Chapter Thirty-Three: Choking:

Here we go again.

Miranda glared at me from the hall. I couldn’t keep doing this. Why can’t Mama see this isn’t working? Going to therapy was only making it worse. But she didn’t seem to care. Dr. Sherman sat across from me. He took out his notebook.

“Can you see her now?” Dr. Sherman asked. I looked down at my lap. I slowly nodded.

“Where is she?” he asked. I pointed behind him. Dr. Sherman turned around.

“I don’t see her,” he said.

“You can’t.”

“Why is that?”

“Only I can see her.”

“How does that work?”

I shook my head. For once since I started these sessions against my will, I said what I think. Dr. Sherman had an odd look on his face.

“What did you say?” he asked. I lifted my head.

“I don’t think I should come here anymore,” I said.

“What do you mean?” he asked.

“Have you felt like someone was watching you?” I asked. He froze with the pen in his hand.

“No,” Dr. Sherman said in a quiet voice. He trembled as he spoke. I shook my head.

“She’s following you, isn’t she?” I asked. I rose to my feet. “Oh no. It’s happening again. She’s already hurt Mama and now she’s going after you.”

“Don’t be silly,” he insisted. “Miranda isn’t real. She can’t hurt me.” I slowly shook my head.

“You have no idea,” I whispered. “You have no idea.” I could see Miranda glaring at me. I had never seen her sneer like that.

“What?” Dr. Sherman asked. I suddenly gripped my stomach.

“I think I am going to be sick,” I whimpered. I left up from the couch and ran out of the room.

“Kinsey?” Dr. Sherman asked behind me. I was already out in the hall.

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I had my face buried in the toilet, puking my guts out. I thought I was going to die. How long was this to go on? I don’t think I could take this anymore. Tears filled my eyes.

Suddenly, a hand grabbed me by the hair. I could feel the nails in my scalp.

“Ow! That hurts!” I cried. “Please let me go!” I could feel Miranda’s hot breath on my ear.

“You have made a huge mistake,” she hissed. “I will kill everyone around you.” I shook my head, crying.

“No, no!” I whimpered. “Please!”

“Too late,” Miranda said. She slammed me down against the toilet. My nose hit the seat. I rolled around on the floor, wailing as Miranda laughed at me. It was then I knew how bad things had gotten.