Kevin: “So, next time will be the last meeting we have, right? Can’t believe it’s been one year. Time passes so fast and we never even notice,” Casey: “That’s so true, Dr. Kevin. I couldn’t imagine what would I become one year ago, but now I know I will never get better if I didn’t meet you. Thank you so much for what you did for me, Dr. Kevin.” Kevin: “Don’t say that Casey, it’s such a pleasure to know you. Honestly, you somehow changed me as well. After all you’ve been through, I never thought that you will be fully recovered this fast, I mean, you are so much stronger and braver than other people like you, this changed me.” Casey: “I truly appreciate for you just said. A tragedy like that was too much for me, but like what you told me, my family must hope that I will live without pain, and when I realized this, I decided to make myself strong. It’s nice to talk to you Dr. Kevin, but I still have class, see you next week!” Kevin: “Bye Casey, see you next time.”
Casey quickly walked out of Kevin’s office, she doesn't want to waste time on him anymore, right now, she just wants to go home as soon as possible. Today is Casey’s birthday, she promised to go home earlier so they can celebrate with her. It’s already 2 p.m, she can’t wait to see what her first birthday in the past eighteen years will be like. Before that, no one ever celebrated her birthday, so she never got any presents, not even a blessing. She is going to be nineteen today, but it has a more significant meaning for her. Just a year ago, she thought she could never get rid of her pathetic fate. Perhaps at that moment, she was redeemed by god and given the opportunity to control her life for the first time. She is very grateful, at least she survived, and she has everything she want.
It only takes thirty minutes to get home. Hudson Street is a dark and quiet alley in Boston, but in this large and noisy city, Casey enjoys the comfort it brings to her. The apartment is on the very top floor, it’s small and old, the door handle is loosed and the ceiling in the closet is missing a small piece. But for her, it is better than any corner of the university. Casey: “I’m home! Sorry it’s a little bit late, I went to see Dr. Kevin but he just wouldn’t stop talking.” Patricia: “Don’t say that Casey, he was just trying to help you.” Casey: “No one can help me! They don’t even know me, and so does Dr. Kevin!” Patricia: “Well, if you can let me talk to him...” Casey: “We had a deal, no one is coming out while I’m not home!” Patricia: “Sorry, but I just want to help. I don't want to see my daughter so helpless. I think you should make some friends. There are so many people in the university, and there must be someone that can understand you.” Casey: “Don’t worry, mom, I’m not lonely. Dad, Hedwig, and you are all I want, I don’t need anyone else to understand me.” Patricia: “It seems like I can't convince you anymore, huh? Let’s just not talk about it. Today is a big day, it won't be long before you can see what we’ve prepared for you. Be ready sweetie!”
When Casey wakes up, it’s already getting dark outside. She feels a little dizzy, it takes time to retake control of the body, it’s been a year, and she is used to this feeling. She smells something, something really good, something like cake. There is also candlelight, she didn't know that people use candles for birthday. The orange light shines on the wall, it’s weak, but it can fill the whole room.. This reminded Casey of the days when she lived in the basement. That was the first time she saw her father using a lighter, but he didn't use it to smoke. Her father never touched things that would be harmful to his health. Her dad used put the bottom of a spoon close to the flame of the lighter, so it became very hot. And then he pressed the hot spoon directly onto her belly. She wanted to scream so hard, but the louder she got will only bring her more trouble. Therefore, she could only stare at the fire, trying to make herself not think about the pain. However, she clearly knows that the past is no longer important, she just wants to enjoy every minute of the present, because she has the family that she has been craving for 18 years. Barry: “Happy Birthday, my baby girl, it’s been nineteen years, I’m so sorry that I have not celebrated your birthday before. It’s such a shame.” Casey: “Don’t apologize dad, you have done enough for me. If it weren't for you, I might not have thought of coming to college.” Barry: “All the things I’ve done to you, don’t you hate me?” Casey: “You are no longer the one you used to be, all that matters is you love me now, and this is what I always wanted for past eighteen years.” Barry: “I guess you’re right, all that matters is we are here as a family again, and we are all proud of you, Casey.”
