Chapter 61
I cut again and again, becoming more and more desperate. I keep going, but nothing happens. I don't feel any better. Why don't I feel any better? I always feel better! It always helps! I keep cutting, watching the droplet of blood form. So beautiful, so perfect.
"Vince? What are you doing?" It's Howard. I didn't even hear the door open. How could I not hear the door open? "What are you doing?" He asks again.
"Nothing." I reply quickly, keeping my back to him, hoping he'll drop it and leave. He doesn't, of course.
"What's that? Vince, what are you holding?"
"Nothing!" I say, almost shouting. I sigh. "Look, Howard, just leave it."
"No. Tell me what you're doing, Vince." I look round at him and notice his eye drift to the carpet next to me. He pales. "Vince…" He begins, his voice so hoarse it's barely a whisper. "Is that blood?" I don't reply. He walks towards me and I turn away, curling up, hiding. "Vince, let me see."
"No." I'm crying. I wipe the tears away furiously.
"Vince, you're hurt."
"I'm fine, just leave it."
"Let me help."
"No! I'm fine, Howard, just leave it."
"No, I will not leave it. You're hurt, you need help."
"I'm not hurt, I'm fine."
"If you're not hurt, why is there blood on the floor?"