The marble mausoleum loomed against the gray sky, its cold beauty a fitting monument to my mother's memory. I'd come here every month since her death, finding solace in the quiet dignity of her final resting place. Today, though, something felt wrong.
Yellow caution tape blocked the entrance. Workers in coveralls moved around with power tools, their voices echoing against stone walls that had stood silent for generations.
"What's happening here?" I asked a man carrying a measuring tape.
"Renovation," he replied without looking up. "Marshall family commissioned a modernization. New security systems, improved lighting."
My blood ran cold. "But this is a burial site. My mother's remains are here."
He shrugged. "That's above my pay grade, ma'am. We're just following orders."
I pushed past him, my heart pounding as I made my way to my mother's niche. The familiar brass plaque was gone. In its place was a blank wall, the opening sealed with fresh concrete.
"No," I whispered, pressing my palms against the cold stone. "No, no, no."
A familiar laugh cut through my panic. Sarai stood at the mausoleum entrance, her red coat vibrant against the gray surroundings.
"Oh, Diana," she said with mock sympathy. "I thought you should know about the improvements."
"Improvements?" My voice cracked. "Where are my mother's ashes?"
Sarai's smile didn't reach her eyes. "There was an unfortunate accident during the renovation. Some of the urns were... misplaced."
"Misplaced?" I grabbed her arm. "That's my mother you're talking about!"
"Calm down," she said, pulling away. "I convinced Tyson this modernization was necessary. The old ways are so... outdated."
I spun around to see Tyson standing behind us, his expression unreadable.
"You authorized this?" I demanded. "You knew they would disturb her remains?"
"It's just old bones, Diana." His voice was flat. "Your emotional attachment is irrational."
Tears blurred my vision as I fell to my knees. "Those are my mother's ashes! The woman who gave you her corneas so you could see!"
Something dangerous flashed in his eyes. He stepped forward, his polished shoe connecting with my ribs. I gasped as pain shot through my side, sending me sprawling onto the cold marble floor.
"Enough with this hysteria," he snarled. "Your mother is dead. She's been dead for years. Her remains are irrelevant to our life now."
I curled into myself, protecting my side as tears streamed down my face. "How can you be so cruel?"
Sarai's hand rested possessively on Tyson's arm. "Perhaps Diana needs help with her emotional instability."
---
"The water immersion therapy has shown remarkable results," Dr. Mercer explained, his voice clinical as he gestured toward the stainless steel tank. "For patients with your... attachment issues."
I backed away, my heart hammering against my ribs. The tank was large enough to submerge a person completely, its surface rippling with unnatural calm.
"No," I whispered. "I can't do this."
Sarai's perfectly manicured hand closed around my wrist. "Diana, this is for your own good. Your fear of water stems from childhood trauma, doesn't it? This will help you confront those fears."
"You know I'm terrified of water," I pleaded with Tyson, who stood watching with detached interest. "Please don't do this."
"The shock might help you accept reality," he replied coldly. "About our marriage. About your place in it."
Two attendants gripped my arms as I struggled. They forced me onto a wooden cross-shaped structure, binding my wrists and ankles with leather straps.
"Tyson!" I screamed as they lifted me toward the water. "Don't let them do this!"
His face remained impassive as they lowered me into the tank. The cold water enveloped me, stealing my breath as it closed over my head.
Panic exploded in my chest. My lungs burned as I fought against the restraints. Just when black spots danced before my eyes, they pulled me up.
I gasped desperately for air, coughing and sputtering.
"Again," Sarai instructed calmly.
They lowered me once more into the freezing darkness. This time, I felt something slither against my leg—a snake, its scales rough against my skin.
My scream was swallowed by water as terror consumed me completely.
