The Realm of You: A Novel by Amanda Richardson

Author:Amanda Richardson [Richardson, Amanda]
Language: eng
Format: epub
Published: 2015-10-26T04:00:00+00:00

Chapter Fifteen

THREE months after

I pull up to Brattleboro Retreat early—so early that the fog still clings to the air in thick, misty droplets, and it still hurts to take a full breath. Once I see the magnificent building, I know that I’m in the right place.

I park and caress the tender skin on my forearm, where last night I had a guy named Derrik at Faithful Few Tattoo and Body Piercing permanently write the word fate across my scar. The inky letters are supposed to be a daily reminder that fate brought me here, and right now, sitting in front of this building, everything comes together in a culmination of fate, destiny, choices, decisions, and outcomes. All of it led me here, idling in front of Brattleboro Retreat, ready to start my new life.

I step out of my car and smooth my dress out. I love this dress—it’s my good-luck charm. The 1970s pattern is kind of crazy, but I think it suits me. I take a deep breath and walk down the long path to the majestic front steps, passing under an arched sign that reads Brattleboro Retreat. The trees and surroundings are so green this time of year, and as the fog starts to burn off, I can tell it’s going to be a beautiful day.

I don’t really know what to expect from this place, but the lobby itself is a surprise. It’s green, blue, yellow, and funky. Swirly, wavy patterns line the floors and walls, and for a second, I forget that I’m in a psychiatric hospital.

“Can I help you?” A young, blond receptionist greets me. Her nametag says Cecelia.

“Hi,” I say, reaching my hand out for a handshake. “I’m here to volunteer. I’m supposed to meet with Darcy Kavanagh.”

“Ahh,” Cecelia says, nodding. “So you’re the new volunteer. Darcy is busy with her rounds right now, but her daughter is here somewhere. I’ll have Emma show you the ropes.”

The name Emma surprises me, but I brush it off. There’s no way… it’s not possible. None of them exist.

I nod and sit down. Cecelia calls Emma, whispering, and a few minutes later, the Emma comes walking into the lobby like she owns the place. My breath gets caught in my throat. I suddenly put everything together, and though it’s impossible to know how my brain knew this, this job must be the job she left to work at the shop in my dream. I remember she mentioned that she used to work with her mom.

“Hi!” she says, her voice and demeanor perky. “I’m Emma.”

I want to say, “I know,” but I don’t. Instead, I smile and bite my tongue. I feel like I’m about to cry. It’s Emma! She’s real!

“Hi, I’m Marlin.”

“You’re going to be shadowing my mother today, but right now she’s busy with patients. She should be done in a couple of hours, but until then, you can shadow me and help out.” I nod, keeping quiet, and she continues. We walk down a bright hallway. “We’re so glad that you’re here.

Download

Copyright Disclaimer:
This site does not store any files on its server. We only index and link to content provided by other sites. Please contact the content providers to delete copyright contents if any and email us, we'll remove relevant links or contents immediately.