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Beast
The aqua watersof the Aegean Sea lap at my feet as I stroll the shore. I’m an Air Marshal for the Greek military. Dante has just started to recruit me. He’s brought me to the Parrish. I’m alone, walking on the beach, thinking over the choice he laid in front of me.
To join the Bachmans.
The sun shines on me, warming my skin. This place feels like what heaven must be like. Did I make it to heaven? Am I still alive? A vague memory of Dr. Williams bustling around me, barking out orders to me to get better… a flash of Ashely’s blonde hair as she reaches down to feel my forehead… Remy slipping sips of broth into my mouth, speaking to me in low tones, French words I don’t understand.
And her…
She’s here, in all of my memories. The first moment I saw her, standing there in that flower dress, the brother next to me saying, “That’s Charlie, the widow.” She’s so beautiful, with a sadness behind that smile. I remember thinking, we’re both surrounded by people we love. And she’s just as lonely as I am.
I feel like she’s here, somewhere nearby. I want to reach out, to grab her, pull her into me.
Ashely’s voice breaks into my thoughts. “He has periods where he’s more lucid. When he comes to, I’ll tell him you came to visit. I know it will mean a lot to him.”
“Thank you.”
Charlie? She is here? I knew I could feel her. My heartbeat increases at the sound of her voice. Is she really here, or am I dreaming?
“I’m sorry.” Her voice breaks. “I can’t stay…it doesn’t feel like my place.”
“Don’t worry. Dr. Williams only leaves his side for meals and sleep. And his staff is like family. We’re in here chatting with him ‘round the clock. Keeping him company. And the brothers from the Village have been great about visits. We’ve even had a few come all the way from the Parrish. Bronson and Paige will be here later today.”
“So he has plenty of people caring for him? He’s really going to be okay?”
Stay. Stay. Stay.
I feel like I’m screaming the word with all my strength and voice but I’m not because she doesn’t respond to me.
She tells Ashely, “Good. That’s good. I don’t need to be here. I’ll only put him further in danger.”
“What do you mean?” Ashely asks.
The curse. The stupid, fucking curse. Don’t go, Charlie.
Silence, and then Ashely says, “Never mind. I can see you don’t want to talk about it. I’ll walk you out.”
No.
Stay. Stay. STAY.
The turquoise water laps at my feet. I run down the shore, sand kicking out behind my feet. I race down the beach, trying to find her. To stop her. To keep her here with me. The sun glints off the ripples at the top of the water, blinding me, making it difficult to see.
I can’t find her.
She’s gone.
23
Charlie
I knowhe’s not going to be here today. Ashely already called me and told me. She’s good like that, knowing what’s on a person’s mind even when they don’t share it with her. She knew I’d be looking for him here today, and likely she wanted to save me the pain.
He’s fully healed, completed his marathon on the road to recovery. But he’s not coming. Something with work keeping him on the island. In the back of my mind, I’m wondering if he’s not coming because of me…
That he doesn’t want to see me.
The thought breaks my heart.
