Pitter patter, the sound of the rain clashing on the windowpane, the sound of lightning clashing down to the earth is some what refreshing, I shift my gaze across the room and see Elizabeth asleep on the couch, she'd been up all night. My mother and I haven't slept well in days now too. I really wish I knew what was wrong with her. She's never been one to stir trouble or pretend but for about three days now she's been complaining of seeing a man. The hysteria on her face was paralyzing but mother says she probably just has an active imagination.

Its been about three months since Liza's first episode, she's since been diagnosed with paranoid schizophrenia and it's been really tough on all of us. I've been sharing a room with her in an attempt to make her feel safer, I don't think she can be left alone, or maybe I'm too afraid to leave her alone.

Its been a year now and for the first time I think we now have some similitude of normalcy. Liza has even been able to walk around by herself now. Our new normal is growing on me, I like being needed and I think Liza and I are now closer than ever. Pitter patter the sound of the rain clashing on the wind shield, my mom is in the mart buying whatever canned food we'll microwave tonight. I'm deep in thought fantasizing, when out of nowhere Liza begins to shout "leave me alone, leave me alone" she screams. I hold her as tight as I can telling her to calm down, trying my best to assure her its all going to be fine. My eyes wander looking for my mom when through the reflection of the mirror my gaze meets his, I'm paralyzed, my heart races, I'm terrified. In a second he's gone like smoke and with that my mom comes rushing towards me mouthing something but I can't hear a word she says. She hugs Liza and comforts her, the look in my eyes told her all she needed to know. Its been a week now and we haven't spoken about it, I've been afraid to sleep and at random times I can swear I feel his gaze, I think I'm going insane.

I sit in the living room, Liza is asleep on the couch and in a moment I feel paralyzed, I don't know how but I know he's here. I gently nudge Liza to wake up, she lazily shrugs so I shake her again, this time more violently. Just then, I feel his hand on my shoulder and Liza stares at my direction, her eyes wide open. In a swift motion I pick her up and dash towards the kitchen, I hear foot steps at my back but I don't have the luxury of fear. I pick up a knife pointing it at thin air. "Shut up Liza, shut up", I scream amidst her tears. I quickly open the door and bolt out, Liza in toe. We rush for the car and lock the doors. I see me Mom from the windows blitzing towards us. Before I can heave a sigh of relief I see him at the back through the rear view mirror, he leans forward and whispers my name in my ear, his cold breath kissing my skin, I'm frozen. I feel helpless, who is this? What does he want? Come join me he says in a chilling voice, Liza's sobs now whimpers, my mom bangs incessantly on the car window pleading with us to open the door. Liza holds my hand and in that instant I'm back to reality. In fear and barely thinking I pull the knife out, my mother still screaming in the background. I stab him as hard as I can, as fast as I can, I don't stop, I continue till I'm satisfied. The smell of blood fills my nose, I look at my mom, her eyes full of grief and anger. "What have you done Liza, what have you done" she sobs. Liza?