Page 21

lose all the progress we've made to date. That can

happen if things are rushed sometimes," she said. "Rushed?" I laughed and the sound of that

laughter seemed strange even to me. I knew it was

strange and worrisome because Doctor Marlowe

didn't smile but grimaced instead.

"Rushed? You know what it's like to look out

the car window and see girls my age and younger

walking on the sidewalk with their friends and

boyfriends, their faces full of joy, their lives full of

promises? I feel like an animal in a cage. I didn't put

myself into that cage, either. It's not fair. I want to get

out, Doctor Marlowe."

"I know, honey, and I'm going to help you do

just that."

I gazed at the bathroom door.

"They all had bad times, too, but they looked so

shocked and afraid back there."

She nodded.

"One or two of them might not want to stay, but

somehow, I think you'll all get through it," she said.

She squeezed my hand and I took a deep breath and

smiled. "Ready?"

"Yes. Take me back. I want to focus on all the

bad things just like you told me to do, and I want to

put all my anger and strength into smashing them to

bits forever and ever. Will I ever be able to do that?" She smiled.

"I know you will," she said firmly enough to

make me feel confident.

I walked out and returned to the office. I could

see they had been talking incessantly about me. The