Red Maranna

Chapter 2

**Seriah**

They think I'm crazy, perhaps I've gone mad. It's been 31 days and counting since I got here. I'm tired of the smell of bleach and dry pee. I have a lot of time to think nowadays due to the white walls I'm surrounded by. My bed creaks as I roll to the other side, and my nostrils cry from the stench of urine. My roommate, Dave has been here for years and he's still in hope of getting treatment.

"There's no getting out" I mutter.

Dave stands up from his bed and walks towards me. "Bruv! Do you know why I bed wet all the time? The government drugs are water...with sins!" He says.

Dave says a lot of nonsense but I listen to him anyway. What else can I do? We aren't given pencils so I can't draw or write. We are only allowed to read certain books, the ones that don't intrigue violence or erratic behavior I guess.

You've probably figured I'm in some kind of mental facility, well you're right. The question is, why am I here? There is actually no legitimate charge on me but the government terms me as 'DANGEROUS'. The system sucks anyway, terrorists are out there walking as free men and I'm stuck in here. 

"Seriah? Is everything alright up there?" Doctor  Dania asked while signing the word crazy. Yes, perhaps I'm not alright. How could I be in a place like this? She sits upright holding out blue and white pills in one hand. " Seriah? How often do you take your medicine?" She inquires. Those pills are the worst! I can't think when I'm on them and they make me feel sick.

"If I don't take them would it increase my stay here?" I ask. Doctor Dania is better at feeling no emotions than she is at her job. 

"Do not avoid my question, young man." 

"I  don't take them alright. Can I be put on something else though? They make me feel sick. "

Doctor Dania clears her throat and her face is perplexed. "Your answer doesn't explain anything. Your results and brain scans show you are getting better.   After the assessment, we believe you can be discharged" she said. My eyes flashed wide in excitement then I leap in joy.

"Oh get your ass down! Take your seat, please. Before you get discharged, we have some terms and conditions for you. Are you ready?" she says.

I was born ready, I would do anything to get out of here! I've waited for this moment ever since I stepped foot in here.  I rubbed my hands in curiosity not giving a damn about the conditions. How bad could it be, right?

"I'm listening," I answered. She picked up a booklet from her drawer and then read out. "This is to be announced to Seriah Juniper before leaving this treatment facility. Clearing her throat, she then read out,

"It must be ensured that his supplements are taken and all medical appointments are made.  
Mr. Seriah would not be allowed to move to another district or have authorized businesses or societal activity." she read. 

The rest of it went by like a blur and I can't get myself to listen to what she had to say. What is the point of getting out if I'm still going to live like a prisoner anyway? Why does the government have to control my freaking life? 

"What the hell-"

"Excuse me?" she asked with a disgusted look on her face.

"Yeah, what the hell? I've been stuck here for a month and I get such, pardon my language, such shitty conditions. How am I meant to live and be happy? This is only a risk to my health don't you get it?"

It really is upsetting, I had high hopes thinking I would leave here a free man again.  Doctor Dania takes off her glasses and stares right into my soul. "I understand how upset you are..."  I usually consider myself as a psychologist even though I didn't study it because I read faces and body language quite well. However, I couldn't read hers, her face was emotionless at this point. 

"Is this some sort of speech you've rehearsed in the shower? How many people have you done this to, huh? You don't get it, you just can't. All you have to do is sit pretty and decide who gets to live or be called... crazy! We're all toys to you aren't we?" I exclaim. My voice is hoarse and full of rage. 

I gave a whole speech and a piece of my mind along with it. She looked a little sad and finally showed some emotion. 

"First of Seriah, you aren't toys to us, and we... I really care about your mental health. That's all that matters, okay? I do not know what it is like to be stuck in here but I do know it sucks alright. If you want to get out of here you just sign." she says with a soft voice then slides the booklet over to me.

I push it back and shake my head. "I'm sorry but I ain't. I can't live that way!" I opposed. Puzzled, no, shocked, yes I can say that. Her jaw dropped and her eyes widened. 

"No, no, no! You can't stay here! If you insist then you have to give something to the community, like community service or getting a job somehow. Don't be fooled, you would still be under the conditions you have now." she mentions.