Hush My Darling by D. M. Haas

Author:D. M. Haas [Haas, D. M.]
Language: eng
Format: epub
Published: 2023-10-25T16:00:00+00:00

16

The fire crackled in the hearth, giving Vivian something to focus on beside Dr. Kudrin’s owl-like eyes and her fried nerves. She sat on the same sofa as the day before, hands clasped in her lap and back straight. The heat blasting from the flames did nothing to warm her, but she doubted anything would ever chase away the icy grip of despair clinging to her bones.

“Would you like something to drink, Mrs. Walker?” Dr. Kudrin asked. “It’s about time for my afternoon coffee. I always need that extra zip of caffeine to push me through the rest of the day.” He faced her from his weathered chair, hands entwined in a sturdy grip as he leaned his forearms on his thighs.

Her stomach growled, reminding her she’d put nothing in it since the day before. The acidic coffee might not sit well, but tea might be okay. “Do you happen to have any hot tea?”

“I’m sure I can find some. Give me a second.”

She watched him hurry out the door then returned her gaze to the flicking flames. She tapped her toe against the carpet, ticking the passing seconds off in her mind. Passing time the cab driver she’d been forced to call would rack up the meter as he waited in the parking lot. Of course Lilith had secured Patrick in her drive to Martha’s Vineyard, and Vivian couldn’t risk driving herself. Not when chances were high that a third seizure lurked around the corner, just waiting to strike.

“I managed to find some Earl Grey.” Dr. Kudrin walked slowly with a mug in each hand, arms held outstretched probably so the scalding hot liquid wouldn’t burn him if he spilled. “Sorry I don’t have a proper teacup.”

Vivian hurried to his side, grabbing the cup he offered. “Oh, that’s not a problem. I appreciate the effort.” She settled back into her seat and wished she could grab the blanket thrown over the couch, tuck her feet under her butt, and close her eyes. Instead, she took a sip of unflavored tea, letting the bitter liquid slide down her throat. The instant it hit her stomach, bile began to swirl. She forced a swallow and set her mug beside her on a little stand.

“How are you? Did you write in a journal like I recommended?” Dr. Kudrin mimicked her motion and discarded his coffee beside him after a long sip.

She chewed her lip, not wanting to get into the messy details of what transpired the previous night. But if this wasn’t a safe space for spilling all her secrets, where was? “I did, but it’s hard to know for sure if the images in my mind are forgotten memories resurfacing or my imagination conjuring up details.”

He nodded, as if what she said made perfect sense. “Did you have a reaction to the writing?”

She shrugged. “I had another seizure, but once I started picturing details, I fell into a stupor while trying to pull forward more memories—more facts that could make sense of everything.

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