As days went by, everything seemed normal. Milly would be out with her newly found friends along with her brother, their father was always out with a friend after work, and Olivia was always free to relax at home or start up a new hobby of hers. Milly couldn't help but enjoy the peace, there were no fights then; instead, there was a blanket of happiness over Milly, Olivia, and Jack, all of them not having a care in the world. It was Saturday and Milly was just laying on her bed, watching the ceiling as if something was on it; Milly was waiting for a call or a knock at the door. Milly had gotten so attached to her new friends that she would wait for a text or a sign that they were there for her or wanted to hang out.
I shouldn't bother them so much, Milly thought to herself, the school had testing coming up and they needed to study for it. At the moment, however, Milly was home alone because Jack and her mom had left the house to go grocery shopping; Milly would have went with them but they said they needed to pick up something special for her. Milly got up from her bed and went to her door and opened it, walking down the stairs to the kitchen. Her hunger was getting worse, it felt as though she was getting hungry every second and she never knew why. Milly thought about what the nurse said about her condition, saying that Milly's stomach will need more than usual which was strange. As she walked into the kitchen, the smell of meat hit her nose like a train hitting a car, causing Milly's mouth to let drool out. Milly walked to where the smell was coming from- it was coming from the fridge- she opened it up and saw the thawing meat for dinner tonight, for some reason Milly wanted to eat it as if she hadn't had food in a long time. Before Milly realized it, her body reacted on its own; she had started eating the raw meat from its package. Milly looked shocked and let go of the raw meat in her hands, backing far away from it; she was scared out of her mind. WHAT THE HELL AM I DOING?! Milly was yelling at herself in her head and went to the sink, washing her hands fast and running upstairs in quick haste. She couldn't believe what she had done, she ate that raw meat, she felt like she would get sick again, she felt that she WAS sick again. Milly looked at her desk and grabbed her phone, texting her mom to buy new meat, she was not going to tell her what really happened but instead, she said that the meat had gone bad, now all she had to do was throw away the evidence. Milly quickly went downstairs back into the kitchen and started to clean up, the smell of raw meat and blood was gonna get to her, her mouth was drooling again and she was not liking it. She went to the backyard and went to the forest line, she bent down and threw the raw meat out into the forest, her body almost tried to stop her as she did this. Why do I want to devour raw meat? Why do I want to chase after this raw meat after I threw it? Maybe Rylen was right, maybe she was an actual zombie. She was pushed out of her thoughts as her phone vibrated in her pocket, she quickly took it out and looked at it, it was a text from her mom saying that she will get more meat, it had a cute heart emoji next to the message as the last words were "I love you". Milly smiled slightly at the message and put her phone into her pocket again, she looked out into the forest and stood up; she was not going to stay around the raw meat anymore, she was gonna eat something better. Milly turned away from the tree line and started to walk away, the wind started to blow, and in that wind, she heard a voice.
"Milly~" the voice whispered into her ear, the voice was dark yet enchanting, Milly turned her head towards the forest in a panicked way, no one was there. Am I going crazy? Milly thought to herself as she stared endlessly at the trees, she believed it was her imagination and turned her head away again, she started walking again. The voice was heard again, "come into the forest. Follow me, my dear~" Milly looked behind her again and backed away, part of her wanted to listen to the hypnotizing voice but she quickly bolted towards her home and slamming the door behind her, she was not going to deal with some voice telling her to follow it. Milly went to her room and stayed there, she looked at her window and closed the blinds, she stayed in the dark for a few hours.
Jack and Olivia had gotten home, putting away the groceries. Jack looked towards the stairs as he listened for any movement upstairs, when he didn't hear anything he went upstairs. Maybe she is asleep? Maybe she left the house. Jack tried to think of reasons why it was so silent, he realized that his brain was going to the negative possibilities and he was not wanting that. Jack went to the door of his little sister's and knocked on it, waiting to hear movement and to see the door open. Milly sat up from her bed tiredly, rubbing away the sleep from her eyes as she looked towards where the noise was coming from; she quickly got up from her bed and walked lazily towards the door, opening up the door. Jack jumped and was relieved when he saw Milly open the door as her hair was a complete mess. "Hey sis, we are back," Jack said happily as he watched Milly's face changed from complete fear to relief. Milly didn't say a word, but instead, she wrapped her arms around Jack's waist fast; she was tightening her grip as soon as her arms wrapped around him. Jack was taken aback by the sudden action and patted her head, he was worried about how she was acting and wanted to ask what was wrong but for some reason, the words wouldn't escape his mouth; it was as if something was stopping him from speaking. Milly only stayed silent and looked into Jack's eyes; Jack stared back at her eyes and suddenly felt as though his soul had been sucked out and brought back out.
