Chapter 25:

*EDDIE'S POV:

Sitting opposite of a newly finished desk, my hands gripped lightly at the edge of the armrests. There was a slight ringing in my ears due to the naturally silent atmosphere, but this felt different. My breath hitched. Did those words really come from him? Was he serious?

"You seem surprised?" he questioned, raising an eyebrow. "Is everything okay?"

"Oh, yeah yeah, everything's fine. To be honest, I-I just wasn't expecting it."

"Well, I think you and I can both agree that it's been a successful time here. You came to us with health concerns and the team worked with it. Though tests showed no visible symptoms or results, we listened to what we were told and looked for signs. Yes they were found, but you've seemed to make improvements rather quickly. I don't see a need for your stay any longer, so as I said, your release is set for tomorrow." he explained, signing a form. "You'll preform one last exit meeting with Dr. Collins and then be on your way. If there's any concern or questions, they will relate to her."

"Thank you, sir." I said, resting on the edge of the chair. "I appreciate all that's done for me."

"It's what we do here, Edward." he stood, reaching his hand out to shake. "Be cautious, however. Even a dormant volcano has the potential to erupt once again."

Shaking his hand, I nodded as he led me out to the hall. Start trying to tie up loose ends with the others, he suggested, shutting the door behind him. I'm going home. Was there anything really wrong with me? Of course there was─maybe it was just a phase? I don't know. I can't explain it. No one can explain it. Telling Audy is gonna be exciting, though I hope Damon and Wesley won't be too upset by the departure. We've grown pretty close these last few weeks.

A sweet, boisterous voice rang through the hall I was approaching and I instantly smiled. Audy was doing some room checks as she escorted a recreation group to an activity they couldn't find. Afternoon, Eddie, she said professionally once we locked eyes.

"And to you, Miss Goodman." I joked back, leaning against the wall. "I have something to tell you when we get to the cafeteria."

"You'll have to come find me then." she challenged, strolling down the hall. "I look forward to the news."

Deciding to head to lunch, I turned around and walked to the cafeteria area. The line was fairly slow-moving so I sat down at the usual table and waited for the others to arrive. Luna appeared with another group and guided them to  the line, occasionally making her way down and conversing with the numerous patients waiting. For as timid as she is in new environments, she was flourishing in this field. People respected her voice and kindness. There was a balance between authority and friendship. I was so proud of her and what she's accomplished─and will accomplish soon enough.

"Someone looks anxious." Holly spoke, sitting down at the table.

"I'm getting released tomorrow." I blurted, looking down at my hands perched on the table.

"Really? Good for you, bud!" she cheered, punching me in the arm.

"Ow," I laughed, "thanks,"

She shoved a fork into her mouth, mumbling, "Have you told anyone else yet?"

"Not yet, I just got-"

"Ah, big man just told you didn't he? Exit interview is next with the big lady then."

"Uh, yeah," I laughed.

"This ain't my first rodeo, Munson." she explained, "Coming from me, make sure you keep yourself well."

"I'm gonna try my best." I nodded.

"Alright, I'll see you later then." Holly waved, picking up her tray with one hand, stomping away to another table. Before I could turn to look for any others, I heard a familiar bit of sarcasm come from behind.

"I told you, Miss Goodman, he has a thing for the heroine addict. They practically just exchanged marriage vows." Damon said, shaking his head as Luna stood next to him. "Isn't there a thing in the rule book about patient-patient relationships? I think it's restricted."

"That's not a thing, Damon, but nice try." Audy laughed. "Eddie, are you eating?"

"Yeah, I was waiting until the line moved faster." I answered. "But I want to tell you guys something first. I'm being released tomorrow."

"Are you kidding me? You're gonna leave me alone with this dickhead!" Damon groaned, motioning to Wesley.

"Love you too, Damon!" Wesley hissed, glaring at him but then turning to face me. "Congrats, dude."

"Thanks," I nodded, waiting for a reaction from Luna.

