Read Online Ashes by Estevan Vega - Free Book Online Page B

glasses on and thumbed through the print-out affixed to the notepad on his lap.
    â€œWhy do you want to help me?”
    The doctor set his pen down for a moment. “Because I’m your friend.”
    â€œI’ll bet,” Arson said, slouching. “This is just your job.”
    â€œI want to set you free. This place is for those who need…a little more attention. For those who can’t find the way back themselves.” He folded his lips and awaited compliance.  
    Arson settled in his chair, studied the doctor up and down.
    Â  “It’ll all come back to you soon. Nothing stays lost forever, not even memories.”
    â€œMemories,” Arson said. “Tell me what happened. Tell me!”
    Carraway twitched his nose. “Let’s not bother with specifics right now. We have more important things to discuss. Your grandmother’s death will come back to you when you’re ready.”
    â€œI’m thirsty,” Arson said, smacking his tongue. He wanted to know why he was here. He didn’t believe this man, in spite of how innocent and welcoming he appeared.  
    â€œLet’s get you some water.” The doctor snapped his fingers, and with that, the guard accompanying them left the room. But he didn’t walk through a door. The wall just moved forward at the pressing of the guard’s hand. This room had no doors. Sighs rushed out of them both.
    â€œStephen, what is the last thing you remember before entering this institution?”
    â€œI’m not crazy, Doctor,” Arson spat, crossing his arms.
    â€œI never said you were. Now, please, try to focus all of your energy on your last memory. Concentrate.”
    Just then, the wall opened again with a snake’s hiss, and the guard entered with a glass of water. He set it down on the table and returned to his position.
    Arson reluctantly shut his eyes, thinking back. He couldn’t tell this man that the last thing he remembered was burning the faces off jocks and sluts. He wasn’t a murderer. Instead, he thought deeper, reached for memories he hadn’t experienced in some time. “There’s a dock by a lake. I’m drowning. Waves, small waves rock my head back and forth under the current. No, I’m not drowning at all. I can’t breathe, but…but I’m safe. Grandma’s yelling at me in my bedroom. Doesn’t like me going in, not at all. She loves me, just doesn’t know how to show it.”
    â€œVery good. This is an older memory, no doubt. Still, it’s a start. What else?”
    Arson’s mind violently sprang to life. “Now I see a room, like this one. But I can’t make out much of anything. It’s so dark and cold outside. Winter.”
    â€œGo on,” the doctor said, scribbling notes.
    â€œA young girl? She’s in pain. I just want to help her. Can I save her? I want to save her!”
    â€œTry.”
    â€œI can’t. All I can do is watch. I hate it. Oh no, she’s in so much pain. Something’s happening. She’s burning.” An aching sensation spread at the back of Arson’s eyes, and then warm tears dripped down the sides of his face. “I can’t even touch her.”
    â€œWho else is there? Can you see anyone’s face?”
    â€œNo,” Arson said, eyes shut. “Everyone’s a blur.” Goosebumps bubbled on his arm. “Nurses are freaking out real bad. This girl is pregnant. There’s a man next to her. I can tell he’s afraid. Doesn’t want to be there. So much blood. Is she burning alive…from the inside? She can’t take it.” Arson felt his nose start to bleed. “I’m alone and I can’t get out.”
    Dr. Carraway snapped his fingers a few times, but Arson remained in that dark trance.  
    â€œHelp her! No! Somebody, please help her!”
    â€œStephen, you must come back,” he said, shaking him. “Wake up!