As I walk down this vast corridor, I can feel the eyes of all watching me. I’m sure they’re waiting for me to turn around. I’m not that person. I’m not going to give them the satisfaction of seeing me cry. Not today at least. Today I am heading back to society.
My only ally walks on my right. He’s my best friend and the only one to know the truth of what really happened all those months ago. It really wasn’t my fault. I swear. It was a mistake. An accident even. If I knew the amount of grief that would follow, I would’ve stayed away. Why didn’t I listen to Jimmy?
“Are they still staring?” I ask Jimmy.
“Yes. But don’t worry about them. You’re on the way out now.” He replies in a whisper.
I can’t help but worry though. My life has been ruined. I am now a social outcast. A piranha, to those who were once my friends. Apart from Jimmy, I am alone. Even my parents think me guilty, or crazy, or a little of both.
We finally reach the end of the corridor. The outside world is calling me. Just a push of the doors and I’ll be in the afternoon sun. Never again will I take such simple things for granted. After weeks and weeks in a high security psychiatric unit, I am free.
No more depot injections. No more therapy. Not that I needed them in the first place of course. Everyone just thought I did. Including my own parents. My own flesh and blood. Never Jimmy though. He’s my rock. Has been all the way through my horrible imprisonment. Oh I know I wasn’t in prison, but it sure felt like it. Couldn’t eat, couldn’t sleep, couldn’t take a shit without seeking permission first at times.
“Hey, you wanna go get a burger on the way home?” Jimmy asks as we finally reach his car.
“Why not? I can’t remember the last time I had decent food. At least it won’t taste like rubber.” I say as he unlocks the doors.
I climb into the passenger seat of Jimmy’s tiny Nissan Micra. He’s had it for a few years now. I can remember the day he bought it. Funny how being locked away helps you remember things long forgotten.
And that is exactly what I’ve had for 6 months. Nothing but time. Time to reflect. Time to talk. Time to realize there’s no one waiting for me at home.
“Sammy, what happened in there? You seem different. More so than when I came to see you whilst you were… erm… erm… a patient.”
“I dunno Jimmy. Guess I had too much time. I know you came when you could. But I got used to my own company. I suppose I got used to not talking, unless it was in therapy or to the doc.”
“Oh, OK. You sure you still want to crash in my spare room?”
“Course I am. Where else am I gonna go? I can’t go home. I can’t afford my own place. Are you sure you’re fine me staying with you?”
At this I look down at my feet. I can’t bear to look at his face as he answers. I really don’t know where I would go if Jimmy has changed his mind.
“I’d love for you to stay at mine. I was just erm… checking to see if it’s what you want.”
Good old Jimmy. Always putting other people before himself. Even if, his association with me has caused him his own share of problems.
I suppose now is the time in which I should fill in the gaps. What happened to put me where I am? Why I can’t go home? Why I was placed in a psychiatric institute to begin with. To do that, I have to go back in time. A good 7 months to be precise.
The whole thing was a stupid prank. A stupid, stupid prank, that got out of hand. I wish now I’d listened to Jimmy. I wish I had stayed at home.
Hi Amanda,
Thank you for your comments. I can see what you mean about various phrases and paragraphs being removed and so on.
This was only a rough draft, mainly because it was written as soon as the idea came to me.
I have a habit of drafting and redrafting several times before I am 100 percent happy with the final product.
As for the title, you are quite right. I called it "Reconnecting" as Sammy is joining society again after several months. But again, I really don't think it is the right one.
So pleased you enjoyed what is here so far. Once again, thank you for reading and for your comments.
Sarah
Hi Sarah
Good start to the story. Looking forward to reading the rest of it.
I only have a couple of comments. Personally I would miss out the 'I suppose now is the time to fill in the gaps' paragraph. Just go straight to 'The whole thing was a stupid prank,' The reader will know you are remembering at that point.
Also near the beginning i would miss out 'It really wasn’t my fault. I swear. It was a mistake. An accident even. If I knew the amount of grief that would follow, I would’ve stayed away. Why didn’t I listen to Jimmy?' This is brought up later in the memory. 'The whole thing was a stupid prank...'
As to the title it will come to you once you have finished, or almost finished. It will just jump out at you.
These are only suggestions, it is how I would change it. Please don't feel you need to act on them.
But loved the story, it has me gripped and wanting to know more.
Well done.
:-)
This is only the start of the story. I am working on the rest and am still unsure of the title. All comments/suggestions gratefully received. Thanks