The Oath We Give (The Hollow Boys Book 5)

“On this day, I vow to make your rage my own, to weather the storm of your revenge, and keep you forever safe.” Two years. That’s all the peace we had before our past awoke from the dead. Rose from the grave with malicious hands, famished, and ready to bury us six feet below. The tombstones of our enemies have been overturned, and we are reminded that we can never escape the chains of the corrupt. Seeking retribution for my lost love consumed my past, but that violence and desire for punishment now jeopardized the future of those closest to me. We are given one choice, a singular option. Return to Ponderosa Springs. Or reap the consequences. But it’s more than the infamous Hollow Boys in danger this time. It’s her. The cursed one. A mirage of a woman too stubborn for her own good. Coraline Whittaker and I share a common enemy. Her fear of him and his possession over her is the only reason she agrees to work with me. We promise to protect one another. Share the weight of his return and the misery his presences brings; Till death do us part or the man plaguing her dreams is finally sent to the grave. What she doesn’t know is there is more than a villain weaving us together. It’s not just the revenge I want. It’s not the satisfaction of ruining the town that tainted us. I want her. Once again, I’ve taken a vow to protect someone, took her vengeance and made it my own. Still waters have always run deep. Ponderosa Springs isn’t the only one with secrets. I’ll let the world know mine before they take her away from me. That rotting town knows what I do to people who take things that belong to me. A mistake repeated? Not even God himself will deliver them from my evil.

Myth No. 1: It means you have dissociative identity disorder (DID). This is one of the biggest misunderstandings about schizophrenia. One poll found that 64% of Americans believe the condition involves DID, which means someone acts like they’re two or more separate people. Some of the most common symptoms of schizophrenia are hallucinations and delusions, which include hearing voices in your head and acting on false beliefs. This isn’t the same as DID.

Myth No. 2: Most people with schizophrenia are violent or dangerous. In movies and TV shows, who is the crazed killer? Often it’s the character with this condition. That’s not the case in real life. Even though people with schizophrenia can act unpredictably at times, most aren’t violent, especially if they’re getting treated. People with schizophrenia are more likely to be victims of violence. They’re also more likely to harm themselves than others — suicide rates among people with schizophrenia are high. When people with this brain disorder do commit violent acts, they usually have another condition, like childhood conduct problems or substance abuse. But the disorder alone doesn’t make you physically aggressive.

Myth No. 3: Bad parenting is the cause. Mothers, in particular, often get blamed.

But schizophrenia is a mental illness. It has many causes, including genes, trauma, and drug abuse. Mistakes you’ve made as a parent won’t give your child this condition.

Myth No. 4: If a parent has schizophrenia, you’ll get it, too. Genes do play a role. But just because one of your parents has this mental illness doesn’t mean you’re destined to get it. You might have a slightly higher risk, but scientists don’t think genes are the only cause. Certain viruses, not getting enough nutrition before you’re born, and other things play a role in turning on the genes. If one parent has schizophrenia, your risk of getting the condition is about 10%. Having more than one family member with it raises your risk.

Myth No. 5: People with schizophrenia aren’t smart. Some studies have found that people with the condition have more trouble on tests of mental skills such as attention, learning, and memory. But that doesn’t mean they’re not intelligent.

Many creative and smart people throughout history have had schizophrenia. Scientists are even looking into links between genes that may be related to both psychosis and creativity.

Myth No. 6: If you have schizophrenia, you belong in a mental hospital. There was a time when people with mental illnesses were sent to asylums or even prisons. But now that experts know more about this disease, fewer people need to be placed in long-term mental health facilities. The level of care you need depends on how severe your symptoms are. Many people with schizophrenia live independently, while some live with their family or in supportive housing in their community. It’s important to be in close contact with your doctor, and to have support in place to help you continue your treatment as needed.

Myth No. 7: You can’t hold a job if you have it. Schizophrenia can make it harder for you to land a job and go to work every day. But with the right treatment, many people can find a position that fits their skills and abilities.

Myth No. 8: Schizophrenia makes people lazy. The illness can make it harder for someone to take care of their daily needs, such as dressing and bathing. This doesn’t mean they’re ‘lazy.’ They just need some help with their daily routine.

Myth No. 9: It comes on with a sudden psychotic break.

Fact: Some people have a big mental event that leads to a schizophrenia diagnosis. But symptoms can appear over time and are hard to notice. If you have early symptoms of schizophrenia, you might:

Be less social

Show less interest in normal activities

Withdraw from everyday life

Other symptoms, like acting out delusions and hallucinating, can show up later.

Myth No. 10: It can’t be treated. While there’s no known cure for schizophrenia, treatment can help you manage its symptoms and lessen its impact on your life. Antipsychotic medications can help stabilize you and lower the risk of future symptoms. Talk therapy and cognitive behavioral therapy are also helpful tools that can show you how to handle stress better and live well. But schizophrenia can sometimes get worse over time. Treatment is usually required for the rest of your life.

With treatment, many people with the condition can live full, productive lives