I woke with a start and sat up, feeling the cold sweat on my skin. It's been awhile since I had a nightmare. The ghosts have returned. I turned to see Edith shifting restlessly in her sleep. A soft whimper escaping her lips. My heart dropped as if it were lead as I moved her hair out of her face. She felt warm. Too warm. "I'm so sorry, Edith," I whispered. What have I done? I stepped gingerly out of bed and into the hallway. I removed my damp shirt and clenched it in my fist. I don't want to keep doing this.

My fingers graced my lips. Edith's kiss from earlier today still lingers there and my heart flutters. I closed my eyes. She looked radiant in the gold dress she wore. My own drop of sunshine. When she leaned towards me, I was afraid. Not about getting caught but that I would lose myself in her honey lips and amber eyes. She tasted so sweet and my blood rushed. I pulled her close. I didn't want anything to come between us. Not in this moment. I wanted her so much that it hurt. She was gentle but eager. Yielding. She allowed me to move my hand where I wanted and sighed softly in my ear as she kissed my cheek. Desire clouded my thoughts until the cold clank of the elevator door alerted me.

Lucille.

"What is it?" Edith whispers, still holding onto me.

"I thought I heard a noise." I moved away from the Edith just in time before Lucille entered the attic. Dread filled my chest when I saw the tea tray. She offered me the tea and I declined. Yes, I must keep playing the part. I watched as Lucille held the tea closer to her mouth but did not drink. Edith was oblivious to this as she took a polite sip and feigned a smile to cover for the bitter taste. Lucille is trying to quicken the process. She's never been this insistent on Edith drinking the tea.

I squeezed my shirt tighter. What should I do? My breath came out like a fog in the wintery air as I watched the snow drift down to the floor. Too many lives have been taken in keeping my dream alive. Maybe it's not worth it anymore. Edith is different from the others. She has so much life to live, and I want to be a part of it. I ascended up the stairs to our room. The door creaked and I scanned the room for Lucille. She was sitting on the end of the bed, holding a picture frame in her hands.

"What took so long?"she snipped.

"I'm sorry. I fell asleep."

She looked at my damp shirt.

"Another nightmare?"

I walked towards her and sat besides her, refusing to look at the picture.

She drew her eyes away from the photograph.

"I miss her, Thomas," she said, her voice barely audible. I sighed and leaned my head on her shoulder. I braced myself to look at the photo. It's Lucille and me holding a baby. Our baby.

"Lucille," I rubbed her arm, feeling the countless linear scars that covered it.

She put aside the picture and leaned towards me. I turned away and her posture stiffened.

"I can't, Lucille."

She turned my face towards her, her nails pressing into my cheek.

"I'm tired," I lied.

Her gaze became more determined.

"You would sleep with her, wouldn't you?" She snared, her grip becoming tighter. Without thinking, I smacked her hand away and pushed her against the bed. She smirked up at me. She wanted me to react like this. My mind raced. I don't know what she's thinking. I don't know how she's interpreting this. Did I just confirm her suspicions or did I prove them wrong? I brought my lips to hers, feeling her relax underneath me. I can't have her suspecting something between Edith and me. Not until I figure out what to do.

"I love you, Lucille. Now, let's get some sleep. It's been a long day," I said nonchalantly while my heart pounded in my chest.

"No," she growled, she grabbed the back of my neck and brought my face to her neck. I braced myself against the bed and then she grabbed me. I gasped.

"Love me, Thomas," she cooed.

"Lucille," I huffed, "You're grieving right now. This isn't right."

"Love me, Thomas!" she insisted. She continued to touch me and I started to feel myself give in.

My voice turned husky, "Lucille, please stop."

She pulled the material of her nightgown up passed her knees and worked to slide off my bottoms. I caved and allowed her to do with me what she wanted. It was easier. Familiar. As the bed moved, I heard the picture frame fall and break on the floor over the sound of Lucille's moans.