I'm Not Okay

Part Five

It had been three years since Kimberly's life shattered. She worked hard to keep herself sane and alive. Her goals changed soon after her second time in the hospital. Kim took it as a sign of surviving for the second time and soon found the strength to live.

She found a new job and continued doing well, all things considered. The image of Cody would visit her often, but she found the courage to move past it.

Kimberly closed a big case that day and felt good about the result. Her mood seemed great as she left the courthouse and walked down the street. She soaked the sounds of city traffic and smiled, detecting the smell of hot dogs and tacos nearby.

The street remained busy, with cars and people storming around. Kim stopped, waiting for the green light. Soon she crossed the street, going in the direction of her home. Kimberly turned around the corner. The path walk seemed clear, just a few people strolling past her. She halted immediately upon seeing him.

He didn't change much. His blond hair was held short, but the look in his eyes appeared the same. Kim's body shivered, and her heartbeat raced. She felt frozen as Cody went past her, not giving her another glance. Kim realized he didn't recognize her, or maybe he even had forgotten how she looked.

Kimberly felt small and dirty. It seemed all the years she put into her recovery vanished. When she finally could move, she rushed further down the street.

"I'm nothing," Kim whispered, stopping on the bridge.

Tears fell down her face, erasing black mascara from her eyelashes. She stepped on the bridge railing. The wind brushed against her face, forcing her eyes to tear up even more. Kim looked down, flowing water seemed dark, her vision became blurry.

"I'm not okay," she murmured under her nose. "I will never be okay." Kimberly closed her eyes and inhaled deeply.

Damped air filled her nose and lungs. She stretched out her hands, letting go of the railing, and took a step forward. She felt free, but just for a brief moment. Powerful hands grabbed her waist, pulling her down to the asphalt. Kim opened her eyes, seeing the man above her. Her eyes widened as the view just reminded her more about that terrible night.

The man took a step back, lifting his palms in the air, showing Kim that he won't touch her.

"I'm sorry. Did I hurt you?" He asked, frowned his forehead.

Kim shook her head. Still feeling in shock, she sat down on the path. "Just leave me alone," she said in a willowy voice.

"You see, I can't do that," the man squatted in front of Kim. "I know what you are thinking. You want to go back on the railing, and if I leave, you will die."

"You don't know that," Kim said, staring at the man.

"But I do." He paused for a moment. "What is your name?"

"Kim," she whispered.

"Hi, Kim. My name is Liam," he said, placing his palm on his chest. "Who hurt you?"

"Why do you even care?" Kim peered at him.

"Once I was here," Liam said, pointing to the river. "Standing at the edge, prepared to jump, and someone saved me."

"Why did you want to jump?" Kim asked.

"Well, because I was fucked up." He stretched out his hand to Kim. "Give me your hand, Kim, and I will tell you everything you want to know." Kim obeyed his request by giving her a hand. "Come, let's take a walk."

For the last three years, Kim didn't trust anyone, for obvious reasons. There remained a detectable doubt in her eyes. But something in Liam's demeanor raised her trust in him.