Haunt

The memory of her laughter keeps haunting me long after our break-up. It's been two years since Shade left me and I haven't moved on completely. Everything about her life is inside my head, especially her laughter.

Her laughter was the first thing that attracted me to her. A melodic symphony that left behind a trail of warmth and happiness. An infectious one that could chase away even the darkest moments.

It echoes in my head and makes it spin. I would shut my eyes and cover my ears to shut her laughter out of my head but it keeps haunting me like a demon. I see her in my mind laughing nonstop

It's been very hard for me to concentrate. Her laughter pierces my eardrum when it sounds. I look agitated and display erratic behaviour even in public.

My God! Was it a crime to love?

After surviving an attempted suicide attempt, I was now suffering from her echoing laughter. Could she be a witch? If not, why am I being taunted by her laughter?

I have to find a solution before I lose my senses or die ultimately. The only solution I knew was to see a psychologist and without wasting time I headed to the clinic.

I fell in love with the clinic right away when I stepped in. It had a utilitarian design, with rows of cushioned chairs in the waiting area, pastel-coloured walls adorned with health posters, and a front desk where the beautiful receptionist greeted patients.

She shot me a smile as I edged to her table.

"You are welcome. How may I help you today? she asked, with a smile on her face.

"Thank you. I would like to see the doctor," I said, with a small grin.

"Okay, kindly have your seat. You will see him soon."

I sat cross-legged on one of the cushioned chairs. It felt comfortable and soft. I rested my back and in no time, dozed off.

I heard the voice of a lady calling out to me to wake up and it sounded just like Shade. My eyes blinked open and rested on the face of the receptionist.

"Sir, you can see the doctor but you have to fill the clinic card first," she said.

I rose to my feet and Shade's laughter rang in my head. I covered my ears and slumped to the chair wriggling. The receptionist hurried to call the doctor.

I found myself lying down on a bed with the doctor by my side when my eyes opened.

"How do you feel, sir?" asked the dark petite doctor.

I sat up and said, "Much better."

"What's wrong with you, sir?"

"Shade."

"Who is Shade?" his brows furrowed.

"My ex. Her laughter keeps ringing in my head. It's haunting." I held my head.

"For how long have you been separated? the doctor asked, adjusting his glasses.

" Two years." I bent low as her laughter echoed again. "I hear it in my head, doctor. Arggh!"

He held me back and rested my head on the bed. "Don't worry, you will be fine." He called out for a nurse who rushed in right away.

"Quick! I need the Midazolam injection," he said and she rushed out.

Tears spilt down my eyes as the sound kept ringing over and over. "Doctor, please help me! It's killing me."

The nurse came in with a tray with another nurse.

"Hold the patient down." He instructed and picked up the syringe. He rubbed my arm with a cotton wool and the next thing I felt was a sharp pain.

I didn't know what happened next but the last thing I heard was the doctor telling the nurses to go back to their respective duties. Darkness fell upon me and I passed out.