“Something’s happening to me.”
“What do you mean? Something with your gift?”
I nod, then shake my head. “I don’t know. I’m not sure what’s going on. All I know is that I woke up this morning and everything was fine. Then I learn that there are all these missing memories that somehow involve my roommate Daniel of all people. None of this makes any sense!”
Anna leans back, and I squirm beneath her intense gaze.
“What do you mean? How do you know you’re missing memories if they’re missing?”
“Because the others confirmed them. I don’t remember even meeting Daniel until yesterday, but they’re telling me I’ve had multiple encounters. Volatile ones apparently.”
“Interesting. I can see why that would be upsetting.”
My fear fades into suspicion. “You don’t think it’s odd that three people remember events I don’t?”
“Do you think maybe they’re playing a joke on you?”
I stiffen. “That would be really cruel. They saw how upset I was. No, I don’t think it was a joke. Daniel even followed me when I ran off.”
Anna straightens in surprise. “He followed you? What exactly did he say? Did he confirm these lost memories?”
“Not explicitly. He didn’t deny them either.”
“Did he say anything else?”
Wait, is she worried? She’s clearly fishing for information beyond my well-being as her student. “He didn’t say much. Just offered some weak explanations for why I may not remember something others do. But why are you so concerned with Daniel’s reaction? I don’t even know him. Shouldn’t we be talking about my missing memories?”
Anna shrugs, but I’m not sure I believe it. Not when everyone seems to be acting weird today. “It’s just uncharacteristic behavior for him to show compassion. I’m curious about that encounter. Plus, didn’t you say it was your relationship with him you couldn’t remember? Naturally as your counselor I’d be interested in any contact or perception you have of him.”
I furrow my brow. “Relationship? I didn’t say anything about a relationship. Like I said, I don’t even know him.”
Anna clears her throat. “You know what I mean. I was generalizing. I’m sorry if I chose the wrong word.”
“Relationship is a pretty big leap from ‘multiple encounters.’” My pulse jumps at memories of the vision. “You knowsomething, too. What’s going on? Why is this happening to me? Who is he?”
“Alright, try to relax. You know I want to help however I can, but you have to start by staying calm and rational. I don’t know what’s happening to you, but we’ll figure this out.”
“Stay calm?” I jump up from my seat. “I shouldn’t have come. You’re just as bad as they are.” Anna grabs my hand to pull me back, and I gasp at the scene in my head. “You too,” I whisper, hardly able to breathe. “What is this place? What are you doing to him?”
She lets go, clearly fighting for composure. “I’m sorry, I didn’t think about your visions. I’m sure what you saw isn’t what it looked like.”
I glare at her, shaking. “I should go.”
“Please tell me what you saw. We’ll sort it out. You’re upset, and we should work through it.”
“I don’t want to work through it! I just want to know what’s happening to me. You can tell me now, or I’ll find out on my own!”
Anna draws in a breath, and I wait as she considers her response. Finally, she nods with a stern look. “You’re right. You deserve to know what happened. Wait here while I get Director Clausen. He’ll explain it all to you.”
“Director Clausen? He has something to do with this?”
Anna squeezes my arm. “He’ll answer your questions.”
Clausen’s concerned expression brings some comfort when he enters the office.
“Rebecca, I’m so sorry it’s come to this,” he says, taking Anna’s chair across from me. “We hoped we wouldn’t have to be here. We did everything we could to shelter you from the truth.”
“What truth? What’s going on?”
