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You’re just like me, Bambi.
You just haven’t realized it yet.
I promise, I’ll unravel your darkness, and you’ll become my shadow.
XXI
STORM
‘‘The cut on your throat is almost healed, but it will leave a small scar. The bruising will be gone in no time. Other than that, you’re perfectly fine, physically.’’
Doctor Beckett stood in front of me, holding the test results in her hands. Her black hair fell to her shoulders, ending just below her chest. She was shorter than me, but very pretty. She had a serious look on her face.
‘‘When can I leave?’’
My throat was dry, and I was barely able to utter the words. Quickly enough, the FBI agent that came with me to the hospital brought me a glass of water, gently placing it at my lips. I drank half of the glass, before she put it aside.
‘‘I’d really like to keep you overnight, just in case. And my opinion is that you should speak to a professional. You’ve gone through something very traumatic, and you should think about yourself.’’
I nodded in response, lacking the words.
My parents, siblings and Sierra were notified of my whereabouts as soon as we got to the hospital, a couple of hours ago. Sierra and my mom held me so tightly, crying, and thanking the Lord for returning me safe and sound.
The Lord had nothing to do with it.
For the first time since I was a child, I saw genuine happiness on my parents' faces when they looked at me. All that attention I wanted from them seemed to vanish. I still cared about them deeply, but I no longer needed them in my life.
However, that was a conversation for another day.
For now, I allowed all of them to hug me, to touch my head, to kiss my cheeks. I allowed them to feel that relief that I wasn’t killed, and that they had me back.
No one asked me any questions; they didn’t dare. Sierra was the only one to ask me if I was okay, or if I needed anything. However, even she didn’t pry too much. She didn’t ask me about the stay at the cabin, mainly because she was afraid it would make me cry or make me have a mental breakdown.
Sierra noted that I was way too quiet, and that it was probably best if everyone left me for the night. My parents protested, but after I spoke, for the first time since they came into the room, telling them I wanted to be alone, they reluctantly agreed.
Sierra held my hand and didn’t let go. She was sitting on the chair next to my bed, leaning against the wall and didn’t utter a word. Having her there for me meant a lot. I hadn’t realized just how much I’d missed her, and my heart swelled at the sight of her tear-stained face.
She only left the room when the doctor walked in, with the agent in her tow. She glanced at me as she stood up, and a nod of approval from me was all she needed. Kissing the top of my head, she looked at me once more before leaving and closing the door behind her.
When the doctor was done speaking, she left me and the agent alone.
It was quiet for a while, and the doctor sat on the same chair as Sierra. She brought it closer to the bed and positioned herself to be able to look at me. All this time, I remained passive without changing my facial expressions.
‘‘I’m agent King, but you can call me Adira,’’ she said. She was a very confident woman, it simply radiated off her. ‘‘I know I’m late to the introduction, and I apologize. How are you feeling?’’
I cleared my throat, feeling the sudden ache.
‘‘I’m okay.’’
Agent King narrowed her eyes at me, as if she didn’t believe me. Well, I also wouldn’t believe me. From their perspective, I was kidnapped and held against my will. Bruises and that cut on my throat were just proof of being abused — in their eyes, at least.
‘‘Are you well enough to talk about what happened in the cabin?’’ she asked, voice professional, yet soft enough, as if she was afraid speaking harshly might hurt me. ‘‘We can leave it for another day, but it’s crucial for us to do it now, if possible. He’s still on the loose, and we want to bring justice to you, and everyone he’s ever killed.’’
‘‘I think I can manage that.’’ I swallowed.
‘‘Can you tell me how it all started?’’
I closed my eyes, and went to the beginning, to the first time I ever saw him.
