“I would kill someone,” I say honestly. In my mind, I have done it a hundred times. I wouldn’t make it quick either. I would make him suffer, the same way he made my mom suffer.
We don’t talk after that. If he really wants to let me live, he’ll consider it, but judging by his demeanor, he’s not too worried about it.
I finish the food and wash it down with the coffee he brought me. Hunter stands and pulls a pair of handcuffs from his pocket.
“We’re gonna be busy for a few hours,” he explains, “Do you need to use the bathroom?”
“Yes.” I nod and hand the tray to him.
When I get up and head to the bathroom, I almost expect him to follow me. Thankfully, he gives me that bit of dignity. I don’t close the door all the way, just enough for privacy as I do my business. After I wash my hands and face, I return to the bed and lie down in the same spot from earlier. Hunter pulls my arms above me and cuffs each wrist to the headboard.
“We’ll be back around lunchtime.” He looks at me a few seconds, almost as if he wants to say more, or expects me to say something. When I don’t, he turns around and leaves the room, locking it behind him.
For a long time, I lie staring at the ceiling. I try to keep my mind clear of unwanted thoughts, but all too soon those catch up to me.
Sometimes reality is your worst enemy. At least it has been for me. My reality now is that my life will end soon. I’m sad, but the truth is I’m not terrified of dying like I should be. The prospect of leaving this earth is… okay.
Especially after Ryker promised to make it quick and pain free.
Maybe if I had someone waiting for me at home–someone who depends on me–I would be distraught at the thought of not returning to my place. But there is no family, no real friend, not even a pet. No one is going to miss me or even notice that I’m gone, and that reality is probably gloomier than my impending death.
The only thing I fear is the unknown. What happens after I die? Is there really an afterlife? Is there such a thing as heaven and hell, and where will I go?
My thoughts are reeling with the possibility of an afterlife when I doze off, dreaming about a place where I get to see my mom again.
Too soon, the click of the door unlocking startles me awake.
Ryker and Hunter enter, neither of them carrying food.
“Hey, Sunshine.” Hunter unlocks the cuffs, letting my arms fall. I move my shoulders and wrists to get the blood flowing.
“Are you ready to eat lunch?” Ryker asks.
“Um, yeah.” I glance at their empty hands.
“Come on. We’ll eat in the dining room,” Ryker says while digging in his dresser.
Black sweatpants and a pair of socks land in front of me. I tug them on and stand. The pants swallow me, and I have to roll the waistband a few times, but it’s better than naked, I guess.
“Ready?” Hunter asks.
I nod.Ready as I’ll ever be.