Page 21 of Borrowed
The doctor stiffened.“We’re aware of Tabitha’s history.But your child’s death was ruled as smoke inhalation from the fire.Tabitha, being in the mental state she is in, likely could not overpower anyone.From the reports we received, it remains a mystery what truly occurred for everyone except Tabitha.If you want any chance of helping her remember, we must be patient and kind.I understand your pain and confusion, but you cannot point fingers at Tabitha for Tobias’s loss.”
“It wasn’t,” I interrupted, eyes burning.
Death.
Burning.
Blood.
Paint.
I just wanted to feel Toby’s love.
“He didn’t leave me.He loves me.He’s here.”
They all turned to me.
Toby stepped forward, shadows clinging to his shoulders like smoke, the fire of that night lingering on his body.I could smell the thick black clouds.I could feel the heat poking my face like needles.
“Tell them, Zusje.”But his voice was softer now.Almost sad.
Does he still feel the fire burn him, too?
“You don’t understand,” I whispered.“Toby was with me.He held me.The fire hurt, but Toby didn’t want to leave me.”
“Tabitha,” Mother said, voice pinched.“You have to stop?—”
“I didn’t hurt him!I felt his love.The fire hurt Toby.I went to sleep, and Toby let me wear—” I bit my lip…hard.It tasted like metal and memory.My head hurt.
The doctor held up a hand.“We’re still assessing.Tabitha will remain under observation until we have a clearer picture.For now, we’re focusing on her mental state and re-evaluating medication protocols.If you’ll excuse me.”
He left.
Mother looked at Father, then at me.“You’re going to get better,” she said through her teeth.“One way or another, you will understand what you did.You will be punished for taking him away from me, Tabitha…you will burn, too.”
She walked out.
Father gave me one last look.There was something in it, like he wanted to ask a question but was afraid of the answer.Then he followed her, shaking his head.
I was alone again.
Except I wasn’t.
Toby sat beside me.Not across the room.Not in the mirror.Right next to me.His shoulder touched mine.His skin was cold, always cold, despite the fire being so hot.I didn’t pull away.
“You did good,” he said, his breath ghosting against my ear.“They believe you, Sister, you wore my love.That’s how we’re together forever.I told you I would burn for you, my twin.”
I rested my head on his shoulder.
“I don’t care if they do,” I whispered.“I just want you to stay.”
He smiled.“Forever.”
It didn’t happen all at once.
First, I heard the clinking of metal against the kitchen floor.Then, the low hiss of gasoline sloshing in a container she’d been hiding.I could hear her from the hallway—I could hear her breathing.I knew she wasn’t planning on stopping.She was too far gone now.
I followed her.
