The Ghost Files 4: Part 1 by Apryl Baker

Author:Apryl Baker [Baker, Apryl]
Language: eng
Format: azw3, epub
Publisher: Limitless Publishing LLC
Published: 2016-12-20T05:00:00+00:00

***

Mrs. Owens and her husband are talking in front of the nurses’ station when Dan and I arrive on Jake’s floor. I skid to a halt, the fear rushing back. Just seeing her makes me start to have flashbacks. Only this time I’m prepared, and it doesn’t overwhelm me. Dan’s hand on my back steadies me. His gentle whispers in my ear quiets the panic and helps it to recede. Eli can calm me down instantly, but Dan does it in a different, more natural way. It’s his presence. It inspires safety and trust.

Mr. and Mrs. Owens approach us cautiously. God only knows what my face must look like if her own is etched in sorrow. She’s aged a good ten years since the last time I saw her. The last twenty-four hours has been harder on her than me. I survived, but her sons didn’t. One is dead, and the other fighting for his life. It’s not fair. Not at all. She’s good people and doesn’t deserve this.

“Mattie. I am so sorry.”

I press myself into Dan, taking a moment to gain a little courage. “You don’t have anything to be sorry for. None of this is your fault.”

“But it is.” Her voice breaks and she pulls in a deep breath, her eyes brimming with tears. “I keep thinking to myself what I did, what could I have done to prevent this? He was my son. I must have done something wrong for him…”

“No, Mrs. Owens. Please don’t blame yourself. I don’t, and I know Jake doesn’t. He thinks you’re the best mom in the world, and I agree. If I had a mom, I’d want her to be like you.”

A tear leaks out of her eyes, and her husband squeezes her hand, giving me a thankful smile. He must have been worried I’d blame her for all of this too. I can’t even imagine what they’ve been going through. To realize the son you loved and raised to be a good person turns out to be a psychopath has to be unsettling. Then having said son shoot the other one? They must be going through a nightmare right now.

“How’s Jake?” Dan shifts closer, putting his arm around me.

“He’s not so good.” Mr. Owens turns his head, looking through an open door. I follow his gaze, but can’t see anything except a closet and what’s probably the door to the bathroom. “They asked us a few minutes ago if we want to consider pulling him off life support. They don’t think he’s going to get better.”

“I’m sorry.” Dan’s arms tighten around me as he speaks. “No one should have to make that decision.”

“We don’t want him to suffer.” Mr. Owens wipes a tear away. “I think he’s been through enough already. It’s the right thing to do.”

Hearing him try to justify his actions to himself sends shards of pain through my heart. He loves Jake so much. His dad was his world too. I remember sitting on their couch listening to the two of them tell me stories about all the crazy things they did together.

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