The Darkness Within Read Free

work with us, the sooner you’ll get released.’
    She knew this to be true. Staying in the hospital sometimes felt safer than going out into the world. It was out there in the world that made all the demons come back.
    ‘We’ll come and see you tomorrow,’ said dad.
    She nodded. Amanda opened and shut her mouth. The truth was she was terrified of losing her sister, and the only way she knew how to express it was through anger.
    ‘Bye darling.’ He kissed her cheek, and the two headed out.
    ****
    ‘Welcome to group,’ said the counsellor. ‘How about we start by introducing ourselves, we have some new faces.’ He looked around the room.
    Freya knew how this worked and she had to do the work in order to get out, and so she did as she was told. She listened as each person said out their names and why they were there, and then it was her turn.
    ‘Hi, my name is Freya and I’m an alcoholic, and I occasionally snort cocaine.’
    ‘Nice to meet you Freya,’ the group responded.
    It was the first step. The group began and she did what she had to, to survive through it. It was a process and she felt as though she were climbing Everest. It was a hard thing to do, but she would do it, like she always did. After group it was tea time and after that Freya went back to her room to find a vase of flowers and a note.
    She sat down, pulled the note from between the flowers and read the note.
    Hope you’re feeling better. I’d like to come and see you. Perhaps tomorrow. I think I have the right to. I’m the man who saved your life.
    Ferguson.
    Freya put the note aside and slipped into bed. The last thing she needed was a man coming to see her, but she didn’t have the strength to stop him. It would be impossible since he’d invited himself and there was no way of contacting him. Freya would take it as it came. One day at a time, like she was taught in group. A few minutes later a nurse came in with medication. Like a good girl she took it without argument even though she hated the way it made her feel. An hour later, Freya was fast asleep.
    ****
    The day went by as usual, it was a routine she was used to. At six o’clock that evening she had a visitor. Freya decided to meet him in the visiting room rather in bed, it didn’t feel right. She walked into the room wearing a plain blue tracksuit pants and a white shirt. Not flattering at all, but she was beyond caring. He smiled the moment he saw her.
    ‘Hi,’ he stood up.
    ‘Hi,’ she sat down, he did the same.
    ‘So how have you been since we last met?’
    ‘As you can see, I’m still in one piece.’
    ‘I’m glad. It’s nice to see you a little less agitated.’
    ‘Yes well, it’s the meds. They do make me feel like a zombie at times. They do stop the voices.’
    ‘What are the voices?’ He leaned forward curious.
    ‘Nothing. They’re nothing.’
    ‘They can’t be nothing.’
    ‘Well it’s none of your business then.’
    ‘It is my business. I saved your life.’ He smiled.
    ‘Is that right?’
    ‘Yep.’
    ‘Well I still choose not to tell you.’
    ‘It might make you feel better.’
    ‘I’m better, can’t you see.’
    ‘Ha! Nice try. I know this whole process. I’ve been here before.’
    ‘Yeah? Why?’
    ‘Long story.’
    ‘Tell me.’
    ‘Nope.’
    ‘Why not?’
    ‘You won’t tell me yours.’
    ‘I see. Is that how it works?’
    ‘Yes, that’s how it works.’ He winked.
    ‘Well then we’ll just have to keep our stories to ourselves. Not that I have a story.’
    ‘Everyone has a story. You didn’t just get like this. Something happened.’ He looked her in the eye. ‘I can help you get past it once and for all.’
    ‘Yeah, how’s that?’
    ‘I have my ways. None of this medical bullshit.’
    She laughed. She liked him. He was different and he was quite good looking. Her sudden realisation made her feel self-conscious about her appearance.
    ‘It’s true. I did something I should’ve done a long time ago that gave me great