Chapter 55 An Empty Space

• Cassandra
• The room fell still; the only sound was the soft hum of the air conditioner. Nikolai's departure left a vacuum of silence. The room seemed to shrink, the walls closing in. It dawned on me that I needed his presence to survive the silence inside me. His soothing words escaped my mind the moment he slipped away. I couldn't summon the courage to call him back. I needed to distract myself with something—anything. Cutting myself was not an option.
• I was still deep in thought when I turned to the small table beside me. A black book and a pen, given to me by the therapist, lay there untouched. I picked them up, placing the book on my lap. I adjusted myself on the bed so my back rested against the bedpost. I raised the book up to cover my lower body properly. I had a lot on my mind to write, but I had no idea where to start.