November 1997
Another Tuesday, another day in the psychiatrists office. It had been weeks since he'd had a dream, a nightmare. Weeks since he'd even thought of that night, and yet he was still forced to sit in this office week after week. Every week he was asked the same questions; how are you sleeping, are you still having nightmares, when was the last time you thought of that night. And he always answered with a shrug of his shoulders because honestly he was tired of it all, of the questions and the ears that didn't hear. He glanced up at the clock that hung above the desk and sighed. It had only been twenty minutes since he'd arrived, and after his first appointment he's promised Gina that he would stay for the whole hour, since it was payed for and all.
'I've told you, I haven't had a nightmare for a month at least now. I haven't thought of it in a whole either, not as much at least. I'm fine.'
'Now, just because you think you're fine doesn't mean you are, Merlin. These things take time to heal properly.'
'Really? Because I recall you telling me to get over it. Look, Doug, I really don't see the point of me being here,' Merlin sighed and rubbed the back of his neck.
'You don't have to be.'
'Of course I do. I promised Gina.' Merlin turned his gaze to the pile for books that sat near the edge of the desk. 'I never break my promises.'
'Hmmm. Well, is there anything you'd like to talk about? Anything that hasn't already been mentioned?' Doug smiled the overbearing smile that Merlin had seen far too often and fiddled with the end of his tie. Merlin shook his head.
'Nothing at all? Are you sure?'
'Pretty sure, yeah.'
'Not the sleepwalking, even?' Merlin raised his gaze to meet Doug's.
'Who told you about that?' Gina, of course. Merlin folded his arms defensively across is chest and slid down in the uncomfortable chair, his eyes falling back to the books.
'Your mother told me. She said you've been waking up outside, in the back garden, is that right?' Merlin remained silent. It was true, of course, that he had been waking up in random places like the garden or under Mordred's bed, and he had no idea why. Sleepwalking was Gina's suggestion but Merlin though that was just ridiculous. He never sleepwalked, why would he start now? Merlin assumed Gina had told him because of his most recent escapade. He couldn't remember getting out of bed that night and walking downstairs. He couldn't remember pulling a knife from the kitchen drawer, or opening the back door and heading for the kennel that sat under the oak tree he and Gina had planted when he'd first arrived. He was awakened by Gina's screams. A wet, sticky liquid covered his hands and his face, and as he slowly slipped into consciousness he realised that he was no longer in his bed, and that Gina was staring, as pale as a ghost, at the decapitated body of his beloved dog.
[[ I know the chapters are really short, so I apologise. Thanks to everyone who is reading this, and please review :) ]]