Chapter 7.5

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Chapter 7.5          

     Goosebumps trail up my arms as I enter the room. The cold chill in the air sending a shiver up my spine as the scent of medicine, cleaning supplies, and waste assault my nose. Minnie sits quietly on the made-up bed. Her attention focused on the blue blank TV screen. Features glossed over in an awe expression as she watches the numbers for the channel blink. Not even noticing my entrance as I slowly walk further into her room. Her eyes remaining on the screen even when I stand less than a foot away from her side. I shuffle awkwardly in the spot, thinking about how to proceed when I feel a hand land on my shoulder, hot breath on my neck.

     I immediately jump and snap my neck back to look for the stranger but see nothing but the door that I entered the room from. Turning back to Minnie I momentarily pause in shock when I find her eyes trained on me. 

      “Hello,” she softly greets, voice hoarse and strained, “Are you here to change my bed sheets dear? I could have sworn that was done earlier but perhaps not. My mind isn’t what it used to be.” The TV flickers from the blue screen to the news, the local weather lady telling of an incoming storm. “What a lovely invention,” Minnie continues, turning her eyes back to the screen, “Quite extraordinary. How does one get a person inside such a tiny box?”

     Her mind is defiantly not there. I’ll have to make this quick.

      “Minnie, I need to talk to you,” I say making her turn back to me, “It’s just a few questions. I promise.” The old woman is silent, neither vocalizing nor giving any physical sign of comprehension. I stiffen as her eyes bore into mine, unblinking and wide. Then slowly she whispers, “I remember you. You’re that girl from the hospital. That nurse." 

     A sigh of relief leaves my lips as her features glow in recognition. A small piece of hope flickering alive in my mind. “Yes, I am,” I reply a smile growing on my face, “You remember me? How you…reacted?” 

     Again she pauses, her eyes losing their shine as Minnie struggles to remember. “Remember?” she questions, “I’d like to.” A smile forms on her wrinkly face, showing off two rows of crooked teeth. “I remember when I was young like you,” Minnie rambles, her voice distant and gaze turning up to the ceiling in thought, “I wanted to be a teacher. Oh, I studied so hard for it but—” 

      “Minnie,” I cut in with a sigh, “I’m sorry but I need you to answer my questions. Can you do that?” The old lady pauses, eyes giving a few steady blinks before she nods. “Now, you said you remembered me. The nurse from the hospital,” I say, “You recited a poem to me. Screaming I have ‘his mark’.” 

     When she shows no sign of recollection I sigh and show her my wrist. The effect is immediate. 

      “Get away!” Minnie screeches, slapping my hand away and scooting backwards on the bed, “That mark, his mark! You’re brought him haven’t you? You’ve come for me!” 

      “Minnie, please calm down!” I whisper, glancing towards the door, “I promise I didn’t bring him. Just please, help me.” 

     She suddenly stops, lips moving in a quiet whisper—a foreboding feeling tugging at my gut. I lean closer to her, listening to her words intently. “Tick-tock the time is set. Soon his mouth shall clamp and you will be in chains.” 

     I freeze and, as if someone flipped a switch, she pushes me away and cries “Leave! He can’t find me. I’ve gotten rid of his mark!” She holds up her wrinkly right wrist. The peach colored flesh giving way to red scars and indents. “See? It’s gone. Gone, gone, gone.” 

     Her voice becomes a whisper and slowly she turns back to face the T.V. screen. “Leave now, my dear,” Minnie sweetly says, “Tick-tock, tick-tock, tick-tock.” 

     I quickly rush out of the room, my heart pounding in my chest. The lady at the desk shouts out to me but I pay no mind and hurry outside, swiftly heading inside my car and starting it up. The trip home nothing but a blur. 

     As I pulled the car back up into the drive, my eyes falling on the familiar red door, I feel a slight peace overcome me; the victory in actually making it back making me swell with pride. Hastily I exit the car and lock it before heading into the house. However, if I had known what was waiting inside I would have taken more time walking in.

     Mitchell leans against the couch, eyes narrowed and arms folded. Flashing him a shy smile I greet, “Hey Mitch, how’s it going?” 

     A part of my mind hoping that the sound of his nickname would slow my fate. Instead, he sighs and shakes his head. That stern expression becoming tighter with anger as the young man looks at me.

      “Shae, you are in so much trouble.”

  _______________________________

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