Page 166 of The Secret We Keep
You’re sick.
“This isn’t the first time.” Thick webs trap me. Long roots have me grounded.
Holly’s hands come up to her mouth. “Oh my God.”
“Don’t say that. Oh my God what?”
“Is she keeping you medicated?”
“Medicated forwhat?” I hold out my hands, palms to the ceiling.
“Morgan?” Paddy knocks on the door.
Both Holly and I ignore him.
“I’m not sure I like what you’re implying, Holly.”
She laughs. “I’m not sure you’re seeing what’s right in front of you.”
The conviction in her voice makes me falter. We never argue like this. Never. Something definitely isn’t right. Maybe Paddy asked me to call her, knowing something I don’t. My defences rise.
“I think you need to leave.”
Shock fills her face. “Not until I know you’re safe.”
I stare at her, the voice coming back louder this time.
You’re sick.
“Morgan?” Paddy says again.
You’re never going to get better.
The room feels like a pressure cooker about to explode.
“Please go,” I tell Holly.
You need help.
“No,” Holly replies.
You’re not right.
“Morgan,” Paddy bangs loudly on the door. “Let me in.”
You can’t do this.
My hands slap to either side of my head. “Go,” I say more forcefully, but still Holly refuses to budge.
The rapping on the door mixed with Holly’s hard stare has me sinking to my knees. “Go away! Go away! Go away!”
“Morgan!” The door snaps off its hinges as Paddy flies into the room.
You’re sick.
“Go away! Leave me alone!”
“Hey.” Paddy takes my head in his hands, pulling my face to look at him. “She’s gone, Morgan. She’s gone.”
