I watch the rain trail down my window now. I’m so cold. So many nights spent crying… Wonder how on Earth I could have spent so many years blinded by this vast, gloom-infested plane. I hear broken sobbing echoing in the plain white room, and begin to identify it as my own. How did I even get this far? Here, in a barren, unfamiliar place; I am so alone. He’s gone now, I fear, and I doubt whether I’ll ever see him again. He’s long gone, just like the rest… all gone, save one. The other me; the one that doesn’t abandon me. Never ever abandons me. She’s wonderful, but she’s quiet right now, as if she’s sleeping. Wonder what she dreams. I dream of being torn apart by vicious beasts, and chased by bloodthirsty demons. She sleeps peacefully, with her little innocent smile. She’s child on the outside; Ancient and mysterious inside. When she wakes up I guess we’ll talk. I don’t think she likes it here. I don’t either; it doesn’t smell like our room. Our room is comfortable and smells like vanilla. He loved the smell of vanilla...

Two doctors stood outside a young girl’s room, watching her fall asleep through the double plated glass. Grim looks were etched onto their faces, like identical statues they stood. One sighed, “She’s only 15... She doesn’t even remember what she did.” They turn to leave thePsychiatric Ward.

A young nurse whose name tag reads ‘Jane Anderson’ scurries over to the window from where she stood in the shadows. I wonder if he knew it was coming... they said you stabbed him right in the heart. Poor little psycho... you claimed he was possessed by a demon, so you had to save him from it. He really loved you. He told me so thousands of times. Said he was going to marry you. My brother was an amazing person. So were you, before... oh, it doesn’t matter. That little bitch inside your head won’t ever get out again. With that, she opens the door and walks over to the young girl she knew so well. Patting her cheek lovingly, she injects far too much sedative into her arm.

On a grassy hill, just outside of town, lay a young man. Surrounded by the earth’s cool soil, he sleeps on; day after day, year after year. The polished black stone behind his head gives a simple message:

Benjamin J. Anderson

1989-2005

Loving brother, Devoted to those he cared for.

He will be missed.

Author Note: Support the A.P.A.; the life their research saves may be yours.