Aiden

Tick-tock…Tick-tock…

The room is silent, except for the old grandfather clock next to the TV stand.

Tick-tock…Tick-tock…

The medicine is starting to wear off. I can feel it.

Tick-tock…Tick-tock…
Tick…

‘Did you miss us, Aiden?’

I shut my eyes and cringed at the familiar voices.

‘We missed you, Aiden. Don’t take the pills anymore. Don’t silence us.’

I slowly got up from the couch.
I have to stay calm…I have to stay calm…

‘Aiden…don’t take them. They’re not good for you.’

I walked toward the kitchen and took out the pills from the cabinet.

‘No! Don’t do it! Don’t take them!’

I took out two pills and swallowed them quickly.

Breathe in…breathe out…breathe in…breathe out…

The voices began to grow quiet.

“They’re not real…they’re not real.”

I went back to the couch and sat down, hugging my knees to my chest.

Tick-tock…Tick-tock…
Tick…tock…