Page 185 of Saving Sparrow
I checked out a few other sites, but the information was more or less the same. None of them listed Elliott by name.
I clicked on search images next, recoiling at the gruesome photos of blood-stained walls and human viscera trailing the floors. I quickly exited out of that screen.
I’d briefly read up on the subject of DID on my way to Alaska, but without having met Sparrow—or even knowing about the others—I didn’t know what to research specifically on the disorder or even what applied to Elliott’s case. With the knowledge I had now, I typed in a new search.
Can new alters emerge while the host is dormant?
There was a lot of information on the subject of dissociative identity disorder, most of it going over my head. The simple answer was yes.New alters could be created in response to trauma or stress, regardless of the host’s current state. That explained Abraham.
What happens when the gatekeeper becomes exhausted (DID)?
I read through the pages of text, comparing the data to several other sites. In summary, their answers were similar: increased switching, loss of control, system disorganization… The list went on. What would happen if the pressure became too much for Sparrow, like it did before? What would The Good One do if she got free? Would Joshua get lost? Would he even know how to get outside? What type of havoc would Abraham unleash before being contained?
Can a dormant host reemerge on their own (DID)?
There were tons of differing opinions on this, too many medical articles and forums with conflicting information to count.
Yes…
No…
Maybe…
The decision is often determined by the gatekeeper…
No…
Possibly…
Yes….
Depends…
Gatekeeper….
Perhaps…
Gatekeeper…
Gatekeeper…
Gatekeeper…
“Arrgggh” I slammed the laptop shut with force, regretting it instantly. I released an audible breath when the device came to life again. I typed in one final question.
Can alters permanently merge with the host (DID)?
I closed the laptop on the answer I already knew. I wallowed in my sadness for a while before packing my things.
I found Sparrow staring out the bay window in the reading room. He turned at my silent approach.
“Hey,” I said, but he didn’t answer. “Where have you been?”
His gaze traveled from the backpack slung over my shoulder to the duffel bag I carried. I set both bags down, stepping into the room.
“I wanted to say goodbye and to say it’s not too late to change your mind.”Please, come with me.I kept a good distance between us, even though it killed me. “I haven’t requested a rideshare yet, so I have plenty of time to wait for you.” Still nothing.
“I also wanted to finish telling you our story. I owe you that.” Had he given up on learning the truth from me? Had he already looked into what happened using whatever device he kept tabs on the weather with? Somehow, I knew he hadn’t. Maybe because I didn’t want to believe he could be so indifferent toward me if that were the case.
