Chapter 21— They’re Strange But...

2005 to 2006

It had been two months since Joe left the mansion. He had been well accommodated by the 2nd Johnson family. He fulfilled his duties as a doctor, the patients liked him. The news of a new Doctor had spread throughout the town. The workload became more hectic for the Doctor.

Joe attended to patients and at the same time had training sessions with resident doctors in training. By the end the day Joe returned home as a tired man.

"Hey I'm back!" Joe announced, he waited for a reply but no one answered; he was alone.

"Yes! Finally, I'm gonna have a peaceful siesta!" He happily hummed as he climbed the stairs up to his room. Immediately he locked the door behind him, he sank into his bed and fell into a deep sleep with a tired grin.

The Johnsons would not be home till seven, the Doctor had enough time to sleep away his stress. Though they were not as noisy as the other Johnsons but they always wanted to talk with Joe, his privacy was choked up most of the time, they always had something to say!

He began to dream of the brick mansion, his memories began to radiate in his dream, he could see everyone being themselves, he watched as they chatted happily while eating. Then suddenly the scene changed— he could see the man with an axe coming towards him just like the first day he walked into the dark house, his heart began to race with fear, he tried to wake up.

"It's ok Joe, it's ok! 'Twas just a dream, I'm here". Viola was as beautiful as ever and her voice calmed him, she came to him and touched his cheeks.

"V? Oh Viola it's you, I've missed you!" He whispered through a broad smile. Joe raised his hand to touch hers but he couldn't, he continued to reach out but it became difficult for him to move and Viola faded away.

"No! Come back!", he awoke from his dream hearing himself say those words into thin air. Joe finally realized that he had only seen Viola in his dream.

He quickly sat on the bed, placed his head between his palms and shook his head, "I've got to go back!"