Ficlets

In the Psychiatric Unit -- Peer Group

“I’m Kerri, the nurse today,” I say, as brightly as I can. It’s been a long day; I really need some coffee. Some of the girls acknowledge me, a few smile. “So, what’s up!”

Destiny has red rings around her eyes from crying. Holly, ever observant, asks her, “What’s wrong, Destiny?” Next to Lela, our selective mute, Destiny is the quietest of the girls. But for some reason, this sparks an outburst.

“I HATE this! I don’t want anything to be wrong with me! I want to go home!”

“No one likes being on the psych ward,” Kaitlyn jokes.

“I dunno…” says Anabel.

I look over at Lela to see that Holly is holding her hand, talking softly in her ear. I start to reprimand them – no side conversations during Group; but then I see Lela sit up a bit straighter. She grips Holly’s hand and says, “I, I, think I -“

That’s as far as she gets, but it’s a start. The girls all clap at her obvious effort.

The girls trudge back to their rooms, but I think we’re getting somewhere.

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