"Sorry, I just had a bad dream," Milly spoke in a small voice, Jack started to pet her head in comfort and nodded. Jack was able to believe Milly which made her happy for not trying to pry more. Jack smiled and backed away from Milly, he then walked downstairs to help Olivia. Milly closed the door and went to her bed and grabbed the white rabbit, she looked towards her phone which was roughly placed on her desk; Milly walked over to the desk and grabbed her phone and looked over it, seeing a text message from Tom in her notifications. Milly blushed as she thought about Tom and giggled like a little girl. She couldn't help but feel happy around Tom, even the thought of him was like a dream. She started to have feelings for this guy after hanging out with him a few times, it was strange really, she never thought she could feel something for someone she had met several days before today. They had been texting each other for a while now, trying to make plans for the weekend and potentially the summer. Milly looked at the new text from Tom and read it, it spoke about a play being performed in the park on Saturday and was asking if she wanted to go see it with him; the text made Milly excited as she quickly texted a yes and that she would need to ask her mom. Tom replied fast with a smile emoji and Milly put the phone down, smiling; she then thought if she should tell him about what happened today, the meat problem. What if he thinks I am strange? What if he tells everyone else and leaves me? Milly didn't want that and with that she left it alone, never telling anyone about it. Milly looked towards her door and walked to it, opening it and walking off into the hallway; she looked towards the stairs and went down. Jack and Olivia were getting dinner ready as they cooked the freshly got meat and boiling water for a box of noodles, Milly smelled the cooking meat and placed her hand to her stomach as she felt sick, remembering what had happened while she was home alone. It is my little secret, I don't need them to know, a little voice in her head spoke, she had planned to keep it a secret for a long time; she had no interest in making her family worry as much as they already do. Jack looked over to see his sister looking ill towards the meat on the pan, he walked over to her and placed his hand on her shoulder.
"Are you alright? Do you not like meat anymore?" Jack asked as he looked towards the pan, Milly snapped out of her thoughts and laughed nervously, "I like meat, just still smell that rotten meat from the fridge!" That was all she said before looking away from Jack and going to the dinner table; she sat down and started to go back into her thoughts. Jack only stared at her in worry then walked back into the kitchen, helping his mother with the rest of the cooking. As dinner was served and everyone sat down, only one plate was not filled with food and Milly stared at it.
"Where is dad?" Milly asked slightly, Jack and Olivia both looked at the empty plate; they were both unsure but knew that he was going to be late and probably drunk when he did arrive. Jack rolled his eyes at the empty plate and looked at Milly who couldn't help but stare at it, in a way she was worried about her father's wellbeing even if he was different. Why is he not here yet? Normally he would be right on time, Milly thought to herself and closed her eyes as she turned her head to her food. Jack looked at his own food and started eating, Olivia began to eat as well as she didn't make eye contact with anyone. Soon, the front door was heard and a slight cough was heard; the smell of alcohol hit Milly's nose fast as she looked at the noise and in her mind, she had guessed correctly, it was her father.
"Welcome home, dad," Milly said in a somewhat cheery voice yet quiet, Zach looked at his daughter and walked over; he sat down in the empty chair next to Olivia and looked at the dinner presented to them. Olivia never made eye contact with her husband, honestly, no one did. Zach stared at his wife and his two kids as he was puzzled by the silence which felt unloving as soon as he walked in; he started to become angry but tried to keep his temper low for just a bit. Milly could feel the tension in the air as there was nothing but silence, she wanted to speak and start a conversation but couldn't find the words so she stayed quiet as she ate. "What is with the silence? I came home to a bunch of mutes?" Zach questioned his children and wife, he was still trying to keep calm but the silence was getting to him. Olivia looked up at her husband and apologized; though it didn't sound very convincing; she then thought of something to say. As a small conversation started about the news and the weather, Milly could smell the booze on her father's breath; it didn't help that she was sitting across from him but that it was the only thing he would drink. Milly thought about the times where her father would never drink so heavily and how he would only have 1 can or bottle unless it was special occasions but even with that he would be good not to get drunk. "It was your fault all this happened" a small voice could be heard in her head. Milly thought about the times everyone would be smiling and enjoying each other's company; a few jokes would be thrown into the conversation and everyone would laugh, but now, everything was different. "It was because you fell ill and everyone was so worried about you!" The voice was getting louder, Milly stared at her food and thought that maybe the voice was right, maybe she was the problem.
