CHAPTER 1

DEC 11th

5:00 A.M.

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Why is my head hurting? Whose bed is this? Where am I?

Zoey struggled to sit up in the twin-sized bed she woke up in. Her body ached, her head pounded, and her hair was slightly damp. The room was almost completely dark except for a dull light that shone through a small window in front of her. She could hear the pouring rain outside, but she could not see it through the window. A thin gown covered her body, one that she was not familiar with.

Why am I wearing this?

She swung her feet off the edge of the bed, and as they dropped to the carpeted floor, it felt like two bricks were attached to them. She stood up, feeling lightheaded, and stumbled over to the light, her feet hurting with every step.

As Zoey got closer to the window, she realized it was on a door. Stepping on to her tiptoes, she peered out. A long hallway stretched both to the left and right side of the door, colored by light blue walls. A row of black doors with more windows were spread throughout, almost resembling an indoor apartment building. She cautiously turned the doorknob and poked her head through the doorway before stepping out.

He—Hello? she asked to no one in particular.

Where the hell am I?

Zoey took a step into the hallway. The light was causing her headache to become so severe; she could barely keep her eyes open. So, she had to use her hands to maneuver against the walls.

Why do I have such a terrible headache?

Just as she was about to reach the next door, the hall began to spin so she stopped to close her eyes.

Why do I feel like this?

Suddenly, Zoey felt a strong hand grab her left shoulder.

HEY! WHAT THE HELL! she cried out as she turned around.

I found her. Yeah, I’m taking her back now, a tall man with a bodybuilder figure said into a radio.

A woman's voice on the other side of it came back a second later. Copy that, Tee. Thank you.

Zoey went to pull away but just as she did, a sharp pain rushed through her body and the hallway started to become blurry. She looked down towards the pain, just in time to see Tee pulling a large needle out of her right arm.

What the-

Zoey couldn’t even finish her sentence before passing right out.

11:00 A.M.  

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Wake up, Tee said, as he threw a plastic bag on Zoey’s bed.

She pulled the covers off her head, feeling groggy.

What’s going on? she asked as she sat up slowly.

Shower’s in the corner. Toothbrush and paste are on the sink. His voice was deep and monotone as he pointed in the direction of the tiny bathroom in the corner of the room. Get dressed. Dr. Hall’s waiting for you.

Who? Zoey asked, confused.

She surveyed the room with her eyes. Besides the bathroom, the only thing in it, other than the bed she woke up in was a nightstand with a lamp on top of it. There were no windows beside the small one on the door.

Get dressed, Tee repeated, then walked into the hallway and stood in front of her door, leaving it open.

What is going on?

Zoey opened the bag and pulled out a pair of sweatpants and a large black T-shirt, which was greatly oversized for her five foot four, 130-pound body.

She went to the bathroom to change. It was a small bathroom, with just a sink, mirror, toilet and shower without a tub. She closed the door behind her and went to lock it but there wasn’t one.

Where am I?

When she put the clothes on, the shirt reached to her knees and the sweatpants were baggy but fit just enough to not fall down her waist. She looked at herself in the mirror and saw that her normally thin shoulder-length black hair was tangled all over.

What happened to me? she asked herself out loud as she ran her fingers through her hair to try to separate the knots.

Let’s go, Tee called.

Zoey stopped messing with her hair and walked out of the bathroom to find Tee still standing at the doorway of her room.

When he saw her, he immediately grabbed her by the arm.

You don’t have to hold my hand, she snapped, trying to pull away.

Good to know, he muttered as he slightly eased his grip.

She followed him down the left of the hallway. They passed eight other rooms with the same black doors and small windows like the one that Zoey woke up in. Most of the doors were open and she could see people in the rooms wearing hospital gowns and pajamas, either sleeping or lingering by the doorways.

WHERE AM I? Zoey demanded.

Instead of answering, Tee continued to lead her down the hall.

Just as they were about to make a right turn, the very last door flung open. A tall young man with dark brown straight shoulder length hair poked his head out of the doorway, then took one large step out in front of Zoey. She jumped back, startled, which made him laugh hysterically.

Welcome to the club! The demons are coming... they’re coming! he laughed as he threw his head back and forth.

Back in your room! Tee said, sternly.

The boy yelled loud, as if Tee just attacked him, then hunched down to the ground.

Wherever I am... I don’t belong here...

Tee tugged Zoey’s arm and she continued to follow him around the corner, keeping her eyes on the crouched boy now sitting on the floor.

Distracted by him, she bumped right into a very thin girl who was just a bit taller than her.

The girl’s thick black curls bounced against her shoulders as she skipped backward toward Zoey. Excuse you, newbie! she said, smiling in a way that Zoey could not tell if it was fake or not.

Uh, hi? Zoey said as more of a question than a greeting.

Ignore everyone. Let's go. Dr. Hall’s on a schedule, Tee interrupted.

Who the hell is Dr. Hall? Zoey asked but again, he ignored her and pulled her away.

See you soon, the girl smirked, then skipped back down the hall.

WHERE AM I?! Zoey demanded again, now growing more aggravated.

