Relapse


Another flash and she's back in that white cell.

"Wha- No-no NO!"

"Shh-shh easy, Max," He lays his hand on her shoulder and she thrusts it away, "I not going to hurt you."

"Fuck you."

"Max, do you know-"

"Fuck you! You fucking killed Chloe."

"Max, I didn't. But - she did die," He glances at his feet for a moment then brings the polaroid close to her face, "In the bathroom, remember? Five years ago."

"Chloe," Max whispers.

"I know. I'm sorry, Max. I'm sorry. I- was trying - you were doing so well. But when I showed you-" He hands her the photo, "do know where you are?"

"The darkroom," says Max. Her eyes stare past the polaroid.

"No. You're in a hospital, Max. You've been here for - a while now - Max. Max," she returns his gaze, "You can't go back."

"I have to. I know I can fix this."

"But you can't. You know you can't. Some part of you knows that. But - you can't let her go and –- and we can't blame you for that. We can only try to help." Max stretches out her hand and he takes it, "They'll always be with you."