Page 56 of Dead to Me

“What does that mean?”

I glanced at his wedding suit hanging by the window. Everything was ready. I smiled.

“It means I don’t feel bad anymore.”

Malcolm moved toward me. I stepped backward.

“Stay away from me.”

“You came into my room.”

“You invited me.”

“I want you to leave now.”

“I will.”

I turned toward the door. Malcolm let out a breath, relieved. He thought it was over. I reached into my waistband and opened the folding knife in my hand.

Malcolm heard the click. He turned. I drove the blade into his stomach. His eyes widened. Then I pulled the knife out. Blood spread across his gray shirt.

“Milan.”

His voice was barely there. I stabbed him again. He grabbed my wrist, but I pulled away. Malcolm hit me hard across the face, knocking me into the TV stand.

The TV broke. Pain shot through my cheek. He ran for the door. I grabbed his shirt, but he turned and shoved me. I fell to the floor.

Malcolm unlocked the door. I lunged and grabbed his ankle. He fell, his chin hitting the floor. Blood came from his mouth.

He kicked me, his heel hitting my shoulder. I screamed. He crawled toward the door, and I got on his back. Malcolm rolled over and punched me in the ribs. I couldn't breathe for a moment. He got up, and so did I.

We faced each other, both bleeding and out of breath. Malcolm looked at me like I was a stranger. In a way, I was.

“You’re fucking crazy.”

I wiped blood from my lip.

“No.”

I picked up the knife.

“You made sure the whole world thought that once already.”

Malcolm ran, but not to the door. He headed for the bathroom. I chased after him. He slammed the door and locked it before I could get in. I hit the door with my shoulder and laughed.

“Malcolmmmm.”

“Stay the fuck away from me.”

I looked at the blood on my hand. Then at the door.

“You know what’s funny?”

“Go to hell.”

“You’re hiding in a bathroom from a woman who spent six years locked in a room.”

There was a moment of silence. I smiled.