Page 90 of Echoes

Chapter 29

Avery

The next morning I wake, sore all over, but feeling lighter than I have in weeks. It's short-lived though when I head to breakfast, noticing the guard by the door is on edge.

Immediately when I enter the hall, it's pure pandemonium. Everyone is on their feet, huddled in groups. The food at the end of the hall remains untouched, and to my left, I spot a few people crying.

What the fuck happened?

I don't pay proper attention as I try to make my way through the crowd, bumping into people. I accidentally collide with Siobhan's back, taking a step back when she turns around to snap at me.

"Watch where you're going!"

"Sorry," I mutter in confusion, eyes shifting to the girl next to her. I recognize her from my shower group—her strawberry blonde hair tied up in pigtails. She gives me a small, sympathetic smile. Of all the people I've met here, she's one of the most normal ones. I still remember how she was kind to me in the showers, helping me understand the routine.

"It's fine," she says softly, answering for Siobhan. "We're just a bit overwhelmed this morning."

"I'm not overwhelmed, Eliana!"

It's nice to finally put a name to the face, listening as Siobhan rambles to herself, cupping the sides of her head.

"What happened?" I ask Eliana, gazing around at the patients.

She opens her mouth to answer before she spots someone by the entrance, pausing in her tracks. I turn around to look, eyes narrowing as Mr. Whittingham strolls into the room, a guard on either side.

It's only when I notice a podium in the middle of the room that it dawns on me this must be something significant. He doesn't like making announcements unless they are important.

As he stands on the podium block, I observe the tightness in his jaw—the way his face is scrunched up in frustration.

"Morning all," he addresses through the microphone. The room falls silent, except for the sobs of a few people.

I frown—really worried now.

A burning sensation tickles my face and I instinctively look to the wall, finding Grey. He's standing next to Damon, and when he notices that I've finally spotted him, he gives me a small nod.

"As some of you are already aware, the facility staff have been notified of the passing of another fellow student," Mr. Whittingham says crisply.

My heart jolts in my chest, scanning Grey's and Damon's faces for their reaction. They hold blank expressions, and I look back to Whitface, trying to piece together who it is.

"Unfortunately, my staff found the body of Ms. Vivian Capello in her room this morning. Sadly, she took her own life."

I let out a small gasp, in disbelief. I don't believe it—Vivian seemed fine yesterday.

I guess it just goes to show that you never really know what someone is fighting. Maybe it's the ones who seem okay that we should be worried about.

Vivian tried to kill herself a few short weeks ago, but even she said it was a moment of weakness. Did she lie?

Was it because of our conversation? Did I push her over the edge?

"Our new psychiatrist has started today, so if anyone requires further support, both Dr. Smith and Dr. Elsher are happy to hold extra sessions today. In the meantime, classes are canceled for today and we are extending free time to allow you time to process the situation. Our hearts and prayers go out to Ms. Capello and her loved ones."

Stepping off the block, he pushes through the crowd to the door, vanishing just as quickly as the echo of his words.

As soon as the door closes behind him, the room erupts back into chaos, the sound deafening me.

"Again. Again. Again. Not again. No! Again. Fuck!" Siobhan mutters, shaking her head wildly.

I stare at her for a few seconds, remembering her brother's suicide, and that she's Vivian's room neighbor. If what they are saying is true and she did it in her room, it was right next door to Siobhan. My heart breaks for her.

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