I looked my therapist in the eyes, furrowing my brow as my blue irises flicked up to meet hers hesitantly.
She'd purse her lips, a concerned look on her face.
"Now Harry, how are your hallucinations?"
I'd smile warmly. 'Ah yes, my hallucinations.' I'd think, chuckling to myself as I recline in the cushioned chair and gaze off at the dull and bland office-grade decorations.
"Oh.. Everest? He's been fine. We're talking now.. really helps."
She'd jot something down on her worn out notepad and nod. At this point the conversation would begin to cycle, as our usual visits did.
How I was holding up, things I could do to stay positive, and surprisingly enough, a prescription change. Of course she believed I had scizophrenia, but who could blame her? However I knew Everest was more than real.
Either way, push came to shove and soon our meeting ended, the normal routine of standing, shaking hands and the familiar sound of "See you next session" brought a warm yet cumbersome feeling. As much as I adored and felt thankful for my sessions with Laura, she seemed to put off a feeling that I may be unhinged.
'That's absurd', I thought. Body absentmindedly waving goodbye and smiling as I left the office, the coppery sweet smell of rainwater filling my nostrils as I left the clinic and approached my car. Imagine that! little old Harry Umbridge going insane, I'd think to myself as my feet made contact with the asphalt, gentle steps through puddles as the rain continued to drizzle down. No no, I wasn't insane. I knew what I saw.
As I walked I felt a strong presence around me, feeling eyes burning into my back like bullets. I'd look around, making sure I wasn't being watched. I'd glance around the foliage, through bushes and trees. I'd see nothing, and shake off the feeling for now. Soon enough the feelings of fear would naturally dissipate, and I'd open the car door.
As I got into the car and stretched, a sigh of relief exiting my lips, I'd wrap my hands around the steering wheel and gaze into the rearview mirror.
Much like an old friend or a passenger in a taxi, there he was, staring right back at me with soulless white eyes. However, contrary to my earlier encounters, I'd only warmly smile and begin to talk about my day as I started the car.
As I began to drive out of the parking lot and onto the road I would occasionally take glances back in the mirror as I spoke. As I was talking I'd notice Everest seem to nod along.
Not quite lost or absent nodding, nodding like he understood. My smile grew wider as I'd turn to face the road, stopping at a stoplight and drumming my finger against the edge of the steering wheel.
I'd unintentionally turn back, heart sinking as my eyes glance over the now empty backseat.
"Damnit.."
I'd mutter to myself. Every time I look back I always expect to see him there.
Skull so white it's like porcelain dappled with matted fur that once used to scare me. A dead soulless glare that now made me feel more comfortable than anything.
Of course I'd turn back. I always did.. and he always vanished. Ever since I downloaded MalO he'd been there, first in a few pictures, then in every reflective surface.
I remember it clearly.
