AllFreeNovel
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The contrast of its wings against the clear blue sky soothed me somewhat until my chest ached with longing. To be free, like that eagle, was what most people only dream of. We weren’t free, not really. We all worked, conformed to society, and paid our taxes to the powers that were.
I wanted to live here. To wake up to fresh mountain air, the sounds of the water lapping against the shore, or the animals scurrying around foraging for food. I ached for this. It was what I worked so damn hard for; to one day retire and come here, alone with my memories. Fucking memories.
Like those of Alannah Hudson.
Say her name aloud, Reign. I heard my therapist whispering encouragingly.
I blinked, caught in another memory.
FLASHBACK
The clock ticks, reminding me that time doesn’t ever get a day off or a lunch break.
It’s too loud, and it’s irritating me. I fidget. I probably look like I’m on coke.
But the woman in front of me is calm and collected, her hands clasped patiently on her tweed skirt, her brown eyes disturbingly familiar.
“I don’t know where to start.”
The woman, Dr Lord, smiles encouragingly.
She won’t be smiling when I tell her what happened, that’s for sure.
“Wherever you want. You can start at the end or the beginning. Or tell me what bothers you the most.”
Is that a fucking joke?
“Maybe I should have a male doctor.” I clear my throat as she shakes her head.
“I’m familiar with this case, Reign. I’m happy to help you. Unless you’d feel more at ease with a male?”
She’s here.
She will have to do.
“I killed her.”
The words tumble out, and Dr Lord barely blinks. She’s still wearing the ghost of a smile, but her eyes are saddened.
“Killed who, Reign?”
I can’t say her name, and I don’t mean I don’t want to. I mean, I can’t.
My body trembles, and I lock my fingers together in an attempt to disguise it, pursing my lips together as I lean forward.
Dr Lord observes me throughout, and I know what she’s thinking.
I can save this sad motherfucker. Tell him it’s okay, that he’s a pervert; it can’t be helped. Then I can get back to my family, watch a game—
“Her first name, try that.”
Nothing.
I try to open my mouth, but it clamps shut, and Dr Lord moves swiftly on.
“How did she die?”
“Asphyxiation.”
