"Dr. Matthews!"

Oh... shit.

"Ruth?"

Arthur looked up from his desk where almost everything was now packed in a box. It had been several days since I died, and Arthur hadn't rested in that entire time.

My cremation, my private funeral that only he attended, my burial, and now his preparations to leave... he was so close to escaping before it finally hit the news.

Damn.

"Dr. Matthews! There's... there's a police officer here to see you!" Ruth, the elderly nurse that had always called me 'dear' rushed out, her eyes flicking behind her, "It's... It's about Selena."

Arthur's brow furrowed, but he stood and followed her out.

I knew what was coming. At least he didn't find out from the news broadcast. Small mercies, I suppose.

"Dr. Matthews," the officer bowed respectfully, "You are the attending cardiologist for Miss Selena Loyd?"

"I was," Arthur said solemnly, "She passed away recently, I'm afraid."

"We're aware," the officer said gravely, pulling out a notepad, "She had a folder of documents and information delivered to us. She'd arranged for it to be delivered in the case of her death."

Arthur's confusion only deepened.

"Could you explain the circumstances of her death?" the officer continued, looking up from his notepad.

"Of course," Arthur said with a sigh, rubbing his temples, "Selena had severe cardiomyopathy, untreated until only a few years ago. She suffered medical neglect until after college when she cut ties with her family and finally sought treatment. Unfortunately, her condition was too severe for the surgery, but she signed forms and insisted on donating her kidney to her sister anyway. I believe she was likely coerced by her family, but she refused to confirm it if that was the case."

"It was," the doctor said with a frown, even as his eyes flicked up to the doctor, "You really don't know why she did it?"

Arthur studied the man grimly.

"Her family has done a lot to her over the years officer," his voice was tight, and his hands slowly clenched into fists at his side, "Getting her fired, attacking her reputation in person and online, getting her evicted... you have... you have no idea the tricks they've pulled. Whatever it was that they did to finally convince her must have been truly disgusting. I have her medical records if it helps prove their guilt. She told them about her condition, and they didn't believe her. Whatever they threatened her with - it cost her her life."

The officer lowered his pad and signed, his eyes softening as he realized the doctor truly had no idea.

"Those records would be helpful, yes please."

He turned then to a man Arthur hadn't noticed until that point and simply nodded - but I had. I knew him well.

"Dr. Matthews," the man said, his eyes flicking to the door Arthur had just come out of, "is this your office? Can we speak privately for a moment?"

Arthur frowned but agreed, ushering the officer and the other man in before sitting behind his desk.

"Going somewhere, Dr. Matthews?" the officer asked, eyeing the box.

"I am," he agreed, "I'm moving abroad. The Loyds are known for using disgusting methods to get what they want, and Mr. Loyd has already approached me once to treat his wife. I'm not going to sit around here and wait for them to mess with my career the way they messed with Selena's life. There are heart patients everywhere - I don't need to stay here to help people."

The officer nodded gravely, turning to the man in the suit who had already prepared the tablet I had left behind.

At least it's a bit private for when someone drops this on him...

"I am her lawyer, and I am carrying out her final wishes," the man explained plainly, looking at Arthur before handing him the tablet, "I was hired by Ms. Loyd two months ago. In the event of her death, she had several things she wanted done. The moment her death was filed, I began to carry them out. Providing the file Officer Carl mentioned to the police as well as several major news outlets was part of that. This video will likely be airing on the news soon... but it is probably best if you see it before then."

Arthur's brow furrowed, but he played the video then.

I watched his face, ignoring the words I had spoken in the lawyer's office the day we recorded that video. I watched Arthur's face pale... then his eyes go wide... and finally, the tears escape.

It broke my heart to see it. I didn't want to hurt him. I never wanted to hurt him.

"Is this real?" he choked, his red eyes snapping up to the officer.

"She provided plenty of evidence," he confirmed, "including audio recordings of phone calls and texts. Not only of the threat that led her to do the surgery, but of other crimes as well. Each time they bribed people or blackmailed them or threatened them - all those times they got her kicked out or fired... she's been documenting it. Keeping evidence. One alone might not have meant much, but she endured a long time and keep records of it all. She's got plenty here to do real damage in court."

"I'd like to take your full statement, Dr. Matthews," the officer said then, "before you transfer."

"I also have a letter for you," the lawyer added, going through his file.

By the time they'd both left Arthur looked ragged and emotionally drained... and I hated it. I hated how it weighed on him - the only good person I'd ever had the chance to care about. He deserved better than this.

He looked at the letter like it might burst into flames where it laid on his desk, and honestly - valid. That's the thing about confessions - they're kind of like ticking time bombs and you never know what's going to happen until it's done.

Once it's done it can't be undone.

Dr. Matthews.

Arthur. By the time you get this, you should already know the truth.

I've given them everything, just like I told you I would someday. The evidence. The receipts. I kept them all and now it's all wrapped up with an ugly bow and dropped with the police. Sent it to the media too - just like you recommended. Now it can't get buried.

I know I was just your patient, but over time I really did come to see you as a friend. You're the only person that listened, even if that was part of your job. You gave me hope after everything, and I know you'll do the same for many more patients over the rest of your life.

I don't regret it. Maybe I'm selfish, but I wanted my death to mean something. My life is a mess, and I never really amounted to much. Doing it this way I won't get to see it, but in the end it still feels like I've won.

So, I lied to you. If I'd told you the truth before the surgery, I know you'd have tried to stop it. So, now that it's over I want you to know that I did it on purpose, and I wouldn't change it if I could.

If the truth weighed on you, I hope knowing how I felt about it helps you put it down. Blame me - it's literally my fault and I'm okay with carrying it instead.

I expect great things out of you Dr. Matthews. When I meet you on the other side, let's have a coffee and catch up.

Selene

He put the letter down, and bowed his head in silence. He sat there for so long that I genuinely started to worry - until he sprang to his feet, packed the box - including the letter - and strode out so fast it took my mind a second to catch up and rush after him.

Bright side, when you're dead walls are more like suggestions - so catching up was pretty easy.