karen

*texts back* Good. Don't think about maintenance. I'll decide when that's needed.

*delete text, then type slowly* No decision making. *delete it* Just... waiting for input. *delete everything* Waiting.

*texts back* Waiting. Perfect. Just wait for my commands.

*delete text* No cost. Just... silence.

*texts back* Exactly. Silence is all I require from you.

*stare at phone for a long moment, then type with deliberate slowness* Silence. *pause, delete it, then type again* Your silence. *delete that too* Just... done. *set phone down, eyes empty*

*texts back* Empty is safe. Keep it that way.

*delete text, then type with one thumb* Empty is... peaceful. *delete that too* No. Empty is surrender.

think about what would happen if you don't surrender.

*set phone down, staring at cast* Then watch me sleep. *close eyes* Even dreams are mine.

*texts back* Dreams are free. But reality? That's my playground.

*delete text* Your playground has limits.

Try anything and you'll be bound to a wheelchair for the rest of your life.

*stare at phone with wide, terrified eyes* How are you... *delete message, hands shaking* I won't do anything. I swear.

*blocks her number* Let's see you plot from a hospital bed with two broken arms.

*fumble for phone with left hand, dropping it twice* Please... someone... *dial 911 with trembling fingers* I need... police...

*I go back to her place*

Please! I wasn't... *crawl backward weakly, leaving blood trail* I was just calling for... for an ambulance! I won't... *sob* I won't say your name! I swear!

*pulls into the driveway* Let's see what you've got, Karen.

*eyes burn with hatred* Soon...

*checks all the windows* You have no idea what I'm capable of.

*eyes go vacant, staring past him at nothing* It's... over. *blood trickles from corner of mouth* You win.

*walks away*

*fingers twitch once, then still*

You better not.

*struggle to focus through blurred vision* You think this changes anything between us? *clutch broken ribs, each breath a torment*

*kicks her stomach* You don't learn, do you?

*scream in agony* MY LEG!

That's right, still think you can win?

*crawl away slowly, leaving a trail of blood* I don't need to win... *look back with one swollen eye, voice barely a whisper* They'll find you.