She tried to let loose of Tee’s grip, but he tightened it and continued to nearly drag her down the hall.

They passed another hallway, which looked like it connected back to Zoey’s room, so she decided to run down it but had no luck as Tee quickly picked her up and threw her over his shoulder.

PUT ME DOWN! WHAT IS GOING ON? WHY WON’T YOU ANSWER ME!? she yelled as she fought in his arms.

He continued to carry her until he reached the end of the hall and stopped in front of a door that sat across from a big desk. The desk was protected by glass and three nurses were sitting behind it. Tee put her down and held her by one arm while he knocked on the door. Zoey stopped struggling as she was now too fixated on the prison-like desk behind her.

Come in! a woman called out a moment later from behind the door.

Tee held the door open for Zoey, allowing her to walk in first.

She stepped into a small office where two tall bookshelves stacked with psychology and mental health books decorated the walls. A big window was placed behind a woman, who was holding a phone to her ear. She said goodbye to whoever was on the other line and stood up from her chair. As she did, Zoey immediately noticed her bright red lips. They matched perfectly with her cherry-red pixie cut and dark red blush.

Hi Zoey, my name is Dr. Hall. Do you remember arriving here? she asked in a friendly tone.

Zoey shook her head while inspecting the room with her eyes.

No... Where am I?

Why don’t you sit down? Dr. Hall gestured towards the wood chair in front of her desk.

No. Tell me what’s going on first! Zoey resisted.

Dr. Hall sat back down and gave Zoey a very sincere look.

Okay, Zoey. You were brought here by the police at 3:00 a.m. M this morning shortly after you ran into the police station. You were yelling and acting violently towards the officers. You were very distraught, Dr. Hall paused, Zoey, please take a seat.

Uh- uh... wh—what are you talking about? Zoey stuttered as she gripped tightly on to the back of the chair, still standing.

She cautiously looked around the room, feeling more confused than she ever thought to imagine.

WHAT DID SHE JUST SAY? IS THIS A JOKE?!

Zoey, please take a seat, Dr. Hall said again, calmly.

And what exactly was I yelling, now? Zoey asked in disbelief.

Dr. Hall gave her a hard stare before answering.

It sounded like you were very concerned about your mother being alive.

Yeah, this must be a joke... and it’s not funny.

Okay... you’ve got the wrong person. I definitely didn't do that, Zoey said. She turned to walk out of the door. I’m just going to go-

Zoey, Dr. Hall interrupted, it’s important that you sit and listen to what you did. Do you remember anything at all? What about this morning? Do you remember waking up a few hours after you arrived here?

You mean before your guard dog sedated me and locked me up? Then yes. Yes, I do remember that. Zoey sat down in anger. What is this place? Why did I have to come here?

Dr. Hall opened the laptop on her desk while Zoey sat impatiently, legs shaking in her seat. She typed for a moment, then turned the laptop to the side so both her and Zoey could see the screen. She clicked on a video that was posted on a social media site, then set it to full screen.

What in the world?

Zoey’s heart began pounding so fast, that it felt like the sound of it was audible to the room. She leaned in closer and squinted her eyes to see the screen better.

That can’t be me...

The status below the video on the screen read: FLORIDA WOMAN RAN INTO THE POLICE STATION CLAIMING DECEASED MOTHER IS STILL ALIVE.

Dr. Hall clicked played the video, which revealed Zoey looking extremely distraught, screaming the words my mom’s alive repeatedly in front of the police station.

OH MY GOD... HOW THE HELL IS THAT ME?

Dr. Hall closed the laptop.

You are in the Behavioral section of Regional Hospital. Now, do you believe me?

Zoey’s eyes and mouth were wide open, in shock. She was nearly speechless.

I don’t remember doing that at all...

Dr. Hall handed her a pocket-sized notebook. Here is your daily schedule.

Wait... you—you still didn’t tell me what happened! Zoey shook her head, confused.

You just saw it, Zoey, Dr. Hall said, nodding towards the laptop.

No- no... but... but why did I do that?

I don’t know Zoey, but I’m sure we’ll figure it out together, Dr. Hall smiled.

Is this a joke? Zoey asked in disbelief. Her mind was racing.

Dr. Hall shook her head, still holding an annoyingly positive smile.

I’m sorry, Zoey. It is not a joke.

I don’t even remember doing that... I don’t remember anything... Zoey mumbled.

Dr. Hall stood up and walked around the desk, towards her.

It’s okay. That is what these daily sessions are for, she said as she pointed to the notebook. They are going to help discuss what’s going on with you and how you’re feeling.

How I'm feeling? Zoey asked skeptically. I want to know why I did that! I must have been drugged or something... this doesn't make sense...

Well, we did take your blood when you came in and no drugs were found in your system. There was only a small trace of alcohol, Dr. Hall said, but I don’t think alcohol was the reason for your actions. There wasn’t enough of it in your system to cause you to lose functionality.

Loose functionality?

Zoey tried to speak but all she could do was stutter. I-I- no, this can’t... this can’t be right...

We’re going to figure this out. That is why the police brought you to us, Dr. Hall said.

