He answers,seeing Harper Reese's name on the screen;his tense expression softens.
"Harper."
"Mason,I heard that Peyton is missing,is that true?"Harper's voice trembled
"Don't speculate;it's unrelated to you,"Mason Reed soothes,"Police found no concrete evidence;don't overthink,rest well."
"But...I'm worried about Peyton and you..."Harper Reese's voice cracks.
"I'll be right there;wait for me."
Mason Reed hangs up and drives away.
I watch,thinking I've once again misjudged him.
Of course,Mason Reed wouldn't worry about me.
He probably wishes I'd disappear forever.
My life is less valuable to him than a strand of Harper Reese's hair.
I shut my eyes,hoping to catch a break from him when I open them,but I found myself at Harper's temporary apartment.Mason kneels before her,embracing her warmly.
"Don't fear;I'm here,it's okay."
Harper Reese nestles into his arms,tearfully.
I look away.
Though I've lost expectations,watching them intimately is cruel.
Mason Reed gently pats Harper Reese's back.
Harper Reese gazes up at him adoringly.
"Mason,hold me tight?"
Mason Reed hesitates before embracing her.
Just as their lips meet,Mason Reed's face contorts;he shudders violently.
"Aren't you...?"Harper Reese asks,alarmed.
Mason Reed pushes her away,clutching his chest.
His face pale,sweating,breathing rapidly.
"What's wrong?"Harper Reese asks,concerned.
Mason Reed doesn't respond,his eyes shut,struggling to breathe.
Has he finally realized his cruelty's consequences?
(Peyton's POV)
"Mason,what's wrong?Don't scare me!"Harper Reese panics,trying to support Mason Reed,but he pushes her away.
"Don't touch me!"Mason Reed growls,his voice hoarse and laced with pain and fear.
I'm stunned.
"Mason,what's happePeyton?Are those brain residual images resurfacing?"Harper Reese asks anxiously."It's strange...this always happens."
Residual brain images?
I look at Mason Reed,who nods painfully.
Does this mean...whenever they try to get intimate,Mason Reed's mind flashes with uncomfortable images?
"Stop talking!I feel dizzy."Mason Reed closes his eyes,clutching his head as if to block the visions.
"I'm sorry,Mason;I shouldn't have asked,"Harper Reese says softly."How are you feeling?Do you want me to get you water?"
Mason head,his clothes soaked in sweat.
Harper Reese sees his state and refrains from further questions,going to fetch water instead.
I float beside Mason Reed,amused by his twisted expression.