Libre Magazine

-Now, tell me why did you starve yourself to death? (He settled back in his chair)

- I didn’t.

- Yes you did.

- I didn’t mean to.

- You mean.. you did not plan it ?

- I didn’t. I just couldn’t eat.

-Why?

- I just couldn’t bring myself to eat.

-Why?

- (she stressed every word) I had no pleasure in eating or doing anything.

-What caused that feeling?
(pause)

-What does it matter anyway. Nobody cares if I lived or died.

-Why do you think so?

- I..I just know that..they make me feel like that.

-Who are they?

- (shrugging her shoulders) People. They make me feel worthless. Nobody knows I exist and those who know don’t care.
(pause)

-What did they do?

-They look down at me. They think I’m a meaningless thing. They think my existence doesn’t make a difference. Around or not doesn’t make life different.

-And what does that make you feel?

-(rolling her eyes) makes me feel I’m a nothing.

hmm (thinking) (pause)

-ok, I don’t think I will need your assistance in the new group? (He said taking off his glasses)

-WHAT? But..but why?? I have many stories to share. And you know very well I can help them learn and I can inspire them with what I have to say. I can help them make it through. I can keep it alive and funny and I can make things different for them.

-THANK YOU. That’s my point.

-what do you mean?

-You realize how important your part is in the group, that’s why you defended your right of being there. That’s what you need to do; you need to stress the fact that your existence in life did and does make a difference in the life of those around you and if anybody said the opposite they are lying to you or they are simply not close enough ..

- (she sighed) I see your point.

-Look, this is how life IS. You have to keep fighting. (pause) Not convinced huh?. Well, it’s simple: you just need to stop being emotional, stop getting attached to people or trusting them and live in a shell, stop talking, stop smiling, stop saying jokes, and by all means stop making friends and you’ll be fine (he stressed the last part loudly with a sarcastic smile). Now dear niece, (opening the door) get the hell out of my clinic, (then whispered) there are real crazy people waiting outside for therapy.
(Door closed.)

“YOU MEAN I SHOULD STOP BEING MYSELF?” She shouted from behind the closed door. “AND WHY DO YOU CALL THESE PEOPLE CRAZY?HUH?” the couple of people waiting outside gasped in shock with eyes wide open.

He shouted back through clenched teeth: “GET OUT!!”

(I do)