Dalia’s eyes were green, her skin pale and her hair
honey-colored and silvery, long and straight. She leaned against a white
corner, counting invisible stars and laughing childishly. Jack gritted his
teeth, biting down on that evasive cavity that was not quite healthy, but still
not bad enough to send him driving to Dr. Ciffon’s office. He tapped his index
finger against the clipboard, undecided.
“Okay. I’m going to go in and see if I can talk to her.
She’s had her meds today, yes?” He addressed the orderly who stood droop-eyed
at the door. The young man nodded. Jack sighed.
“I’ll be out in a minute. He pressed his finger into the keypad and
stepped in. Dalia seemed not to notice him at first. “Good morning, Dalia.” He
said, his voice grim, but steady.
Her eyes swung around and flamed with delighted
excitement.
“You’re back! Do you remember me now? Have you
remembered?” She was on her feet in an instant, tucking a strand of blonde hair
captive behind her ear, and smiling in that same shy, timid way. Jack said
nothing and studied his clipboard.
“Did you take your medication today?”
“Yes,” Dalia replied palely. “Jack?”
“I’d appreciate it if you would call me Dr. Littlefield
right now.” He tried to smile and failed, succeeding only in a weak grimace.
Dalia’s brow furrowed in worried caution. She blinked and looked down at the
floor with the air of a punished puppy.
“State your name.” He demanded. She looked hurt by his
short manner, and her voice was soft.
“Madelene. But you call me Maddie, remember?”
“Your full name please.” His voice came out even colder
than he had intended.
“Madelene Amelia Littlefield.”
Feeling panicked, he responded croakingly, “That’s impossible.”
“Why?”
“Because your name is Dalia May Hawthorne and Maddie died
six years ago.”
“Well you do have a problem then, don’t you?” She said
smilingly, with that painfully familiar way that sent rivers of fear through
his head.
“Keep taking your medication.” He buzzed at the door and
the orderly ushered him out. Dalia looked out after him, still smiling.
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