She had a large smile on her face as her eyes sparkled. "Yay! I'm so happy for you, Eddie."

"What a shame, you two will never see each other again." Damon said, stretching the secret per usual. "When you leaving, sweetheart?"

"A few days. I'll be back, though." she shrugged. "You two better not be here."

"Oh, please. By the time I get out of here, California will be at the bottom of the ocean during the second coming of Christ." Damon rolled his eyes. "Besides, if I got out of here, I wouldn't get to see that pretty face of yours anymore, would I?"

"If you were motivated to work towards your release, maybe I'd just have to break up with my boyfriend and take you for a spin." she suggested, raising an eyebrow teasingly but stopped immediately after.

"Ooh," Damon cooed, smirking, "is that a promise?"

"Guess we'll have to find out, huh?" she asked, standing from her seat. "Have a good day, guys. Eddie, go eat."

"See ya later, babe." Damon waved.

"Damon,"

"Leave already! No one wants you here!" Damon yelled abruptly, sticking his tongue out and scrunching up his nose. Audy laughed and walked out of the cafeteria to another activity.

I left to go get food, coming back to find Wesley half asleep and Damon's demeanor changing. Instead of a boastful sarcastic asshole, he fiddled with his fingers in silence.

"Dude, you good?" I asked, setting down the tray.

"Yeah," he lightly chuckled, looking up as if I snapped him out of a trance. "Hey man, if you ever want me to cool it with Luna, just tell me. Sometimes I don't realize how much I mess with her until I think about it."

I was taken back by the apology. I never thought anything of it, it was kind of amusing and I knew Luna was comfortable with it. "You're fine, Damon. Besides, she's her own person. If you wanna make sure what you're saying is okay, ask her personally."

"Okay," he nodded, then asked if I thought she's okay with it. Yes, I know what she's like. It's probably really amusing to her. He nodded, then looked down at his lap as he leaned back in his chair.

"Is there something else behind this?" I asked, seeming to think he wasn't fully spilling his thoughts.

"It's nothing, really. I don't want to make this awkward."

"Damon, this place is meant for awkwardness. I'm not gonna judge you or anything. What? Do you have a crush on her or something? It's okay, I get it."

"No, no. Honestly, no. I don't have a crush on her or anything. It's just," he paused, "She just reminds me of my girlfriend─well, my old girlfriend. Sometimes messing with Audy takes me back to a time when I wasn't in here and I was happier."

***

I couldn't sleep. I was way too ecstatic for tomorrow. I'm home free!

Lights were out about an hour ago, but here I am, staring at the checkered ceiling, counting the squares. . .again.

Luckily, when I hit fifty, I felt that spell of slumber course it's way through my veins. I mentally cheered and closed my eyes, praying that I would fall asleep soon. I was exhausted because I even started to imagine things again. A delicate voice was whispering around the room, edging me on to close my eyes and dream. It helped─whatever my mind was doing. I drifted in and out of sleep for a good while, but as soon as I finally got in a comfortable position and felt like I was going to sleep, a loud scream rang through the hallway.

"EVACUATE!" 

Evacuate? What happened? I scurried out of bed and ran to the door, looking out the small window. The alarm sounded and nurses were scattered everywhere, unlocking doors and taking patients to different places. My door unlocked and I opened it, searching for a possible cause or where everyone was headed. Doctor Collins came trotting down the hall and I stopped to ask her.

"What's going on? Why are we evacuating?"

"Someone managed to set a fire in the transfer wing. No one knows how. Half the building is on fire. We have to move." she said, grabbing my arm and pulling me towards the safety exit.

"I got him, Dr. Collins. Do whatever you need to do." an unfamiliar male nurse said, grabbing onto my shoulder.

"Thank you," she said, barely looking at him and turning down another hall.

He pushed me down the hall opposite to the one everyone was running to. "Shouldn't we be going that way?" I asked. He ignored me and continued to lead me down the dark hall. "Seriously, we're supposed to be going this way." I pointed, brushing past him and sprinting towards the exit.

