Retrieving Her

Prologue

++Sally++
    
     I'm different. Unique. The odd one out. The weirdo. I've been called all of that - and more - by everyone I almost believed it. Almost, because I can't accept that I'm mad. Insane. Crazy. Completely bonkers.

     At least, according to them. But if you asked me, I don't believe it because they told me I'm not. So what if everyone thinks they don't exist? Other opinions don't matter. Besides, I spend more time with my 'imaginary friends' than real human beings. Humans are annoying anyway.

       They are selfish and arrogant and prideful. They are disgusting and dirty and vile. They love insulting others because of the color of their skin, who they like, and their beliefs. (My brother and father immediately comes to mind.)

      'You're one of them now.'

       A voice in my head whispers and I scoffed. I am one of them, as much as it pained me. Always is and always will be. For my brain to say otherwise is madness.

      'We never claimed to be sane, hun.'

      I glared at the window, wishing that it's raining right now. If I'm starting to talk to my self... It surely means that I'm desperate to talk with someone.

     Knock. Knock. Knock.

      I looked up from my journal, scowling. I'm desperate but not desperate enough to wish to be subjected with human companionship. I took a deep breath, neutralized my expression, then said as clearly as possible, "Please come in!"

     The door opened to reveal my smiling mother. I smiled back. My mother believes me. She doesn't think I'm lying. She's safe. I tilted my head, asking why she's here without words. Her smile widens, just a tad.

     "Do you want to bake with me?"

      As soon as those words left her mouth, I froze. My eyes glazed, my mouth parting ever so slightly. The last thing I heard before my world changed is my mom asking if I'm alright.