The Wrong Sister

I didn’t recover nearly as fast this time. This incident had really sapped the juice from my body. I was weak and exhausted for several days after waking. My whole body felt like it was filled with bricks. Just sitting upright was a major task, even with a nurse on one side and Lisa on the other. I received physical therapy every day and a slew of tests, most of which I didn’t even understand. I just wanted to get well enough and strong enough to get away from Lisa, even if I still had no idea where I would go or how I would survive. I told this much to Dr. Lacayo the day she surprised me with a visit. “Look,” I quickly explained in a hushed tone, “I know who you are, and I remember everything that happened to me. But the doctors are pretty sure I don’t remember the last few years, and I have to go along with that for the sake of surviving.” “I’m so, so very sorry this happened to you,” the doctor said, her voice heavy with sympathy. “I know you’ve been through so much.” “Yeah, well… one does get kind of used to it.” “It’s a shame you should have to.” “I agree. I honestly can’t think of a single reason I deserve this shit. But I’ve been dealt this hand nonetheless, and nothing’s changed. I still have to get away from her. I don’t know where I’d go or how I’d survive, but sooner or later, Lisa’s dark side is going to emerge again—and that’s no way to live.” “No, it’s not.” “Did she ever question you about the visitor pass?” “Yes, but of course I didn’t say anything.” “Really hope your fingerprints weren’t on it.” “They may have been, but no law enforcement agency has them on record.” “Not your son’s either, I hope.” She shook her head. Tears of frustration burned my eyes and threatened to spill. She noticed and put a comforting hand on my shoulder. “Now what?” I asked in despair. “Now you continue with your plan, only with a bit of a revision. I hate to see you go home to her just as much as you do, but it would be a lot easier for me to get you out there than to get you out of here. There’s no way I could just sign you out or have anyone else sign you out.” “Yeah, I get that.” I paused, thinking. “What about just telling the truth? What about telling the hospital staff that no, I haven’t forgotten a damn thing, and no, I can’t just go home with this madwoman?” “Because the madwoman is a cop. Probably a corrupt cop, at best. You know it wouldn’t be that simple dealing with her. You have to vanish without a trace.” “But how? Call you when I think the moment is right from a phone she could trace?” The doctor shook her head, her straight, shiny auburn-brown hair bouncing across her shoulders. “No. You need to get kidnapped.” My head jerked with surprise. “I what?” “I have a friend who owes me a big favor. That’s all I can say. The less you know, the better.” “When and where will I be kidnapped?” “I can’t say,” the doctor said firmly. “You’ll just have to let me do my thing. I can’t give you time frames or details.” “But how will I know that I’m not being kidnapped for real?” “You’ll know… or maybe you won’t.”