I spit.

"Let me ask you this, why are you trying so hard to protect her?"

I pause; this is the question I didn't want them to ask. I barely know Koreena, and yet I feel... something I shouldn't. But I do feel it, and I can't admit it, even to myself.

I shake my head, breaking the slight hesitation.

"I told you: because she's innocent and she has saved me in ways I can't even begin to explain," I say angrily, still being slightly restrained my the officer who tried to lead from the room.