"Milly! Snap out of your daze! I was talking to you," a stern voice was heard, Milly snapped out of her thoughts and looked at her father who was trying to get her to respond, she apologized and stared at her father with dead looking eyes, waiting for him to repeat himself. Zach only stared at her, he didn't know if she was staring at him because she wanted to listen to him or if it was because she had spaced out again; whatever the answer was, he wouldn't like either of them. Zach was drunk without the others realizing so he was going to get pissed faster and when he is pissed, no one should get in his way. "Why are you staring, girl," Zach asked in a low tone, Milly merely told him that she was waiting for him to speak so she can speak. Zach stared at her and suddenly got up, he seemed to be mumbling something under his alcholic breath. Milly had a feeling something bad was gonna happen due to the change in the atmosphere and the hint of anger growing; as Zach walked away from the table, Milly slumped in her chair as she tried to hide a bit or show that she wasn't trying to be brave with him. Jack watched Zach's every movement as he made sure no harm would come to his sister, and if there was gonna be some sort of fight, he would step in fast. What is he thinking about? Milly thought to herself as she watched her father in her normal curious behavior. A little voice was heard in her head yet she couldn't make out what it was saying; she became frightened with the thought of an outburst or something else bad happening.
"What is with you? Normally you are so happy and talkative," Zach started to speak as he went to the couch to sit, leaning his head onto the back of the couch. Milly looked over to him, Olivia looked at him as well. "A lot has been changing, dad-" Milly had said something she shouldn't have as Zach stood up again. "Changing, huh? People are gonna believe my little girl is a fucking FREAK! You barely smile now when you are around me, not to mention a lot of others! You aren't yourself anymore!" He was yelling now, grabbing a hold on his own hair. Milly was confused with what he was saying and stood up, she began to walk towards him. "Dad, I am still me. If you want me to smile then I can smile, I am just trying to get used to everything." She was trying to calm the situation, maybe try to show that she still loves her father. Maybe I haven't been showing him enough of my love and care for him, she thought, Milly reached to pat her father on the shoulder. "Get used to things? Nothing has changed! If anything has changed, it's you!" Zach slapped away Milly's hand. Olivia stood up fast and walked over to them both as she got in between them. "That is enough! You are drunk and need to relax! You can't blame our daughter for what happened to her." Zach looked at his wife and mumbled something under his breath, causing Jack to walk over. "What did you say, sir?" Jack asked in a low tone, Zach looked at Jack with fire in his eyes as he saw that Jack was deciding to go up against him. "I said that she isn't even my daughter anymore," Zach stated as he stared at Jack as if he didn't care about what he said; Zach's words caused Jack to become angry. Milly just stood there and looked at herself and her hands, Olivia held her close and stared coldly at Zach.
"She is OUR daughter! You are the only one who has changed!" Olivia stated in a stern voice, she was using a loud tone but not fully yelling yet. Zach looked at Olivia and became furious, he got close to her and grabbed the collar of her shirt. Olivia made a small noise and looked at Zach in the eyes, Milly tried to get her father's hand off her mother but that only caused him to backhand her in the face; Milly fell to the ground in pain and felt where she was harmed, Jack saw this and went in for the attack. Jack went and punched Zach in the face, causing Zach to stumble back a bit and let go of Olivia. Milly was surprised with the sudden action of her brother, a huge feeling of worry and fear hit her like a truck and she soon grabbed onto Jack's arm as she slightly hugged it. Jack looked at Milly and held her close.
