Treasure hunt

come

I found myself in the backseat of our Ford. Dad driving and mom in the passenger seat. She hasn't spoken to me since the accident thinking I'd had something to do with it. 

No one really knows what happened. 

I told them I was hit in the back of my head and passed out before I knew where Eric went. A little alteration to the truth I know. I passed out drunk, I believe she knows I'm lying, I think everyone knows I'm lying. Concerning myself about what people thought of me even after I'd seen the jagged branch through my little brother Eric, his eyes horrified and wide, hanging midway down the cliff. It wasn't gravity that caught him, nor did angels, but a branch. 

We got to the Neurology and Psychology center. Mom and dad walked in without waiting for me to leave the car, with a sigh i follow.

The first thing I see as I walk in is an enormous marble desk for reception in the middle of the hall. I find it rather dazzling because, everything else is pure white that its blinding. Its a medical center so the smell of disinfectant works its way up my nostrils and burrows itself in my brain to give me an upcoming headache.

 I sit adjacent to a table with magazines on it while my parents handle the insurance and paper work. I detect a tear drop falling onto the sleeve of my hoodie but dismiss it. I've been tearing up since what happened and I can't seem to stop. I barely notice them until someone looks at me with an upsetting expression or asks if I'm okay, if there's anything I need to "talk about".  I hardly believe that anyone is willing to listen to me pity myself about the death of my brother which could ultimately turn out to be my fault. 

We've been waiting for approximately 15 minutes and mom was complaining the whole time. When she'd finally had it, they called my name. "Ruby dickens?" An adorably short nurse speaks out. She guides us through the tremendously huge white corridor. It had doors on both its sides (also very white) with the a name tag and specialty of the doctor. Makes me think of death and how many doors will I keep knocking till its finally my time. 

We're by the door before last on my right. The name tag has Arlo Brody on it. The nurse opens the door "The patient is here" and allows us to enter, its a nice space, everything I expected, honestly speaking. A big desk for him and a big brown leather couch for us. Shelves filled with books and a Phd framed and hung  just in front of us as we enter. He stands up and comes closer to us, a bright smile and a twinkle in the eye. Not bad to look at actually but I hesitate to shake his hands when he greets us. He doesn't seem offended. 

"Did I have you waiting for long?" he asks genuinely concerned but I have a feeling he'll do it again. Mom nods quickly "15 minutes actually, I hope it doesn't take from our time" she forced a smile.

"I'm so sorry for that, I had an overwhelmed patient. You can't rush certain things here but I guarantee your time here will be an hour exactly. Thankfully you're my last patients" he adds a wink to my mother in which she slightly blushes. 

He starts with asking why we're here and my parents look at each other awkwardly then at me. They don't speak so Dr.Arlo asks if it would be easier for them to speak if I wasn't there. They both nod even before he finishes his sentence. "Miss Ruby, if you don't mind, theres another room at the back of that door. Is it okay if you wait there a while?" 

I don't speak but nonetheless, drag my feet into the other room. Its much smaller, has padding all over the walls and a small white couch. Whats up with them and white things? I try to eavesdrop but I think its sound proof. 

I'm not pleased with Arlo, because, I told my father I'd wanted a female psychologist. I have a problem with men I don't know. They scare me. When they smile even when having good intentions it sends a tremor through my spine. Puts me on edge. 

Edge. 

Cliff. 

My eyes close for the briefest of seconds and Erics dead pale face jolts me into a gasp, sends me trembling and sucking for air. His gaping mouth and open, empty eyes never escape me. I see him almost everywhere. Like a reminder that I'd have to also carry his demons as well as mine. Twice as much to bear.