-4 years after-
After I quit, everything changed.
My job, my status and honestly my mental health. Romere Hordsin was still a thought that terrified me, but I was doing much better now- I had a girlfriend, Skylar and instead of being a mentality therapist, I was a researcher. I diagnosed symptoms and researched medicine for certain mental illnesses. I was doing alright financially too, my new job paid well and I had brought a new apartment for myself to reside in.
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It was all going well until recently, I saw the news on live television: 'Romere Hordsin, America's worst serial killer discharged from asylum after anonymous doctor claims he is well and has vowed not to commit murder again. He will be under police supervision for a week, until he is free to be a citizen.'
I just stared at the screen, eyes wide open as the whole world was crumbling apart around me. There I was in total paralysis- it was like an explosion of energy within and I could do nothing but witness the news displayed at that moment, unable to move. It was completely shocking, dangerous and moreover it was strange. How did he get himself discharged? My mind clouded over and all I could think about was that moment in the asylum- his cold and harsh words, the way his body pressed against mine, his towering height as he stood over me...
'Ring ring'
I jumped back, startled by the sound of my phone ringing. I exhaled loudly, patting my chest out of relief, "Just the phone, Carlos." I said to myself. I picked it up off of the desk and saw that it was Skylar who was calling me.
"Hey babe! Can't wait to meet you tomorrow!" She exclaimed, her tone making me hold the phone further away from my ear. A smile stretched across my face. Her voice always made me feel better. Her energy always made me laugh. But suddenly, I stopped smiling. I frowned, my mouth opening slightly. "Hey darling...Meet you tomorrow? What do you mean?"
"The date, silly. We planned a date for Friday, remember?" She said, her voice suddenly lowering.
Shit. I completely forgot about our date! I have so much scheduled for work tommorow and I had to put up a shelf of new medicines!
I laughed nervously before answering, "Uh, yeah darling the thing is.." my guilt prevented me from finishing my sentence.
"What?" she said, her voice demanding and angry.
"I'm sorry, Skylar. I, uhm..I can't come tomorrow." I squeezed my eyes shut to brace myself.
"Oh..." I gritted my teeth out of guilt. I knew she was disappointed and I felt so bad, but there was nothing I could do. I couldn't change my work schedule now.
"Listen, I'm sorry darling. I have so much scheduled for work tomorrow. Can we make it next Friday?" I pleaded.
"You said that last time, Carlos." She said, her voice low.
"I know... I am really sorry Skylar. My work schedule really is tight I-"
"It's okay. I'll see you next Friday. Call me when you can." She wasn't speaking loudly anymore, her joyful tone changed to be low and stern.
"Thanks for understanding babe. I love you, I'll call you when I can, okay?" I was hoping for an answer back, but there was a quiet thud as the phone call ended. I groaned and threw myself onto the couch beside me. "I messed up for real this time." I said to myself, throwing my face into a cushion. "I'm going to have to apologise with flowers next Friday." my voice was muffled as I spoke through the pillow.
I turned off the television and made my way to my bedroom. Placing my phone on the bedside table I hopped into bed, pulling the duvet over my head. "It's going to be a looong day tomorrow." I groaned to myself, yawning loudly.
I thought about Romere being discharged for a few moments. He's under supervision, he can't do anything to me. He doesn't even know where I live, right? I'll be fine. He probably doesn't even remember me.
I wrapped my arm around my waist, cradling myself to sleep. My thoughts slowed as a beautiful carousel, each dancing as ribbons from a kite string that reaches for the sky, its colours embracing those lofty heights and inviting into my dreams. The thoughts of Romere, of how I was going to apologise to Skylar and the weight of work on my shoulders all disappeared as I snored quietly under the hypnosis of sleep.