Heart So Hollow (Dire Wolves Book 1) by Emily Nealis

Author:Emily Nealis [Nealis, Emily]
Language: eng
Format: epub
Published: 2024-07-23T00:00:00+00:00

CHAPTER FORTY-FOUR

Brett

Present

“It’s really a form of torture,” Judy draws up her knee in her chair, “but nobody sees it that way because it just seems like rude behavior. The patterns are so subtle that they can be extremely difficult to recognize. You’re the only one who really can, but you’re also being totally brainwashed in the process to the point you can’t trust your own mind anyway.”

Suddenly, Barrett’s voice echoes in my head—who’s going to believe you?

No one, that’s who. Not after he was done driving me insane and making everyone think the same. I had no best friend, no family in the same country, and everyone else poisoned by lies and deceit.

“I didn’t see it then,” I pause, smiling to myself as I recall, “but my boyfriend was the only one who never treated me like I was crazy. I mean, besides Barrett, but…” I trail off, not wanting to even think about the mess with her.

Judy smiles and gives a slow nod, “The one who’s still here,” she murmurs, “who stood with you through everything.”

“Yeah,” my smile fades, “and even after all that, I still feel like I’m not here. I still feel like I’m trapped in that room, with a monster breathing down my neck, and I don’t know how to get out. I should be happy. I have everything I’ve ever wanted. Everything should be perfect, but it’s not. Because I’m here, but I’m not here.” My breathing gets heavier and my eyes begin to well, “And it’s not fucking fair!”

Judy gazes at me for a few moments, her eyes sparkling. That’s what she always looks like when she’s getting ideas.

Finally, she clasps her hands at her chin, “I haven’t forgotten what you said about looking past the fear.” She narrows her eyes with a determined nod, “We need to get you out of that room. And there’s something I want to try with you at our next session. When it comes down to it, it could save your life.”

●●●

There’s a Thai place about a mile from the Toyota dealership that has the best Pad See Ew on the planet. Or, at the very least, in the state. I haven’t been to every Thai restaurant in the state, but it’s the best I’ve had since I moved here. And I really like Pad See Ew.

“This place is amazing!” Valerie mumbles through a mouthful of pineapple curry, “How’d you find it?”

“My boyfriend,” I reply, swirling a few noodles around my chopsticks and securing them by pinching a cube of tofu. I’m pretty good with chopsticks, but noodles are tough. I’ve finally gotten to the point where I can eat at a steady pace and not take an hour because I’m so slow. “He was born around here, and this is the first place he took me for an actual date.”

Looking around the restaurant, you wouldn’t think it’d be a prime location for romance, but anyone who’s ever been here knows it’s a gem hidden between the vast spans of farmland and forests.

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