Twist of Fate
The floor was cold beneath Samantha Prichard’s feet as a draft slipped up between her thighs. She reached the end of the hall and caught her reflection in the window and saw her once long and silky blonde hair matted and faded with streaks of black roots spreading from her scalp.
The long stark silver pole she held onto carried a drip bag of clear liquid flowing through a tube that was attached to her arm by a needle. She hated the pinch it gave her when it pierced her skin. Samantha wouldn’t look at the needle and was glad the taped bandage covered any signs of pain.
Her image startled her as the tears began to glide down over her hollow cheeks. What a funny and strange nightgown she was wearing. She began to laugh uncontrollably and felt a hand lightly touch her arm. Samantha swiftly turned her head and laughed at the woman in white. She hated the color of white and began to pull away.
“Come on now Samantha, it’s time for your dinner. We even have some fun games for you to play as long as you eat everything on your plate.” Karen Lee, the head nurse, calmly wrapped her arm around Samantha and escorted her back down the hall.
Samantha’s brow furrowed. “I don’t like my hair. And my feet are cold.”
“That’s because you took off your booties. You always take off your booties.” Karen held Samantha’s arm and helped her into bed.
“I don’t want to eat. I want to play the games first. Can’t I play the games first?” Samantha firmly folded her arms across her chest and pouted.
“You can play the games after you eat.” Karen wrestled with Samantha and pulled the tray of food over her lap.
Samantha shoved the tray away causing the glass of water to crash to the floor. “I want to play my games first. I don’t want to eat. And I don’t like my hair. And my feet are cold.”
Karen hurriedly picked up the cup and placed it back on the tray. “Samantha, do I need to call the doctor in to give you another shot?”
Samantha froze and fearfully shook her head. “No, no please don’t call the doctor. I don’t like the shots he gives me. I get dizzy and my television spins. Please don’t call the doctor. I’ll eat my dinner. I promise.”
“That’s a good girl. Now you eat all of your food and I promise to bring your games. I’m going to get you some more water.” Karen left the room.
Samantha smiled and picked up the chicken with her fingers. She was allowed to use a fork now because she listened to the doctor and stopped stabbing her legs. But she liked eating with her fingers. It was fun.
Karen returned with a pitcher of water and shook her head. “Samantha, use your fork. You’re dripping gravy down your chin. Let me pour you some more water and please put the chicken down and wipe your face with your napkin.”
“I like when it drips down my face.” Samantha giggled and drank some water.
“Very well, have it your way.” Karen turned toward the slightly balding man who entered the room. “Hello Dr. Bevan, how are you this evening? Samantha isn’t using her fork today.”
Dr. Bevan pushed his wire framed glasses up his nose. “I can see that. Samantha, why don’t you use your fork? Do you remember how we taught you? You don’t want me to have to write that down in my report do you?”
Samantha dropped the chicken and nervously wiped her face. “Oh no Dr. Bevan, please don’t write anything in your report. If you do then they’ll give me a shot. I don’t want a shot. Look I’ll use my fork.”
Dr. Bevan smiled as Samantha picked up her fork. “Thank you Samantha. I do so appreciate you listening.”
Dr. Bevan walked outside the doorway and leaned against the wall. He closed his eyes and held back the tears. He looked down at Samantha’s file and glanced up at Karen. “I can’t believe that only a month ago she was seeing patients and writing prescriptions. She was my colleague for God’s sake.”
Karen warmly patted his arm. “I know and now I’m changing her diaper. Who would have thought the esteemed Dr. Samantha Prichard would be on the receiving end of an antipsychotic drug.”
They both looked into Samantha’s room and then despondently walked down the hall.
