Transcript:

Hello there.

This book deals with the topic of suicide and suicidal ideation. If you or anyone you know is struggling with thoughts of suicide call the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline at 1-800-273-TALK in the United States, or the corresponding phone number in your country or region.

Now let’s meet Haddy’s mother, Sasha, and get a glimpse into Haddy’s darker side.

Haddy is reviewing her journal . . .

An entry a month later, highlighted in red.

“I woke up last night with this sudden craving for God, like I would die if I didn’t see Him that moment. A Presence filled the room. I shook all over and couldn’t breathe. Suddenly my hands started dripping fire. My fingers took hold of a bayonet brighter than a lightsaber. As fast as it happened, it disappeared. I ran into mom’s room and told her.

“Mom started crying. ‘It’s started,’ she said. ‘I’m happy and terrified for you.’

“I asked her what she meant.

“’You have my gift,’ she replied. ‘I told you I see things, and I saw your destiny. I told you I met your father in Odessa, where he worked for the London Guardian. You were about to be born. He left the airport to join me, but you came early. As you were crowning, I felt a sharp stab in my side and shrieked. The jet had burst into flames with one hundred thirty-seven people aboard, including your father. He died as you were born.’ Sasha pause and wiped away her tears. ‘Haddy, you will kill the man who killed your father on your birthday.’ I was speechless.”

Haddy put away the journal sobered. She picked up the tanto knife wrapped in a cloth and used by Samurai wives to kill themselves after their husbands had committed seppuku. The ceremonial linen fell away, and the blade, seven inches long with a six inch wooden handle, shown like a razor. God willing, she would end her torment and prove her mother wrong. “I’m not a clairvoyant. I don’t have her gift. I will be long gone before my birthday. Someone else will avenge my father.”