Gifts

Chapter 16 – Mental Health Awareness–1

The party ended quickly after that. Alden left after one drink and, afterwards, since the apparent draw of the evening was gone, all of the rest of the guests began to filter out as well.

As I watched them all leave – none saying a word to me, though they certainly looked me – I wondered about the point of this party.

Why had Kent wanted to introduce me to my father in front of all of these people, instead of in private? It certainly hadn’t been a party to celebrate me. Instead, it was more like a proof of life. Kent was demonstrating to the world that I exist – and that I’m in his power.

I stare down at the diamond on my finger, twisting the ring back and forth, seeing how it catches the light. Even though I’ve changed and into a pair of leggings and a super soft sweater – honestly, how do these clothes keep showing up in my room? – I don’t have the heart to take the ring off.

It’s just so beautiful. I’ve rarely had anything really pretty in my life and this was…stunning. And priceless, I think.

Maybe if I run away, I can sell this at a pawn shop and use the money to get to Europe, where Kent and my father can’t find

  1. me.

I grimace at the impossibility of all of that, though. I don’t even

a better chance to get back to my normal life.

But after this evening I realize that I’m just as much of a pawn in Alden’s world as Kent’s. And after seeing his crazy mood swings, I’m not sure Alden would be a better choice. Kent can be cruel, but at least he’s always in control.

Suddenly, outside of my door, I hear a huge thump and a groan. What –

I jump up from the bed and stare at the door, expecting it to swing open like it always does.

But nothing.

I hear the groan again.

Scared, but needing to know, I run to the door and pull it open.

I gasp at the sight before me.

Kent Lippert is laying on the ground of the hallway, groaning, his eyes pressed closed as he clutches his chest.

“Oh my god!” I say, looking either way down the hall for help. No one’s there.

to quickly feel for

I say, “are you all

He says,

because – obviously – he is not

conscious, at least. I hesitate, trying to remember the First Responder

you having pain in

again, his eyes still pressed shut as he begins to pant. He tries to sit up but I

still,” I say, my head whipping around, still looking up and down the hall for help. Still, no one appears.

B

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Gifts

Mental Health Awareness–2

for help,” I say, rising to my knee, but he grabs

squint at me. “Don’t go anywhere.

I hiss at him, appalled. “Kent,

the words from between his clenched teeth. “This

forcing out the

back against the floor,

at him. Is he serious? Is this honestly a common

I do to

me, clearly annoyed. “Go away, that’s what you

stare at him. Was he crazy? “Kent,

Suddenly footstone.co

Mental

my face that

I think – and pauses

3/3

that happens to me. From time to time. It’s been happening for the past couple of

times of…stress.”

sink to the floor, my back still against the door, putting the pieces

about

up at

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Gifts

16 – Mental

not usually to this extent. But we learned, in my program,

look at me or say a word. I bite my lip, feeling suddenly sorry for him. I can’t help it. I’ve never really been able to see

“There are doctors that can help you with this sort of thing. You

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