Page 50 of Haunt Me

Eden: Well, this time I didn’t.

F: Disappointed?

Eden: A little.

F: Don’t joke about things like that.

Eden: Sorry. Anyway, still alive. All bled out, but alive.

F: Don’t be gross.

Eden: AND after that was done with, I went out into the street again. Walked a really long distance. I’ve been out twice in one day, and I’m not even allowed once. I’m not allowed at all. But Dad has been away all day every day.

F: Who helped you deal with the… the gross thing?

Eden: It’s not gross. Having a period is natural. Normal.

F: Is it now? Who says so?

Eden: Isaiah’s mom.

F: WHAT? You talked to his MOM?

Eden: Yep.

F: WHAT?

Eden: Only for a second. I was so awkward, but he passed me the phone and I mumbled a word or two. But I mostly listened. She told me what to do, but then I got too overwhelmed and gave him the phone back. He… took care of the rest.

F: How embarrassing for you.

Eden: He was very sweet. He made me feel ok.

Eden: Anyway, I’d rather forget all about it. Now it’s snowing. Last night, I got out of the house at night. I GOT OUT. AT NIGHT.

F: I read it the first time.

Eden: It was two in the morning, and everything was absolutely quiet. The street was bathed in moonlight. It felt like freedom. It felt… it felt right, you know?

F: It wasn’t, though. It wasn’t right, Eden.

Eden: I know that, of course.

F: You said you’d stop doing things you’re not allowed to do.

Eden: I will. After tomorrow.

F: What’s tomorrow?

Eden: I want to go out again. Just to take a few deep breaths of the crisp winter air.

F: You’ve been reading the Janes again.

Eden: What Janes?

F: Austen, Eyre… What is it with you and ‘winter air’?

Eden: It’s… it’s something new I’m trying out.

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