"You don't hit or treat my little sister with disrepect, Zach," Jack said in a harsh tone, he was furious; Zach looked at Jack and grew more furious. Jack put Milly to the side with Olivia and started swinging his fists at Zach; Zach started doing the same. Olivia was yelling at them both to stop but the fighting only continued, both were becoming bloodied up and Milly felt useless in this situation; suddenly, however, her body reacted on its own and she threw herself into the fight as she tried to stop it. "Stop it! I don't want anyone getting hurt! We don't have to fight!" Milly was screaming, she was scared for the safety of her family. Zach had lost control of his punch and punched Milly in the face, the fighting then ceased; Zach had looked at Milly with his eye widened as blood started to come from her nose. Milly placed her hand on where the punch had made contact, feeling pain and where a new bruise was gonna be. Olivia was furious now just as much as she was worried as she grabbed Zach by the collar of his shirt and pulled him to the front door, she then opened the door and pushed Zach out; she was screaming and yelling at him. Jack went into the kitchen and grabbed a tissue and ice pack, he then went to Milly who was hugging her knees on the floor to give her the things.
"I can't believe that fucker did that," Jack was angry and hugged his sister tightly, he was angry at himself and Zach; his thoughts were circling his head, telling him that it was his fault she got punched. "I should have stopped. If I were to have stopped, you wouldn't have gotten punched like that," Jack was trembling a bit, he didn't want to cry but he knew it was gonna happen. Milly only stayed silent as she felt the blood leave her nose, she used the tissue to stop the bleeding and used the ice pack to put on her new bruise; all she wanted to do was cry, she felt like crying would make her feel better. Olivia had finished screaming at Zach and slammed the door in his face, she went over to Milly and Jack and sat down with them. They sat there in silence until Milly decided it was time for bed. Milly went upstairs to her room and closed the door gently, but even with trying to stay calm, she was unsuccessful as she started to break down into tears. "My family is falling apart." A voice said in her head, it was her own voice but it also sounded like another voice was also speaking. Milly went to her bed and sat down, covering her face with her hands and crying softly; she didn't know what to do, all she knew to do was cry as if it is the only way to fix things. "It was all because you had no chance of living, but here you are." The voice continued to speak in her head and what it said made Milly think; she questioned how she could have survived an illness that had no cure and was shown to be deadly. She had died but then brought back, she can't remember anything before she was alive. All she remembered was that she had accepted death at the beginning. Milly heard footsteps coming up the stairs and into separate rooms, everyone was going to sleep except for her. As Milly sat on her bed, it was only until 12:00 is when she got up and snuck out of her room all the way down into the kitchen, her vision was fuzzy and dark; she had no idea what she was doing. She slowly looked around the kitchen until her eyes had landed on the knife box next to the stove; she slowly went over to it and grabbed the biggest knife in it. Milly had the feeling of a certain hunger as she stared at the knife, she didn't know what it was but she felt as though she had to use the knife to get what she wanted; Milly turned the blade to point at her and was about to stab herself until screams filled her head, causing her to drop the knife and grip the sides of her head in pain. It was worse than a headache and it just continued, hearing the screams of the tormented was hurting and she could hear the slight voices of her brother and mother among the screams. Milly ran upstairs fast and slammed the door to her room, luckily for her, her brother and mother didn't get up to check what was going on. She sat on her bed in pain from the screaming until it eventually calmed down; she then went under the covers as if hiding and fell asleep.
A few days had passed since the fight and Milly's sudden urge for death. Zach hadn't come back which told Milly, Jack, and Olivia that he was spending some time with his friends or some random chicks on the street. Milly never spoke about what happened even when Jack and Olivia asked her about the slamming door; she merely said she didn't hear a thing and that they probably imagined it which they took as a reasonable answer. Milly had grown somewhat distant from Jack and her mother after the fight only because she felt as though being around them would make their life horrible, as if she was a curse; her plan of becoming distant from them didn't help when they smothered her in their love and were really happy to just be with her. Olivia had signed Milly up for therapy when she felt as though it was needed when Milly had shown signs of something was bugging her, Milly was alright with it of course because she wanted answers about what is going on inside her head. When she was at the therapist, it never helped her understand what is wrong with her head; it only made her ask even more questions, it was as if the therapist wasn't even real or merely just repeating things that Milly had said and questioning it. Milly had grown frustrated with the therapist and with herself, she questioned if what she was seeing or hearing was real and it didn't help when Jack started to drift away as he got ready for college.
Milly was waiting at home one day when the phone rang, Olivia had stopped what she was doing just to answer it. Milly was trying to listen in to what Olivia was talking about but only was able to get the tone of her mother's voice; it was surprised then sad. Olivia soon hung up and walked into the living room where Milly was and looked at her in gloom.
"Milly, that call was about your brother.." Olivia started and Milly felt her heart sink in her chest and felt as though she had been hit by a car. The call came from the hospital...