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“This is a surprising turn of events,” Dr. Anna Bernay said, her face creasing with concern on the screen.

Carrie had already related the background on Donnie Ray Hyde’s confession and the process to view his execution, now less than a week away.

The day after the story broke, Carrie had requested a virtual session to discuss whether or not she should see Hyde put to death.

“Certainly, it’s a major development, and it’s arisen suddenly,” Dr. Bernay said. “What are your thoughts on it all?”

“It’s overwhelming. I’m on edge. I do not want to go. The idea of watching someone die right in front of me—it’s just—I don’t know how anyone can do that.”

“Without a doubt, it could be distressing.”

“Dad doesn’t want me to go. He wants to protect me. But part of me feels, as the survivor, I should do it, as a way to honor Erin and Abby. But in my heart, I know I can’t.”

“I see. Let me ask you—do you remember Hyde, or anything about him?”

“No.”

“Nothing at all?”

“No. But, as you know, I started remembering a little about Abby and Erin when I visited the school. A clear memory came back, about being in the cafeteria and confronting the girls over their bullying of Lanna.”

“Visiting the location triggered the event, as we anticipated. We knew the move back would give rise to memories, and Hyde’s confession, coupled with his execution, is a huge turn.”

“Yes.”

“But it can be addressed.”

“How?”

“A number of ways. We can identify it, and his execution, as a landmark event, the beginning of the end. And with that, it can be considered an opportunity to heal the past.

“As for witnessing his execution. Your reluctance is understandable. If you do not want to do it, then under no circumstances should you be compelled or feel the need to do so. Do not diminish your reaction in any way. There are real risks. Research has shown witnessing an execution can be psychologically traumatic, that witnesses have experienced dissociative and anxiety symptoms and acute stress.”

“Like what exactly?”

“Some witnesses have reported that afterward they felt detached from other people. Other witnesses have said they saw things that weren’t real, or had nightmares. The experience could leave you with an unwanted image you cannot erase.”

“Would any good come from me witnessing Hyde’s death?”

“Carrie, as the sole survivor to the tragedy, you are inexorably linked to it. Attending this final moment could bring on a finality. As you mentioned, you could regard it as a duty to the young girls who died, as the sole survivor bearing witness to the last chapter of this horrible tragedy, which could be a path to healing.”

Carrie took a long moment to absorb what Dr. Bernay had offered.

“I’m afraid there is no right or wrong decision here,” Dr. Bernay added. “There is only your decision and I think you know what it is.”