The birth of Casey seems to have destined for her tragic fate. At the time, her parents were not prepared to raise their children, let alone her father Barry did not want a daughter at all. What ridiculous is, the doctor's first check said that Patricia was pregnant with a boy, and that made Barry not give up on her. Before Hedwig came to this house, Barry rarely went home and he never cared about his wife and daughter. Sometimes, Patricia could even see the disgust face came out from her husband. For a few nights, he will be awakened by the cry of Casey, which is Patricia’s real nightmare. He kept cursing and even wanted to beat their daughter. If Patricia didn't ask for mercy, poor Casey might not be able to live. Patricia is a lucky woman after all. She gave birth to Hedwig, and thanks to him, Barry didn’t drive his wife and daughter out of the house. From the day that Casey had her memories, she knew she was hated by her father. She could only live in a dark and damp basement, and was not allowed to eat at the table with her family. She will be punished for just a little mistake, usually a beat from Barry. But if he was in a bad mood that day, she may be abused for no reason. At some nights, Patricia will come to Casey while her husband fall asleep. She talked to her, helped her clean her wounds, and sometimes even told her a bedtime story. These might be the happiest moments that she had in her whole life. While, Hedwig was all his father had. Casey could only see him smiling when Hedwig was around. He spent all his time on him, and gave him all he wanted. He even promised Hedwig to take him to Britain, and if he likes it there, he can finish his college after he graduate from high school. At the beginning, little Hedwig would ask his mom and dad why Casey can’t eat with them, but as he grew older, he became more and more like his father. He began to make unreasonable demands on Casey and would frame her on all the troubles he made. Casey knew her mother sees it, but she wouldn’t help her. Little did she know, Patricia could not even mention her in front of her father, she could only cry when nobody saw her. As Casey grew older, Barry demanded on her more and more. She had to wash clothes, clean the room, and cook for them. However, she can still go to school. She thought that the school could give her some comfort, but the most terrible thing was, she could no longer walk out of the shadow of being abused, so she never dared to get along with others. In the four years of high school, almost no one is willing to approach her, or she wanted to keep everyone away. She had her dream college, it is in Boston, but she knew that her father will not spend a cent on her. Her dream was shattered, she thought she would never escape from the life she had. This was all that man’s fault.
It’s another Friday, Casey is going to meet Dr. Kevin like their appointment, but the exciting thing is, from now on, she no longer needs to see this annoying guy in her life. Kevin: “Welcome, Casey, it’s the last time of meeting. I’m so proud of your changes.”. Casey: “And it’s all because of you, Dr. Kevin.” Kevin: “Your assessment report has been written, everything is normal, you are fully able to take care of yourself. I still remember a year ago, when you first came out of the hospital. To be honest, I thought a person with no soul.” Casey: “I know, I wasn’t ready for anything, I couldn’t believe something like that could happen to me.” Kevin: “I know, losing all of your family must ruined all your hope.” He suddenly stops, and hesitated to look at Casey. “I have to tell you something, Casey. This may have a really bad influence to you, but I decided to not keep it from you.” After all this, Casey believes that there is nothing that can affect her anymore. “Just tell me, I think I will take it.” Kevin: “The police found your father’s body. Although he has been burned, the doctor found that your father did not die because of the car accident. He was shot, Casey.” Casey: “What...” Kevin didn't give her time to talk, he just continues. “The police also found a gun in the car, but they didn’t investigate more because they thought your father killed himself.” Having said that, his face suddenly becomes serious, and even a little scary. “I have a friend who is a cop, and I asked him to test the fingerprint on the gun. The result came yesterday and I took it before anyone could see.” At this time, Casey was already shaking, and she never thought that Kevin would do so. Right now, she can’t say a word. Kevin: “The gun has your fingerprint, Casey. But I don’t believe you done this. You are a good girl, there must be something that you forgot or you didn’t tell me, right?” At this moment, Casey can no longer afford the pressure Kevin had put on her. She suddenly lowered her head. Kevin: “Casey, answer me!” Patricia: “Leave my daughter alone!” When she looks up again, the person in front of her seemed to be no longer the girl Kevin knew. She has a different voice and a different look. Kevin: “Who are you?” Patricia: “She wants to start a new life, why can’t you just let her!” Barry: “We thought you could help Casey get through her pain so we decided to let her meet you. But you are just keep hurting her!” Now, Casey’s voice turned deeper and lower, like a man. Kevin: “Casey? You have Schizophrenia? You never had a sign...” Although he already thought of it, Kevin still couldn’t believe everything in front of him. Barry: “Patricia, Hedwig, and I came right after she woke up from the hospital. She couldn’t accept the truth that she killed me and the rest of the family, that’s why we came to help her, to make a perfect home that she has desired for.” “She knows that we are in her head, but she loves us, and we had a deal. No one can take control of the body when she is not home. But we can’t see you destroying her life again Kevin! Leave her alone!” Kevin: “I want to talk to Casey. Let me talk to Casey!” Tears suddenly came out of her face,she looks so helpless and desperate. “Dr. Kevin, I’m so sorry, I couldn’t stop them, but I love them! I killed my father in that accident, I was not supposed to live. Please, Dr. Kevin, I don’t want to lose them again.” Kevin: “You’re sick, Casey, you need to go to the hospital right now.” Casey: “No, I’m not going in there, no one can separate us!” Kevin: “You have to stop...” What he didn’t notice is, Casey has picked up his pen and pierced it straight into his throat. The pain makes him unable to speak, but as time goes by, he feels blood flowing from his neck. He couldn't breathe and gradually fell to the ground. He’s dead.
Patricia: “What have you done?!” Barry: “We didn’t tell you to kill him! You are going to be in jail!” Casey: “That’s better than being in hospital, you know they can do anything to apart us. I know what to do, you don’t need to worry. But you have to promise me, do not ever come out again.” NO ONE CAN APART US.