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I’m grateful for it.
I sometimes feel dips in the bed. It’s usually Jake. He’s either lying with me or checking I’m still breathing. But he never stays away for long.
When I feel the weight of two bodies on either side of me, I know who it is.
“I missed my musketeers,” I whisper, unable to open my eyes yet.
A little while longer.
I’ll face it then.
Garry kisses the back of my head. “There’s our girl. We missed you.”
Mandy takes my hand. “Go back to sleep. We’ll be here when you wake.”
I’m already drifting off, feeling a crack in my chest fill with just knowing they’re here.
***
I’m staring at the stairs.
I can’t remember walking here.
I’m showered and I’m dressed. I have no recollection of doing either. I think the police were here earlier. I think that’s why I’m dressed.
My mind is blacking out. No matter how hard I fight, I’m always dragged back to the memories.
It’s not Rob or that house.
My father’s blue eyes are always what haunts me.
It must be the medication.
This can’t be how I am now. It needs to get better.
Downstairs, voices float from the kitchen. Voices I recognize. Laughs I love.
My heart pounds and sweat breaks out on the nape of my neck.
Goddammit legs, move.
I put one foot in front of the other. Before I realize I’m moving, I’m standing at the open kitchen door.
Jake is the first to notice. Our stares lock like they always do, but his gaze quickly drops to my neck again.
Stop looking.
I guess I can add another name to the list of who people see when they look at me.
I’m afraid he doesn’t see me anymore, just the bruises.
“Claire Bear?” I jump back, startled. “It’s okay, baby girl.”
“Mama?” I gasp. “What are you doing here? You can’t be here.” I try to speak louder, but my voice is so hoarse.
“I’m here to take you home. To let you heal.”
He’ll find her here.
