The Psychiatrist

“...So you’re sure?” Said the formal-looking woman sat relaxedly in a black, leather recliner. Opposite her, a young blonde girl was leaning back against a foam chair that propped her at an angle. The girl stared up at the ceiling, and scratched at her neck beneath the green sweater.

“I’m positive. I haven’t been taking anything, except an occasional sleeping pill.” The girl responded, a look of hopelessness on her face. “Great. Another doctor who doesn’t know what to do...” she said beneath her breath.

The woman shifted her glasses up her nose, and jotted a few quick notes on a pad before turning attentively towards Rose. “Rose. I’ll be frank. These conditions... normally they’re not tied together like this...Itching, Insomnia, Shyness, Anxiety, and an inability to feel comfortable all day long. The insomnia, shyness and anxiety seem connected, but I had trouble making a connection of the other two conditions...”

Rose scoffed, as if she’d heard the same thing many times. “That’s what everyone keeps saying, but I’m positive! I told you, they started a few months ago, and have steadily worsened over time and-“

“I wasn’t done.” The woman said authoritatively. Rose quickly quieted, fearing she’d struck a nerve.

“As I was saying, I thought they couldn’t be connected. But there is a common denominator. I don’t have a solution, but I know a way to find one.” The woman said, getting up to exit. She closed up her notebook, and ripped a page out.

Rose blinked a few times, then excitedly stood up with a smile. “Wait. You know what’s wrong? What is it?” Rose asked curiously.

“I can’t say what’s wrong, but I can tell you what to do to fix your problem until I do. Until our meeting next week, follow this treatment plan I’ve detailed on this sheet of paper. If you don’t follow it to a fine point, it’s possible the help won’t do anything, or affect my ability to provide a permanent solution.”

Rose excitedly grabbed at the sheet of paper, eager to read the treatment prescribed. She ran her eyes down the page, absorbing the words she read at frightening speeds.