Chapter 17 - Her Mother's Journal

After Analise and Michael prepared for the day, Analise cooked sausage and eggs for both of them, while also giving her dogs some smoked ham mixed with dry dog food. Following breakfast, Analise tuned in to the news and watched a segment reporting on the various murders they had committed. The news caster then shifted to discussing the unsolved murders in Lubbock, Texas, and the group of teens murdered at the park in Des Moines, Iowa. Analise remarked, "With the trail of death we've left, there's no stopping us now." She then went upstairs to display her late mother's belongings around the house, feeling grateful to have retrieved them before entering the foster care system. While deciding where to place her mother's belongings, she stumbled upon her mom's journal and began reading it. Analise discovered that she was named after her grandmother Ana and her mom's childhood friend Lisey, who passed away when she was 9. As she continued reading, she found entries detailing her mother's favorite memories, but one particular journal entry left her in tears and consumed with anger.

The journal entry that Analise stumbled upon provided a detailed account of her mother's cancer doctor, Dr. Halt, refusing to provide her with any cancer treatment after she rejected his sexual advances. Overwhelmed with emotion, Analise wept as she clutched the journal tightly. Just then, Michael appeared in the doorway and immediately sensed that she had discovered something devastating. Taking the journal from her, he read its contents and then gently placed it down before embracing her and whispering, "It's alright, I'm here." In that moment, Analise felt a deep sense of gratitude that Michael had broken his usual habit of remaining silent in his fictional world. She was thankful that he had spoken to her, even if it was in hushed tones or soft words.Together, they decided to investigate Dr. Halt further and discovered that he had relocated to Madison, Wisconsin, just one year after Analise's mother had passed away. Filled with anger and determination, Analise declared, "He will pay for this." While browsing Dr. Halt's website, they noticed that he often stayed late at work to complete paperwork. This presented an opportunity for them to devise a plan to make him face the consequences of his actions.Throughout the day, Analise daydreamed about seeking revenge on Dr. Halt. When nightfall arrived, Analise and Michael Myers drove to Dr. Halt's office. They deliberately cut off the power and phone lines, allowing darkness to envelop the building. Guided by the faint glow of the moon, they stealthily entered the office and caught Dr. Halt off guard. Startled by their masked appearances, he nervously asked, "Who are you?" Analise removed her mask, revealing her mother's features, and declared, "You took my mom away from me, all because she rejected your advances." Dr. Halt attempted to explain himself, but before he could utter another word, Analise unleashed her fury upon him, repeatedly striking him with a hammer until his head resembled a smashed pumpkin. After wreaking havoc in his office, Analise and Michael Myers swiftly departed, returning home to Brookfield.Upon their arrival, they made a stop at a late-night cafe. Analise ordered a chicken fried steak combo, while Michael opted for a T-Bone steak combo. After their meal, Analise even ordered some cheeseburgers for their dogs. As Michael excused himself to use the restroom, Analise was settling the bill at the counter, a young man from the city approached her and rudely commented, "You're quite curvy." Analise responded with a look of disgust and continued with her transaction. The city boy, displeased with her disregard, grabbed her shoulder and demanded, "Did you hear me?" However, a worker behind the counter, despite being smaller in stature, intervened and firmly told him, "Dude, leave her alone." Before the city boy could utter another word, Analise forcefully pushed him to the ground. As he attempted to retaliate, Michael Myers suddenly appeared beside Analise. Faced with Michael's imposing figure, the city boy quickly apologized, hastily left the premises, and drove away, presumably returning to the city where he belonged. Analise expressed her gratitude to the helpful worker by giving her a generous $100 tip. After purchasing cheeseburgers for their dogs, Analise and Michael departed for home.

When they returned home, Analise placed two cheeseburgers in each of the dogs' food bowls. She and Michael Myers then retired to their bedroom, where they undressed and lay in bed. Analise read some of her mother's pleasant journal entries, one of which expressed the hope that Analise would grow up to be tough and unafraid to stand up for herself. In a soft voice, Michael Myers remarked, "She's proud that you're strong and don't let others push you around." Analise carefully set her mother's journal on the nightstand, glanced at Michael, and said, "I know she's happy that I've found the love of my life." They proceeded to engage in passionate yet intense lovemaking, with Analise gripping Michael Myers's back tightly as he moved vigorously and kissed her neck until they both reached climax. After Michael withdrew, they indulged in edibles and bourbon. As the effects of the substances took hold, they shared a profound kiss and drifted off to sleep, with the dogs slumbering in the hallway. Unbeknownst to them, the spirit of Analise's mother Lilly stood in the doorway, smiling because she was pleased that her daughter had found love with Michael Mye

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