A Step Forward, but Where?

ran with Sophia in my arms. I had no idea what I was going to do. I had a gnawing suspicion that my Hannah would never come back. What do I do about Sophia? Hannah's words were ringing in my ears. I cannot leave her with Doctor Tsunoda; Hannah will kill both of them. That is when I realized I was no longer talking about the woman I love. I have to take Sophia and get her somewhere safe.

I remembered the doctor's words and cursed my own breaths. "If you decide not to pursue treatment, then there is a possibility of one personality taking over." She took over. She took over Hannah. There was no way to bring her back. She took her. I had to take Sophia away. I dialed Taylor's number, but she would not pick up. I left a message on her machine explaining everything and asking her to come over immediately.

I asked her to take care of Annette. I asked her to send Hannah to a doctor. I explained why I could not be the one to do it. I had to make sure Sophia was safe. I could not let an innocent die for my mess. The only thing on my mind was to save Sophia and Doctor Tsunoda. There were only two ways to ensure that: I either take Sophia away or I report Hannah to the police.

No, I cannot do that. Even if she is not herself anymore, she is still my entire soul and heart. I cannot do that to her. In my own maddening thoughts, I packed up a suitcase and left. I decided to save Sophia by taking her away from this mess. I looked at Annette one last time. She was sleeping peacefully, unaware of the chaos surrounding her. Then, I walked out.

Even as I relive it right now, it haunts me the same as it did when it happened. I mulled my decision over multiple times in my head. I realized this was the only way to save Hannah. I know. I am the cruel, most selfish man on earth. I took a daughter away from her father just for my own selfish desires. But I could not do it; I could not hand Hannah over to the police.

I had asked Taylor to explain everything to Hannah. I had gone back once to see her one last time. That was the last time I had met her and Annette. Taylor called me one last time. "Doctor said she would never truly go away.

He said we delayed the treatment too much. He said he would try his best, but he was not sure anymore." She asked me never to come back. She told me she would be the one to take care of Annette.

She told me how confused and worried Hannah had been when she came back to herself, sobbing and crying about Sophia and me. Taylor had told her everything. I ruined my own life because of my decisions. I decided if I was to save Sophia, I would go all the way. I forged her birth certificate and presented her with a new name: Victoria, Victoria Frietz.

-End of Part 6

––––––––