Chapter One

Dezombification

Even with the pillow covering my face, muffling their hushed whispers, I still managed to catch key words like – doctor, therapy, moving.

Charlie was downstairs with mom discussing Operation Dezombifie Bella. He meant well, but I wish he wouldn’t bother. All the talking, sharing of thoughts and feelings, and medication weren’t going to change anything. It wouldn’t bring Him back, wouldn’t fill the hole gaping in my chest where my heart used to be.

The chairs scooted back harshly against the floor. They were heading up here as a united force.

The knock on the door was light – Renee. Charlie wasn’t quite so subtle. She peeked in; even with the pillow covering my eyes, I could hear the door creak open, but no footfalls, so clearly she was casing things out before they attacked me.

“Bella?” she questioned hesitantly from the doorway. “Baby, we need to talk to you about something.”

I didn’t move. Maybe if I ignored them long enough, they’d eventually just give up and leave me alone. Not that I blamed them. Six months had passed and I was no better, worse even. I guess somewhere deep down I’d truly believed he’d come back to me. But as each week turned into another month, I knew I’d been foolish to cling to such pointless hope.

The bed moved as she sat gingerly on the edge, her hand rubbing my forearm softly. She pulled the pillow away leaving me staring sightlessly at my ceiling.

“Sweetie, sit up.”

I heaved myself up while Charlie began packing my suitcase. I watched him not feeling anything as he tossed what few possessions I had haphazardly into my small luggage.

“I’m taking you to Jacksonville with me, honey, alright?”

I didn’t respond. What would be the point? I could miss Him in sunny Florida just as well as I did here. It was just geography.

“I’ve scheduled you to see Dr. Turner as soon as we land. Come on. Our plane leaves in an hour.”

Charlie handed me my shoes and a jacket which I quickly threw on while avoiding eye contact with both of them.