Heartless No More

Broken chains

-You-

I walk down the dark and dimly lit hallway of the asylum, my footsteps quietly ringing through the silence. I glance left and right, noticing other patients sleeping in their beds, and some are screaming in their cells, crying out desperately for freedom.

Continuing down the hall towards the head doctor's room, I feel nervous and filled with doubts about this whole situation.

I never thought in a million years I would defend Jimin, but something inside me, something in my heart, wants to help him.

Taking a deep breath I knock on the head doctor's door, waiting for an answer. After a few minutes, a woman named Dr. Williams comes out. She is in charge of the whole asylum. She greets me and invites me to take a seat.

Unimpressed, I place the notepad down on her table with a heavy thud without caring. I completely ignore her startled expression, lost in my own frustration.

"Look at this," I declare, pointing at the document spread on her desk. "I've been evaluating him for a couple of months, and I've noticed a major change in his mental state compared to when I first met him. You're just keeping him locked up here without giving him any real help and genuine treatment." I grumble, taking on a stern tone.

"Nothing to eat and not even a single soul to speak to? Are you out of your mind? Can you justify calling yourself a doctor when you inflict pain on a vulnerable patient? I'm certain you're aware that the trash treatment he's receiving would cause irreversible damage to his mental health. Why are you doing this to him?! Answer me!" I yell in rage.

"But... but he's a psychopath..."

"A sociopath! There's a difference. At least get your terms right." I rudely correct her words.

"Okay, maybe so, but he killed five people without a care in the world and never expressed any form of remorse... for years. You really believe someone like him can be treated and become normal? He might be lying and manipulating you just to escape."

She continues, "I don't believe his act. He'll just manipulate us until we give him a free pass and release him, and then he'll go back to his old ways. He's faking this kindness with you until he gets what he wants." She snaps back at me, her voice sharp and her demeanor defensive.

"I-I know... but..."

My voice trails off, my argument loses to the reality of the situation. We're both well aware of the extent of his violent and merciless nature, yet I still hope for a different consequence. Perhaps I'm simply clinging to the false belief that everyone has the ability to heal and change for the better, no matter their past actions.

I can't help but think back to those moments when he expressed his vulnerability, his soothing voice, and gentle gestures pleading for me to trust him. I'm aware of the truth, but my heart can't ignore the sight of his suffering. I have to stand up for him because I know no one else will. A part of him is calling for help and wanting to be understood. I must fight for him considering he could change for the better.

I stare at the doctor. Despite her firm stance, I have the determination to stand up for Jimin's right to a much better life.

"Still, the mistreatment is unjust. As a mental health specialist, I understand the significance of providing adequate care and empathy. People are not born sociopaths; they can heal with proper care, tenderness, and support. I don't think you should make such statements when you've not even been treating him like a human being."

I exhale before continuing, "I'm not defending his crimes; however, I believe confining him within a room is not the solution. As his assigned therapist, I won't tolerate this anymore." I persist, "He requires genuine care to have improvement, not your neglect and ignorance!"

"Can you assure that he won't repeat the same offense if I grant him his freedom?"

I let out a deep sigh, "Is that a joke? His remorseless behavior was due to his condition as a sociopath. Also, those people he killed were criminals as well."

I let out another defeated sigh, "I know that doesn't justify his actions, but I completely agree that the treatment he's getting in the name of clinical care is unjustifiable. I've seen sociopaths getting better and living normally. They only require another chance with suitable care. His mental state is constantly deteriorating because of this imprisonment. If he's to be held accountable for his crimes, it's only appropriate to do so after he's healed."

The doctor gazes at me with a cold and defensive demeanor, her expression unconcerned about my point of view.

"Your arguments don't guarantee that he won't commit the crimes again." She speaks again, causing me to raise my voice.

"Oh, God, that's my whole point! If you had focused on providing him the treatment he deserved... in order to get better, there would be no fear of that." I implore.

"That is because I know he killed five people in cold blood, without a care or hesitation. No one so evil, so heartless, can become a functioning member of society again. I'm not taking any chances with that. As an expert, I refuse to grant him freedom or any kindness. I'll make sure our staff would now be extra cautious and keep him restrained at all times." Her behavior and poisonous words for Jimin churn my insides.

I stand up, ending this argument, announcing my final decision, "I'm not dealing with your bullshit anymore. You better discharge him within a week! Otherwise, I'll report this hospital...as well as you." I point a finger at her.

"And set him free among others?" She snickers.

"No, I'll take care of him myself..."

I make my way towards the exit after making it clear that the consequences of her own actions might get her in trouble.