THE FIFTH WOMAN
She was young. Early twenties. Blonde hair. Blue eyes. A face that looked like it had been crying recently.
She arrived late, slipping into the circle without making eye contact, her arms wrapped around herself like armor.
Vance didn’t acknowledge her lateness. He simply said, “Welcome, Sophie. We’re glad you’re here.”
Sophie nodded. Said nothing.
Maya watched her throughout the session. The way she flinched at sudden sounds. The way her eyes darted to the windows. The way her hands trembled when she reached for her coffee cup.
She knew that fear. She had seen it in Kaela’s face. In Rachel’s voice. In the photographs of Clara, Sarah, and Elena.
After the session, Maya approached her.
“Sophie?”
Sophie turned. Her eyes were wary.
“Do I know you?”
“No. I’m Sarah. I’m new.”
“Okay.”
“I noticed you seemed… uncomfortable. During the session.”
Sophie’s jaw tightened. “I’m fine.”
“You don’t have to talk about it. I just wanted to say that if you ever need someone to listen, I’m here.”
Sophie studied her face.
“Why?”
Maya shrugged. “Because I know what it feels like to be alone.”
Something flickered in Sophie’s eyes. Recognition. Or maybe warning.
“You shouldn’t be here,” Sophie said quietly.
“What?”
“This group. Dr. Vance. You shouldn’t be here.” She looked around, then leaned closer. “He’s not what he seems.”
“What do you mean?”
Sophie opened her mouth.
Then she saw something over Maya’s shoulder. Her face went pale.
“I have to go.”
She walked away quickly, her heels clicking on the basement floor.
Maya turned.
Vance was standing by the coffee table, watching them. His smile was gentle. His eyes were not.
“Sophie’s had a difficult year,” he said, approaching Maya. “She’s fragile. I’d appreciate it if you gave her some space.”
“Of course. I was just being friendly.”
“Friendly is good. But Sophie needs professional help. Not friendship.”
He touched Maya’s arm.
It was a light touch. Barely there.
But it felt like a warning.
“I’ll see you next week, Sarah.”
Maya nodded.
She walked out of the basement.
Her skin crawled where he had touched her.