Checkup

“It died in my arms again Dr. Firth.”

“And how many have died in your arms?”

“About three before this.”

“And they are clothed in a navy shawl, correct?”

“Yeah they’re faces aren’t detailed-it’s like I’m holding a baby but I can’t really see it. I’m aware of it though.”

Dr. Firth scribbles something down in his notebook.

“And you say you’re in a guarded place, right? With a lot of people and a gate?”

“Yeah if you make it past the gate something happens to you. Either they collect you back or you die. I don’t remember.”

“Do you feel trapped oftentimes in your life?”

“I dunno-I feel okay like I don’t feel anything different. Well except I feel empty sometimes.”

“Empty like how?”

“Like nothing is happening and I can’t do anything about it.”

“I see-you okay at school? How’s your friends, your family like? You get on with them?”

“Yeah but I suppose I don’t have many friends. I’m content with the number but not happy I think.”

“I see,” Dr. Firth scribbles down something in his notebook.

“Are you suicidal?” he asks.

“No, I don’t think so. Well maybe, I’ve wondered a bit but I would never actually do it.”

Dr. Firth stands up and shakes her hand, “Congratulations, you have passed the test. Go sit with the other youth.”

“What?”

“You are right where you are supposed to be-you are perfectly normal,” With a red pen, he makes a check next to the girl’s name.

“Oh,” The girl smiles and leaves the small room and takes a seat next to a boy, one that looks about her age. “I passed the test,” she says.

The boy nods and walks inside Dr. Firth’s office.

“Hello, Dawson is it?” He greets the boy, furrowing his brows.

“Yeah, that’s it sir. How are you doing?”

“I’m good-but this isn’t about me. Let’s talk about you Dawson. Any queer dreams lately?”

“No, I don’t dream Dr. Firth and when I do, I’m usually climbing a tree.”

“What do you think that means?”

“Well a tree represents life so it means each time I have completed a goal, I climb further up the tree.”

“Hmm,” Dr. Firth frowns, “I see-what about your family and friends? How is your relationship with them?”

“I’m alright with my family-I’ve come to my own little conclusion that we are four people living a house.”

“Clarify that Dawson.”

“Well you know in those reality shows, where they group certain people together and see if they will get along? It’s like me and my family. And we’ve passed that test. We are not needy with each other-we know that we can make it without each other but we also know that we are content living with each other.”

“I see. Friends?”

“I have few friends but I like it that way. So I can find out more about the world alone without being brainwashed by their influence.”

Silence fills the room.

“I’m sorry Dawson, but you didn’t pass the test but I think you should look into buying this. I’m prescribing you a Reversal Correctional pill,” Dr. Firth scribbles something down on his notepad, rips it out and thrusts the paper towards Dawson.

“Riversal Correctional pill, for what?”

“Well,” the Doctor says, clasping his hands together, “You are content with having no feelings of bonding with your family-you described your relationship as four people living in a house. It’s not right. You should feel some sort of bond with them or even anguish towards them.

“So here you go,” Dr. Firth motions for Dawson to take the paper.

“Er okay,” he takes the paper and goes back outside to the receptionist area and sits down next to the girl.

Back in the office, Dr. Firth scans his list and produces a check mark next to Dawson’s name.