Rebeca

I'm Rebeca

The attic was very narrow, and breathing was difficult. I thanked God that there was something like a window, letting the light in slowly.

—If only I had brought my phone, but there’s nothing I can do. I must think of some way to get out of here.

The box contained two other boxes. It was Courtney’s and Lucy’s ashes, I was sure of it. If only they were alive—at least then I would die knowing the truth.

I heard a nearby sound…

—Please, get me out of here, Henry. I am Rebecca…

The footsteps stopped for a moment, and I heard his voice speaking to himself:

—Rebecca, Rebecca, she’s here… Then he shouted, No, you’re not Rebecca, you’re the lying witch, you took her from me…

What? A witch? Are there real witches?

—No, Henry, here I am. The witch brought me back. I am pregnant, Henry.

I don’t know why I lied, but I had to get out of there—the smell of dampness was killing me.

—I’m coming, Rebecca.

He opened the door for me, and I stepped out. I had to act now as if I were Rebecca. But I didn’t even know who Rebecca was. All I knew was that a “witch” had taken her. All I knew was that he loved the pink shirt and the white pants… and… South Road, yes, South Road… there was something strange there, I had to go.

—You won’t leave this house, Rebecca. I’ll forbid phones and going out. The doctor will come here to examine you, until we have our child.

My God, I’ll remain trapped here. I must find a way out—or I must find Berna, she will help me.

—I’ll get so bored, Henry. Let me invite my sister to stay with me.

—What?? Your sister? Didn’t you tell me you were an orphan?

He came at me like a madman, grabbed my face, and examined it.

My God, Rebecca is an orphan. I had fallen into a ridiculous trap.

—I… I just found my family while you were away.

—Crazy, you’re crazy… a liar… you’re not Rebecca, you’re Catherine…

—I’m not Catherine, I’m Rebecca. My sister Berna and I came to your company for no reason, just to be close to you.

—And… and how did you forge the papers? Berna…

—Berna lives with her mother-in-law, not my mother. We changed the circumstances so you wouldn’t feel my return. And my family handled the papers, since I found them…

—You’re clever, Rebecca… very clever. I’m glad I was able to help your sister’s husband…

We spent the day together…

—I’ll allow Berna to come and stay with you throughout your pregnancy.

Is he a fool? The clever Henry defeated by a woman? Empty words about Rebecca! Who is this witch…

I began to feel afraid. It was good that he allowed Berna to come—she would help me a lot in uncovering the truth. But there remained the matter of the pregnancy. I had to act.

I called Berna and asked her to come. I told her what had happened. She didn’t believe me at first, but when she saw me crying in anguish, she said:

—Even if you were joking, I’ll help you, my sister. I won’t let any harm come to you. We must make a plan. I don’t want to see you turned to ashes…