Page 152 of For I Have Sinned

My eyes snap back to hers at the words she uses, and I nod in understanding. She hands me her business card and tells me to call her if I need anything, and that someone will contact me soon with more information for scheduling sessions with a therapist. I thank her as she stands and leaves.

Within seconds, Amelia and Vince sit down next to me and envelop me in a hug. I’d normally love the affection, but it seems that since I’m feeling human again and not a robot, this time, I feel the slight pain that their gesture comes with.

I wince. “Ribs. Bruised. Too tight.”

They pull back, looking concerned.

“I’ll be fine.” I try to laugh to make light of the situation, but when their eyes meet mine, filled with distress, love, and a little pity, my laugh turns to a cry.

I think back to what the detective said about surrounding myself with people whom I truly trust. These two, I know without a doubt, will always be there for me and will keep me safe.

They see my pain, not just physical, but the pain from being locked away in the convent, stripped away from them, from society, only to be put into a situation where I had to kill a person to save myself. And then the heartache from losing Esther, the heartache from watching Alex almost die, and not being able to do a damn thing to save either of them.

I can’t hold it in anymore. I don’t hold back.

I begin to sob, and they carefully intertwine our arms, making sure not to put any pressure on my ribs or the cast. They lean their head on my shoulders to comfort me, letting me cry without saying a word.

And that’s exactly what I need.

We sit in this spot for what feels like hours, but I know that it was only a few minutes. Once the tears subside, we remain silent. They want the details of what happened, and I get that, but it’s nice to just sit here and not have to talk about it. To not have to replay the horror I endured.

I hear one of their phones vibrate on the table, and when I open my eyes, I squint to see a notification from the local news station. With a whisper, I read the title out loud.

“Mother of Possible Victim Claims this is a Hoax.”

“Oh… you don’t think it’s…” Vince begins to say, but trails off.

Amelia chews her lip and says, “It couldn’t be.”

I stare at the screen, the headline of the story in bold letters.

“It’s one hundred percent my mother.” They look at each other, and just as Vince is about to flip his phone upside down, I grab his hand and stop him. “I want to see it.”

“Are you sure?” He asks cautiously.

Not really. But if it is my mother, I want to hear what she has to say about this.

“I’m sure.”

He unlocks his phone, clicks the video link, and presses play. Behind the reporter, I see my mother in the background, looking like a madwoman. Vince hands me the phone to hold, and I turn up the volume.

“We are still waiting for more information about what happened at Grace Community.” The woman announces. “We have been informed that there are multiple deceased victims.”

“Excuse me! Hello!” My mother walks into the frame and tries to take the reporter’s microphone, but the reporter snatches it back.

“Hi, I’m Teresa Stark, reporting live with the local news,” she introduces herself to my mother. “Do you happen to be related to one of the victims or are you trying to get information on a possible victim?”

“Yes, as a matter of fact, I’m extremely concerned they have this whole situation wrong. My husband and I know Father Keaton personally, and he is a priest. A man of God. He would never do something this horrendous. It is a shame that people are speaking ill of him. This is–”

Teresa interrupts her, “Just to clarify, how did you know the priest?”

“Well, we met him when we sent our daughter here. He said he would help guide her to God and grow her relationship with Him. He said she was doing much better, and now this is happening, and I- I just don’t understand.” She shakes her head.

“Your daughter is currently attending this convent under Father Keaton’s authority?” The reporter questions. “Has she been able to share any news or updates when you spoke to her?”

“Huh? Who?” She sighs dramatically as her head continues to swivel, taking in the scene surrounding her.

“Your daughter, ma’am. Have you received word if she is okay?”