He grabbed the back of my shirt and yanked. "You're coming with me."

"What the hell? Get off me!" I shouted, trying to free myself. "Help! Someone help me!"

"Shut up," he spat, stopping in front of a door. He pulled out a set of keys and jammed one into the lock, twisting and opening it. He paused for a second, then slowly turned his head to look at me. "When is a door not a door?" 

He grabbed me by my shirt collar and tossed me into the dark room. I tumbled down a set of stairs and hit my head on concrete when I landed at the bottom. A wave of pain coursed through my body.

"What gets wetter as it dries?" he asked, stomping down the stairs. I scurried away to the nearest corner.

"Cannot be seen, cannot be felt, cannot be heard, cannot be smelt. . . "

Impossible.

"It lies behind the stars and beneath the hills. . ."

It can't be.

". . .ending life and killing laughter. Oh what could it possibly be?"

I shook my head. You're dreaming. You are dreaming. You got too excited and now everything's rushing back. You're okay, you're okay, you're okay.

"I believe I asked a question."

Don't answer. Don't give in to him. He's something formed from your imagination. He's not real.

"I need an answer now."

I don't know the answer anyway.

He laughed, creeping around the corner and standing above me. "Do you know the types of procedures they used to do in a place like this?"

Don't give in.

"Ice baths. . . trepanation. . . lobotomy. . . but I think my favorite was electroshock therapy."

I didn't know the point he was trying to make until I saw sparks and heard the sizzles of electricity. He wouldn't.

"Oh, but I would. You should really stop brushing this off as a dream. That'll get you killed. This isn't a dream."

"What do you want?" I finally spoke.

"I want an answer to my riddle, Eddie."

"I don't know the answer! Really, I don't!" I answered.

"Oh, but you do."

"No I fucking don't!"

"Am I going to have to electrocute it out of you?" he asked, stepping closer with a split wire.

"No, please don't. I- I don't know it!"

He zapped my leg, sending a bolt through my body. "Answer,"

I tried thinking of any possible answer. Nothing was coming to mind. He zapped me again. It only felt worse, like a repeated touch of a taser. "Don't make me move this to your head."

"I don't fucking know the answer!" I screamed.

"Liar!"

"I don't."

He zapped me again.

"I. Don't. Know."

Zap.

Shit this hurts.

Zap.

Random words were surfacing my tongue and pooled out of my mouth. Every single word I muttered was wrong.

Two zaps.

Fucking hell! He started moving the wire up and closer to my face. Before he could press the scorching cut wire to my temple, something clicked. My eyes widened and my heart stopped. "Darkness,"

"Say it again,"

"Darkness. The answer─it's darkness."

He took the wire away and threw it into the opposite corner. "Correct."

"There, are you happy? I solved your riddle, now let me go."

"You still don't get it, do you?"

"Get what?"

"My plan wasn't to get you to answer my riddle. The answer was to help you understand my doing of  this. How stupid are you?"

"I- I don't understand."

"Cannot be seen. . . cannot be felt. . ."

So?

"Cannot be heard. . . cannot be smelt. . ."

I'm still not getting it.

"It lies behind the stars and beneath the hills. . . ending life and killing laughter. Sound familiar?"

"No! I don't understand you!"

"Darkness, Eddie. It's what I am. I am darkness. I cannot be seen, cannot be felt. I can't be heard, I can't be smelt─with the exception of you, of course." he snickered. "But what's the last part again? Ending lives and killing laughter?"

"What are you saying?"

"I'm saying that ending lives and killing laughter is my specialty. It's what I do. I feed off of pain, sadness, anger, and fear."

"You're. . . you're feeding off of me and everyone around me. . . aren't you?"

"Bingo."

"But why? Why me? How did I get stuck with this?"

"I have a deed that I need to finish from the past. You were my only way."

"How long am I gonna be stuck like this?"

"All of it will go away, Eddie. Just let me in."

