The hallucinations grew more and more frequent.
I slowly lost the ability to tell what was real and what was not.
Charles said, "Brenda, look closely. That's just a mirror—there's no one there."
Someone gently pulled my arms apart, then held me tight. The embrace was warm, not cold at all.
"Brenda!"
I heard my name being called right before I blacked out.
I woke up once more in the hospital.
These days, every severe spell of hallucinations ended with me passing out.
The doctor urged me to let go of the past and value the person beside me.
A bitter laugh escaped my lips. "I was a loser then, and I still am. I couldn't protect the person I loved, and all I do is drag down everyone who cares about me."
I swallowed an entire bottle of sleeping pills I'd secretly hoarded. The dose was
