Page 43

Story: Sins of a Husband

Chapter Forty-Two

I slowly open my eyes and take in the sterile white walls with the fluorescent light above casting a harsh glow, hurting my already sensitive eyes. I turn my head and notice a small window high up near the ceiling. Where am I?

I look down at my wrists that are strapped down to the bed, along with my ankles. I try to break free, but when I do, it hurts my wrists, so I stop. I scream, yell, and make every noise I can to get someone’s attention.

My memories are hazy, and my mind struggles to piece together the events leading up to where I am. All I can recall is the swallowing of countless pills out of desperation to stop a killer. Now, I’m in this strange place. Is this purgatory? Am I being punished for all of my sins? Perhaps this is just another hellish realm I have stumbled into.

I hear a click, and the door opens. A nice-looking man enters and walks over to my bedside.

“You’re awake.”

“Where am I? ”

“You’re in Bellevue Psychiatric Hospital. You tried to commit suicide, Katherine.”

“How long have I been out?” I ask.

“A couple of days. We had to heavily sedate you to keep you from hallucinating. You were screaming that someone named Dahlia was trying to kill you.” He picks up the clipboard hanging off the end of the bed. “You have been assigned to Dr. Seagram. I’ll go let him know you’re awake.”

“No. I want Dr. Burton.”

“I’m afraid that’s not possible.” He leaves the room, and I hear the lock clicking when the door shuts.

I tightly close my eyes, praying this is nothing but a nightmare. They open when I hear the door open.

“Katherine, I’m Dr. Seagram,” he smiles, holding an iPad. “How are you feeling?”

I know if I tell him anything other than ‘fine,’ I will probably be sedated again.

“Fine,” I say.

“That’s good to hear.”

“Can you untie me? My wrists and ankles are hurting.”

“Sure. I don’t see why not. You seem to be in a calm state.”

If he only knew.

He takes off the restraints, and I massage my wrists, trying to soothe the throbbing pain.

“Thank you,” I say.

“You’re welcome.”

“Is there any way you can call Dr. Burton? I need to speak with him.”

His face pales. “Katherine, I’m sorry, but Dr. Burton passed away a couple of nights ago.”

My eyes widen. “What? How? ”

“He was in a bad car accident not too far from his home.”

My hand flies over my mouth. I gasp, struggling to breathe.

“Dahlia,” I whisper.

“Excuse me?” Dr. Seagram says.

“Nothing. He was my therapist. I can’t believe he’s gone.”

“I know. He was a well-respected doctor and will be missed. Now, let’s talk about you and what made you want to end your life.” He pulls the chair from the desk over to my bedside and sits down.

I tell him about my past, Dahlia, and the murders. At this point, I don’t care. Lock me away for eternity if it’ll help get rid of Dahlia.

He listened carefully to every word I spoke, occasionally nodding and typing on his iPad.

“Dr. Burton has a recording. Dahlia visited him at his office and made him record everything she said. You need to find that recorder.”

“I’ll see what I can do.” He places his hand on mine. “It’s almost time for lights out, so we will have another session after breakfast tomorrow.” He put the restraints back on me.

“I don’t need these!”

“They’re just a precaution, Katherine. Just try to relax.”

“No!” I scream, trying to fight my way out of the restraints.

“I need some help in here,” Dr. Seagram opens the door and shouts.

The nice-looking man in my room earlier walks in, holding a syringe. He shoves it into my arm, and I drift off to sleep.

I find myself standing at the shoreline. My toes sink into the wet sand as the waves gently lap at my feet. The ocean water is surprisingly warm, like a soothing bath. I tilt my face towards the sky and bask in the sun's rays, feeling its warmth ooze into my skin. I smile. I feel nothing but happiness, safety, and peace. I look around the area and see a white house—not just any house. The house stands tall and proud, with a wraparound porch, large windows, multiple floors with balconies, and a perfectly manicured garden.

“Hello, Katherine,” I hear a voice from behind.

I turn around and stare into the eyes staring back at me.

“Do you remember me?” she asks.

“Dahlia?” My brows furrow.

“Yes, it’s me.” She reaches out to grab my hand, and I involuntarily take a step back. I should be scared, but being in this place doesn’t allow fear.

“Where am I?” I ask.

“You’re in your happy place.” She smiles. “This is where you come when I need to take care of things. You like it here.”

“It’s a beautiful place. I don’t remember being here before.”

“Come with me. I’ll show you the inside of the house.” She extends her hand. “Come on.”

I slowly place my hand in hers—our fingers curl around each other’s. She leads me to the house, and we step inside. It’s grand and elegantly decorated.

“There you are.” A handsome man smiles, emerging from the kitchen. He walks over and kisses my cheek. “I’ve missed you. Did you have a nice trip? ”

I’m confused. What the hell is going on? I look down at my left hand and notice a large diamond ring with a band. It’s not my wedding ring from Oliver. It’s much more extravagant and different. I play along.

“Yeah. The trip was good.”

He wraps his arms around me, and I feel nothing but pure love.

“I miss you when you’re gone. Hopefully, that’s the last trip for a while.”

I break our embrace and smile as I stare into his beautiful green eyes. “Me too.”

“I have to go outside and tend to the flowers. Would you like to join me?”

“I’ll be out there soon.”

“Okay.” His lips press against my forehead.

He walks out of the house; the door creaks as it closes. I turn to Dahlia.

“Who is that?”

“That’s Elias, your husband. He’s your perfect man, and this is your perfect life.”

I feel overwhelming peace flowing through me for the first time in forever. I have no worries, fear, or impending doom—just peace.

“This is where you belong, Katherine. The real world is too much for you. You’ll never find a more perfect man than Elias. He loves you more than life, and he would never cheat on you or hurt you.”

I step onto the beautiful wraparound porch and feel the sun's warmth on my skin. White columns line the edges, supporting the roof, which provides shade for the white wicker furniture. Colorful potted flowers from the garden decorate the windowsills.

“It’s so beautiful here,” I say, staring at the handsome man watering the flowers. He catches my stare and smiles with a wink. My belly involuntarily flutters.

“You need to stay here, Katherine. This is your dream home. And Elias is the man you’ve always dreamed of. There will be no more fear, pain, or anxious thoughts. What do you say?”

I stare out onto the beach, the vast water stretching to infinity as the sun begins to set, casting a golden glow over this place called paradise. I feel different, and I don’t want to leave. My heart is filled with peace and serenity, and I wish to stay in this magical haven forever.

“Okay. I want to stay.”

“Did you hear that, Elias?” Dahlia shouts. “Kat isn’t going on any more trips. She’s here to stay forever.”

He sets down the hose, walks over, and his strong hands grip my hips.

“I am so happy to hear that. I love you so much, baby. You have no idea.” His lips meet mine. “Let’s go inside and celebrate.”

“I’ll be in in a minute,” I say. I turn to Dahlia. “Is this goodbye?”

“Yes, I’m afraid so.”

“Thank you, Dahlia.”

“You’re welcome, Katherine.”

I stare at her momentarily, step inside the house, and shut the door.