"Let you in?"

"Let me in. Let me into your mind."

"No! Why the hell would I let darkness into my mind?"

"Because it's the only thing you can do to save yourself."

"What?"

"Let me in."

"No,"

"I said, let me in."

"No!"

"LET ME IN, EDWARD."

"Or what?"

"Don't test me."

"This is bullshit." I spat, standing up and sprinting for the door. I'm gonna burn with the rest of this building if I don't get out now. I reached for the handle of the exit, but a thin cord slithered around my neck and held me back. His putrid breath was irritating my skin as he yanked on the ends of the wire, cutting off my air supply.

"I have the power of killing every single person you have ever loved. I suggest you obey me so no one gets hurt." he hissed, emphasizing the last word and jerking the cord even tighter around my throat. "I'd start with you. . . but then you wouldn't get to see everyone else suffer."

"Don't touch anyone," I breathed, harshly gasping for air.

"Let me in then."

It only got tighter. I couldn't slip my fingers under the material to pull it away. My vision blurred and my legs weakened.

"Just let me in, Eddie." he whispered, but I barely understood his words. I couldn't fight him anymore. I relaxed my muscles and my thoughts, letting out one last breath. "That's it. . ." he said, releasing the cord.

My body slammed against the concrete floor. As I gasped for the musky air filling the basement, I felt something rush over me. I can't explain this feeling but it was something. I couldn't bring myself to move. The dark figure no where in sight and I was still in a building painted in flames. Smoke started bellowing into the basement, flowing down each step like a fountain. I army crawled over to the other exit and reached for the handle, but it stung. I quickly retracted my hand, pressing my palm against the door. It was scalding. Smoke began sneaking its way under that door. Soon I was stuck in the middle of the basement, surrounded by the smothering smoke. I was pressed against the cold floor with my shirt collar on the bridge of my nose so I wouldn't breathe in the toxic air as quickly.

There was no way out. I was trapped in here. No one has probably noticed my absence. One patient was the least of their worries. I was about to give up hope until I heard the slamming of a door. "Help me!" I yelled.

"Eddie?"

"Yes! Please, help me!" I coughed.

"Eddie? Hello?"

"I'm here! By the shelves!"

"Eddiiiiiiee?"

"I'm over here!"

"Eddie!" someone said, grabbing and shaking me. "Eddie!"

I sucked in a sharp breath and jolted upwards, colliding heads with the person holding me.

"Ow," she giggled, rubbing her forehead.

I opened my eyes after rubbing my forehead, only to see that I was back in my room with Luna by my side. It was a damn dream. "Sorry," I grumbled, still trying to adjust to the light.

"It's okay. You wouldn't wake up! Must've been some dream you were having."

"Tell me about it." I laughed, trying to seem like it wasn't a nightmare. I lied, "Skydiving is one of those never-ending falling dreams."

"Yikes," she cringed. "I'm leaving early today."

"You taking me home, huh?" I smirked.

"No, you have to leave with your parents." she said, pointing her finger.

"And then can we do something?"

"Yes, that's when we can do something. Get up and get ready." she boasted, slapping my thigh and walking out.

"Son of a bitch." I muttered, covering my face with my hands and falling back onto my pillow. I haven't had a nightmare in weeks. Nothing like that has happened in weeks. I can't be getting bad again. Maybe I just got too worked up over leaving today. Yeah, that's it. I got too excited and my mind was hectic. I stood from the bed, almost losing my balance as the blood rushed from my head. Whoa, you're okay, though, Eddie. You're okay....................................................A/N: Is he really okay? Lemme hear your thoughts.

But for one thing, that riddle was finally answered! One of you guys got it first, but I'm not sure if you're even still reading this, or active on Wattpad for that matter. But yes, others figured it out as well! Comment a ':)' if you did here!

Are you guys getting bored? I really hope not. If you are, I'm sorry. :(

If you're curious, ask me random questions. I'll have fun answering.

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