Page 2 of Cruel Cravings

I’ve invented him, which is why no one else ever sees him. Which is why he follows me everywhere I go, truly like a shadow would.

Fear fills me up as I pause on the sidewalk outside the hospital, and for a second time in minutes, consider going back inside.

But what’s the point when Dr. Wolford and Nurse Big Bird and everyone else were never able to protect me from him?

Maybe it’s time I try protecting myself.

I break out into a little trot toward the ride share car, bobbing along with my many things ’til I’m sliding into the backseat.

The driver eyes me in the rearview mirror, his nose shaped like my cactus. “Address still the same? 5672 Rodham Street in Old Northam?”

I glance at the hospital building, then at the shadow man lurking in the distance, skin prickling with gooseflesh, then shake my head. “Change of plans. We’re going somewhere else.”

“Well, let me tell ya, Jacqueline, I wish you nothing but the best on your recovery.”

I smile from the backseat. “Thanks, Marv. That means a lot.”

“I had a brother-in-law that tore his ACL and it was hell recovering. I say had ’cuz my sister divorced his ass on a whim,” he cackles. “She’s a regular ol’ Dr. Jekyll and Mr. Hyde. You never know what side of her you’re going to get. Love her to bits and pieces, but it’s the truth. But now she’s still single while he’s engaged. Funny how that works out, isn’t it?”

“Mhmmm,” I hum along.

I’m barely listening. We’ve pulled up outside the squat brick building that was once an industrial warehouse but has since been converted into urban apartments.

“This is you, right?” Marvin asks.

It’s been a long journey from the hospital to the heart of Easton, but we’re finally here and that’s all that matters.

“Your card was declined,” he goes on. “You got another?”

“Oh. Hmmm. Here’s one.” I dig around my duffle bag and produce a different card.

He snatches it out of my hand and his unibrow tics up. “Susan Hinkley?”

“You can add a twenty-five percent tip.”

That seems to distract him long enough to run the card and hand it back.

I thank him for being so helpful and get out of his car after checking for the shadow man. He’s nowhere in sight, which brings me an instant sense of relief.

Now it’s time to turn the page to chapter two. Officially begin my life over.

It’s been years since I last saw my sister. So many years I’m not even sure the exact number. She might not remember either. She’s forgotten a lot of things, just like I have. Her promise to write me every week. Her vow she would find a way for us to be together again.

She owes meat leastfive or six years’ worth of presents. BirthdaysandChristmases.

I head upstairs clutching everything I own.

Apartment 5E.

I repeat it over and over again in my head on my way up.

The inside of the building matches the outside. Exposed brick walls and visible metal piping everywhere. The ceiling lights are dim and few and far between, allowing for shadows at every corner. I count the doors as I wander down the hall of her floor and then excitement pings through me when I finally reach it.

My sister’s apartment. Is she home? Is she waiting for me inside?

Setting my things down by the door, I find my way in.

The doorknob happens to turn when I try it and the door falls open. She’s left it unlocked for me. Probably because she heard from Grandma Opal that I was being discharged.

---