Allies

“I know this is not easy for you. What you've been through…” I heard her swallow. “I can't imagine it,” she continued. It reeks of pity, and I don't want that. Not from her. The woman reached out to touch my hand and I immediately pulled back. The shrill jingle as my hand smacked against the bars of the bed sounded like the threat of an outbreak of violence. I'm more than ready to use violence if she tries to touch me again.

She raised her hands and stepped back. My breathing became more steady and the black halo that surrounded my vision dissipated, until the whole world became clear and colorful once more. Now that she's caught my attention, I realize she's not alone. There was a man with her. He tilted his head and stared at me like I was a puzzle to be solved. That look was painfully familiar.

I turned my head toward the window, watching the light flood into the room through the horizontal blinds. My stomach twisted. Eric. His name resounded in my mind. He used to look at me lik