The shovel scrapes as I trudge back to the house. The rain pours heavily. Adrenaline is still coursing through my veins as I walk back to the house. I’ve just done the unthinkable. A mix of relief and fear courses through me as I sit down in my chair. Finally, I’m free. I look around at my belongings and then at the shovel. Picking it up again, I examine it. Need to clean this up. But first, I think I need a nap. I put the shovel down and decide to take a nap. The worst is finally over. A few hours later, the house is cleaned up neatly, and I’m enjoying my first peaceful meal after ten years. It’s simple bacon and eggs, but it’s been far too long. I haven’t been able to enjoy this in years. I savor it. I nod my head as I think about the forest I was in a few hours earlier. It’s done, now I can rest.
Ten years later.
It was early afternoon when I was watering my plants in the backyard. I thought about how nice my life was now. I sold everything in the past. I had a dog and bought a brand-new house last year. My life couldn’t be better. I took my time watering my plants, taking a deep sniff of the fresh, spring air. I finished watering the plants and stepped inside my house. I closed the door and greeted my dog, Spot. He licked my hand, and I pet his soft, brown fur. I dried my hands and began to set about dinner.
The phone rang. I jumped a little bit, not expecting anyone to call me. I shrugged. It’s probably my mother, I thought. I went and picked up the phone.
“Hello?” Silence on the other end. I craned my neck, confused. “Hello?” I hung up. I picked up an onion and a cutting board. As I set it down to cut, the phone rang again. Rolling my eyes, I trudged back over and picked up the phone.
“Hello?” I asked. This time, someone responded.
“Did you miss me?”
I dropped my knife, and it clatters to the floor.
“Delilah? I thought you were dead,” I stammered. “I killed you ten years ago.” I squeezed the phone as flashing images of her raced through my mind. How she wouldn’t let me go to work, wouldn’t let me have my favorite meals. I looked at my hands, covered in old scars from the belt she used. Nobody would believe me.
The phone went silent, and then it clicked.
Helenmollybooks 