RIVER
My throat finally relaxed enough for words to flow, but my chest felt like it was collapsing. "I'm not crazy," I said, turning to face Mrs. Wilson, my heart sinking to the pit of my stomach. "I'm not on drugs-"
But I didn't have the chance to finish. She shook her head, and the wounded look in her eyes hurt me more than any shout could. "You're not yourself," she said softly, looking me in the eyes. And I felt myself shrink, as if she could see the real me.
"What you're doing scares me, Lexi. You're speaking in third person, as if you are River. Like you can't tell the difference anymore. Something is going on with you, and I am not doing this to punish you. I want my daughter back."
Her voice broke.
"These people will help," she added, looking at the men. "It's not a punishme
