The Only One Left

by Riley Sager

She’s capable of so little yet accused of so much, and I remain torn between wanting to protect her and the urge to suspect her.

But I knew that looks could be deceiving. And that even prisons could appear lovely if lit the right way.

You want to know if I’m as evil as everyone says I am. The answer is no. And yes.

Mr. Gurlain chose me because Lenora Hope is the one patient nobody—not even the police—will mind if I kill.

“You’re never alone when there’s a book nearby,” she used to say. “Never ever.”

It doesn’t matter that I lied to Mrs. Baker. Not just about my previous patient.

A brief pain pierces my side. Like a knife poking into my ribs. Longing, I realize. For a life I’ve never had—and likely never will.

“That’s the biggest thing we have in common,” I finally say. “That everyone thinks I also killed my mother.”