Sierra Oscar Sierra by Kelly Utt

Author:Kelly Utt [Utt, Kelly]
Language: eng
Format: epub
Publisher: Standards of Starlight
Published: 2024-08-25T00:00:00+00:00

PART TWO

Predatory Instincts

Chapter Thirteen

SIERRA

Four Days Later

The Fateful Day

It’s Friday, and Oscar has gone to work to beg Carl for another chance. After spending a few days becoming increasingly agitated, I encouraged him to approach the Marine Corps one more time. I’m home alone, showered and dressed to go somewhere, though I have no idea where.

What I didn’t say in front of everyone in Dr. Singh’s office the other day is that a realization settled over me when the chair struck my leg. It hit me like a bolt of lightning. I know, like I know my own name, that I’m in danger. Just because Oscar wasn’t throwing anything directly at me, doesn’t mean that he won’t. It’s only a matter of time before he turns his anger on me.

I’m terrified.

Sure, I made love to him and played nice. I did it again last night, too. What was I supposed to do? If I act scared, it will just be a sign of weakness. That won’t end well for me. Besides, I’ve got to convince someone that Oscar isn’t himself. That will only happen if we present a united front. I’ve got to get my husband help—real help—before it’s too late.

I’m pacing the living room, the tension in my body tightening with each step. The walls feel like they’re closing in around me, and every creak of the floorboard echoes my mounting anxiety.

My phone buzzes on the table, momentarily distracting me from the spiral of thoughts consuming my mind. I check the screen and see Dr. Singh’s name flash across it. She’s called around this time each day for the past few days, but I haven’t had the courage to pick up.

Taking a deep breath, I answer, forcing myself to maintain a calm exterior. “Hello?”

“Hi, Sierra! It’s Sonal Singh. I wanted to check in on you after the events that took place in my office,” she says, her tone professional yet warm.

“Hi, Dr. Singh. I’m doing okay. Just trying to sort things out,” I reply. I deliberate how much to share.

“I understand how overwhelming everything must be right now,” she says. “It’s not uncommon to feel a surge of fear in situations like this. I encourage you to take care of yourself. If you ever feel unsafe, I urge you to consider staying at a shelter for a little while, even if just temporarily.”

Her words shake me. I hadn't thought about a shelter. The very idea of leaving our home, my safe space, sends a wave of dread cascading through me. If I can just get Oscar the help he needs, everything will be okay. He isn't a bad guy.

“No, that won’t be necessary,” I respond quickly. Maybe too quickly. “Oscar hasn’t hurt me. We had a … misunderstanding, I guess. I just need to give him some space. I’m sure he’ll be fine.”

I’m not sure if I’m trying to convince her, or myself.

“Misunderstanding,” she repeats thoughtfully. “That’s one way to look at it, but it’s important to focus on the language surrounding what happened.

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