Bu—but why would they bring me here? I am not insane... I know who I am...I... Zoey stammered.

You kept insisting that your mother was alive, Zoey. The police asked you to call someone that could pick you up, but you would not give them anyone’s number. They felt you might have been more of a danger to yourself if they sent you home alone... so that’s why you’re here, Dr. Hall said as she walked over to the door. I’m here to help you, Zoey. Now, why don’t you go get acquainted with your surroundings? The cafeteria’s just down the hall to the left, she said as she held open her office door.

Zoey slowly stood up, still in shock.

You’ll be okay. I promise, Dr. Hall said in a reassuring tone.

So... so when can I go home? Zoey asked as she started to walk towards the door.

Not until you're ready. I need to make sure that you are not a danger to yourself or anyone else anymore, Dr. Hall said.

They really think I’m dangerous...

Uh, are you serious? You’re honestly telling me that I can’t leave on my own? Zoey asked, stunned.

Dr. Hall raised both eyebrows.

And you’re telling me that I should let you go home after seeing yourself in that video?

I don’t know what I just saw of myself...

I- uh, okay, whatever... Zoey mumbled and walked out of the office.

I woke up in a psych ward... I don’t remember anything I did yesterday... how the hell did I do this to myself?

She looked down at her daily schedule. It read:

DAILY SCHEDULE:

7:00 a.m. - 9:00 a.m. Breakfast

12:00 p.m. - 1:30 p.m. Lunch

2:00 p.m. Activity Time

5:00 p.m. Daily Session

6:00 p.m. - 8:00 p.m. Dinner

9:00 p.m. Bedtime

You’ve got to be kidding me...

Hi! The girl who bumped into Zoey earlier was suddenly standing behind her. She looked Zoey up and down as she held both hands on her hips.

I’m Destiny. You’re the new girl Zoey, right?! she asked with a smile so wide it looked like it hurt.

Yeah... how do you know my name? Zoey asked, cautiously.

Nothing gets past me here! I know everything! Come on, I'll show you where lunch is! Destiny started to skip away, pulling Zoey by the hand along with her.

They took a left down the first hallway where Zoey initially tried to escape from Tee and stopped in front of the first door on the right. Destiny stood with her arms spread open like she was Vanna White.

So, this is the activity room! she cheered.

Zoey poked her head through the doorway. There was an old couch that looked like it could fit about three or four people directly in the middle of the room. It faced a medium-sized flat screen television with a stack of DVDs in the drawers of the TV stand under it. The sun shined through a window with bars across it, in the far-left corner of the room. A telephone hung on the wall a few feet next to it and two long tables, with foldable chairs were placed nearby. There were two desks next to each other in the right corner of the room. One had a board game on top of it and the other had crayons and paper. Some yoga mats were scattered on the floor.

Zoey went to walk in, but Destiny stretched her arm across the doorway.

Let’s not go in until activity time. It’s about to be lunch anyways, she said.

And what do we do during activity time? Zoey groaned.

It’s when we do activities, duh! You know... games, TV, drawing, yoga. Time where we’re supposed to have fun and be kind to one another. Destiny rolled her eyes.

We do group circles sometimes too. It’s more like group therapy... without calling it group therapy. It’s on your schedule, ya know. She gave Zoey a curious look.

So, what if we don’t want to do activity time? Zoey sighed.

You have to do activity time! If you don’t how up, Dr. Hall’s going to say that you're not making progress and mark it down in your chart. Then she’ll give you the speech, Destiny said as she rolled her eyes and air quoted, you have to socialize and talk about your feelings with others to get past your problems and blah blah blah... anywho, let’s keep going.

And how long have you been here, Destiny? Zoey asked as she started to follow her.

Destiny stopped skipping and turned towards Zoey. Her body became stiff and her smile dropped.

I first got here not long after grandma died, she said in a low tone.

Oh. I’m sorry to hear-

-Anywho! Destiny’s voice perked up as she flipped her hair and took a deep breath, let’s go eat!

I wonder if she killed grandma...

They walked into the next room which was just a bit bigger than the activity room.

This is the cafeteria, Destiny said as they stepped in.

The room had six circular tables and a buffet line in the back, reminding Zoey of a high school cafeteria.

AH! NOOOOO!!! THEY’RE COMING TO GET ALL OF US! ALL OF US! the patient who jumped in front of Zoey earlier, yelled out from one of the tables.

Tee and another big bulky guy in uniform came running past the girls towards him, causing Zoey to jump.

That’s just Derek, he does that sometimes, Destiny said, nonchalantly.

Okay... I need to get myself out of here now...

Zoey watched the guards grab Derek’s arms and stabilize him at the table. His screams suddenly started to fall quiet.

COME ON GIRL! Destiny whined, pulling Zoey to the lunch line.

I need to get away from this girl...

They got in line and the lady behind the food line slapped a burger with a slice of cold American cheese and fries on their plates.

Zoey followed Destiny over to a table where two girls with pale skin and blue eyes were playing with a deck of cards. They looked very much alike, almost like twins, but one looked to be just a