Forty

“You’re kidding!” I practically shouted in disbelief.

“No. I’m totally serious.” She smiled at me. Angelic, yes. Sane, no.

“If you killed somebody, then why did they put you in here?”

“Cuz I was supposed to.” Her eyes were bright, happy, and loving. Her words definitely did not match her demeanor.

“What do you mean?” I looked around the room to make sure no one could hear us.

“I mean, I shoved a knife through my brother’s forehead. I saw him fall to the floor and next thing I know I’m here.” She shrugged and raised her arms, palms facing the ceiling.

“You don’t remember anything else?”

“Not a thing.”

“Why are they letting you out if you haven’t been treated properly?”

“Who says I haven’t been treated properly. I’ve spent three years in here.” She looked down at the floor.

“I’m sorry, I didn’t mean to make you feel bad.”

“Its okay. It was hard, but at least I get a second chance.”

“What do you mean a second chance?”

“I mean I get a fresh start.” She was smiling again. This woman was really beginning to baffle me.

“What are you going to do?”

“I don’t know, but one thing is for sure, I’m not going to kill anybody again.” She nodded her head vigorously.

“Why not?”

“Because who wants to come back here!?!” She giggled, as if the answer to the question was so obvious I was stupid for asking it.

Ask her where here is.

“Where’s here?”

You don’t know?

Not yet.

Figure it out quick. After three years, I can barely remember how to breathe. I’m not sure what’s going to happen on the trip back.

The trip back where?

To physical life. You haven’t realized you’re dead yet?