I wouldn't exactly expect to be at one of those funerals where the dead one walked in, alive and well after mistakes and misunderstanding had been done. But after all, every time a funeral was held people would wish that was what would become.
Even less would I have that that funeral would be my own.
Thoughts were spinning in my mind while I walked up to my house after running for my life from Dr. Beck. Nonetheless when I saw a picture of myself in the hallway and people I knew all over the backyard.
Kaitlyn gasped and everyone turned to see me. Mum and dad got up first and came running, my aunt fainted, Ryan dropped his crutch and as if I hadn't been crying before I did when I felt his lips towards mine- once, twice.
I had been so afraid, and nonetheless certain that I would be with these people again. Not after everything that had happened and how he had held me hostage.
All the people I knew along with the thoughts in my head had me almost fainting and at last I leaned heavily against my boyfriend.
"Soph…" He tried to say something and seemed like he wanted to move away from me.
"No." As if it was possible, I pulled my arms tighter around Ryan's waist. "No. Don't let go… Never let go of me again."
More tears came streaming down my cheeks and into Ryan's shirt.
I just couldn't understand what had happened and I was with the people I loved again…
"Sophie?" I could hear on mum's voice she meant business now. Whatever I said it would have to be the truth… "What happened?"
What had happened passed in my mind, of how Dr. Beck had once said we'd eat sushi whenever I was better. How he'd showed up at the mall and given me that doll- one of the exact ones I was missing.
I saw in front of me how I had given him that stuffed animal when I actually thought he was just another doctor.
How he had been in that parking house…
"Dr. Beck!"
I was barely more than whispering but still the name only passing my lips made me want to get sick.
"It feels like I have him all over me."
I stroke my arms, everywhere I could feel his touch.
"I know you want to shower…" Mum told me. "As if it would help. But wait until the police get here and maybe they can need it for DNA…"
I was too tired to even think so stepping into the shower would be an impossibility. And even bigger one would be whatever the police could help when we already knew who Dr. Beck was.
Or maybe we didn't. There wasn't anyone at the hospital who knew one of the head doctors was a creepy stalker. Or what he could do only to get what- or whom he wanted…
"Okay."
I barely even whimpered. And meanwhile I grabbed the fabric of Ryan's shirt as hard I could.
"It's okay." Ryan stroke my arm and whispered into my ear. "It's okay. He can't touch you here."
Even though only moments had passed since I had ran, fearing he would come after me I knew for years forward- if not the rest of my life he would keep touching me even though he wouldn't actually be by me in person.
For a moment it flashed by in my mind about a phycologist or a therapist. But how would I ever be able to trust any of them again?
"I'm sorry." Dad almost whispered as if he knew what I was thinking. "I'm sorry. I should have listened to you…"
I wanted to tell him that it wasn't his fault. That Dr. Beck would have found a way no matter what dad did…
"I'm sorry…" He almost whispered again. Then he turned around and while he raised his voice to the others I could still hear it shivering. "While we're all… relieved beyond words… I think we're all a bit overwhelmed and nonetheless need to call the police…" Dad was feeling his pockets to find his phone. "I think… it would be for the best if we leave right now and you'll hear from us again when things have calmed down… Where's my phone?" Someone reached him one of theirs and 911 was dialed.
I had my head leaned against Ryan's shoulder, from where I could watch people passing me. A few of them was trying to say something to me, pat my shoulder or anything. But where I stood it was like all of my senses had gone into feeling like oatmeal and after a few tries mum was standing next to me and took whatever they wanted to say.
"Sophie." When the voice I loved more than all spoke my name it reached through the gaze in my brain. "Is there anything you want or need?" Somehow I just couldn't answer. "Maybe some water and we should sit? Or do you need to lie down before an…"
"No!"
I didn't realize I had even answered him until I heard the word. And I knew why when Ryan had mentioned lying down and for my inner vision I was back at Dr. Beck's.
Strapped in the bed and not knowing whether I'd ever get home…
I knew here and now dr. Beck wouldn't be able to touch me now but I still couldn't let him go.
And once again I was strapped to the bed.
"No…." I gasped. "…No. No, don't let go…" The words mixed with gasps and sobs. "No, don't make me."
"Sch." Ryan held me close and stroke my hair. "It's okay. I won't…" Slowly my breathing got slower. "I won't make you do anything… It's okay now Sophie. You're safe here. Dr. Beck can't reach you anymore."
I had never known I was safe more than when I looked Ryan into the eyes and heard his soothing words.
"Sch, sch, sch. It's okay. You're with your family now… You're safe."
I would be trying to hold on to consciousness. But everything that had happened lately had taken its toll and suddenly, while Ryan still spoke soothing words and held me close while I could finally relax.
And with my cheek against his shoulder I let go and drifted off listening to Ryan's last words until I couldn't hear them anymore.
"It's okay Sophie. You're with your family now… you're safe…"
This certainly isn't the first time I stay up late because I have something almost finished. And probably not the last neither.
Random fact (I leave at least one after every chapter)
It's strange but I looked it up. It has happened that people have walked into their own funeral (it's happened to identical twins for example). And wouldn't we want something like that when it's a funeral for someone we love? Now that's my favorite part of this movie and I wish we'd see more of it. But here's what you get. I hope you liked it.