Asylum

The Last Supper

February 29

At the restaurant, Rebecca sat across from me. Her thin lips pursed, a classic sign of irritation. Her fingers pulled at the neck of her burnt-orange turtleneck. In contrast to the green gemlike color of her eyes, the thick line of black eyeliner gave me the impression they reached outside her face and across the table. They gave the odd perception she could enter my body, get answers, and my heart out in the process.

When she looked at me in that manner, so intently, I knew she wanted to back me into a corner. Frankly, I felt judged.

To her right, and my left sat Paul. His brown eyes gazed at me with sadness, plain and simple. His hand kept raising to his face to push at the overgrown, black bangs that fell over his forehead. A clear sign he needed a haircut. To her left, and my right sat Leon. His blue eyes held hope. Hope I would change my mind.

I'm not going, guys. Sorry, Leon. Read my text to them the night before.

Feb 28

Leon:
Why not?!
7:28 PM

Becca:
What‽‽‽ Why???
7:28 PM

Me:
I have a bad feeling. I couldn't sleep all night and had nightmares
7:32 PM

Becca:
About what?
7:33 PM

Leon:
Yeah, what were these nightmares?
7:33 PM

Me:
Ugh, guys! It was awful dark visions of nothingness and sounds. Whispers and grunts. It was awful :-/
7:43 PM

Leon:
Maybe it's the stress at work??? You know, with, you know who...
7:45 PM

Becca:
The asshole?
7:46 PM

Leon:
Yeah, that asshole guy. Mr. Supervisor 🤢🤮
7:48 PM

Becca:
I hate that guy. I told you, you should quit, Liz.
7:52 PM

Paul:
Sorry guys just got home. What did I miss??
7:59 PM

Becca:
She doesn't want to go :'(
8:02 PM

Paul:
Liz!!! C'mn!
8:02 PM

Leon:
She had nightmares. read through the texts!!
8:05 PM

Paul:
Later. Too long ... Sorry about the dreams, Liz. It's probably the A-hole giving you nightmares
8:05 PM

Leon:
That's what I said! You and me baby! Same vibe 😘
8:06 PM

Paul:
You know it, Baby!
8:06 PM

Becca:
Hey! I thought the same thing!
8:08 PM

Becca:
I said it but Leon beat me to it, LOL!
8:08 PM

Leon:
Always, lol!
8:10 PM

Paul:
You should quilt, Liz
8:11 PM

Paul:
*quit
8:11 PM

Becca:
That's what I said to her!
8:15 PM

Me:
I'm not quitting guys. I get paid pretty damn well, so no.
8:16 PM

Becca:
Tell her, Leon. Tell her to quit!
8:20 PM

Leon:
Quit! That job is giving you an ulcer.
8:20 PM

Paul:
Quit Liz! LOL, Leon.
8:21 PM

Paul:
Anyway, gotta go. Imma start cooking but I better see you at dinner tomorrow. Love you!
8:21 PM