138 Reasons

"What in the world is this?" Cathy asked, eyeing the padded cell at Carl's house. Then her head snapped up toward Carl. "Why do you have a cage in a hidden room in your house? I'm not into—"

"Stop right there," Carl said, holding up his hand. "My wife had the same... condition... that you have. But her phasing was governed by the full moon cycle." He sighed, thinking of times long gone. "So, every full moon, I would lock her up in this room, but I never left her. I'd sleep over there on the cot. Then I'd wait until morning and let her out. Then the next night, we would do it all over again until the full moon cycle was over." He shook his head, biting his lower lip. "But I'd do it all over again if it meant keeping her, and everyone else, safe."

Cathy nodded, and then looked over at me. "So, how long am I going to have to stay locked up in here?"