Can’t Win Me Back

Landon had beaten up Zoe quite badly. Two of her ribs were broken, so her treatment at the detention center was marginally better than Betty’s. At least, Zoe was placed in a single cell, spared from the torments of other inmates.

Zoe coughed up blood every day. She didn’t even have the energy to cause a racket. Every day, she lay stiffly in bed and cried. “Help me. I’m going to die… I drank the blood of someone with HIV. I’m going to be infected. Save me, please!”

Strangely enough, Betty’s ruse had an effect. Zoe was plagued by constant fear, her days filled with bouts of vomiting triggered by the vile words she had heard.

It was a shame that no one bothered about her.

Despite her suffering, Zoe endured until the news of her impending medical parole revitalized her. In a sudden surge of energy, she sat up, laughing and crying hysterically in front of the prison guard and her attorney, Horace Finch, appearing unhinged.

“I knew it! I knew that Grandpa and Mom wouldn’t abandon me! I just knew it!”

exclaimed, her laughter bordering on madness. “Landon tried to end my

and unrepentant. Even the prison

not to inform her of Cornelius’ death. He anticipated her volatile response, worrying she might attack him like a rabid animal, necessitating a rabies vaccine. Instead,

to the hospital.

my mom arrange a car for me? Why do I have to ride with the police?” Zoe’s tone was

you are being placed on medical

a criminal suspect. The prosecution will proceed with the

useless piece of shit!” Zoe pointed at his nose, unleashing her

can’t even get this little bit right. What is our family