Liyah's POV:
When I woke up again, my grandma was sitting beside me.
I looked up and smiled, "Grandma."
She smiled back, wrapping her arm around me. "Hey, my little Li Li. How are you feeling?"
I frowned, unsure of how to answer. "I'm...I'm not sure."
She nodded slowly, smoothing back my hair. "A little scared? A little confused?"
I took a deep, rattling breath, struggling to find the right words. "Grandma...am I crazy?"
She frowned thoughtfully. "Do you feel crazy?"
I stared up at the ceiling, my voice barely above a whisper. "I don't know...it's like the world is full of these tingling little forces, and everything I touch makes me shimmer."
She smiled knowingly. "And then...sometimes just the thought of getting out of bed makes you so tired you feel like you need a 12-hour nap?"
I turned to her quickly, relief flooding my voice. "Yes! Exactly."
She nodded, her eyes soft with understanding. "That's the price we pay for greatness, honey. The higher you fly, the farther you fall."
I pulled my legs up against my chest, feeling the weight of her words. "Well, I feel like I crashed and burned this time." I sighed and leaned into her embrace. "Grandma...you didn't answer my question. Do you think I'm crazy?"
My grandma squeezed my shoulder gently. "I think you're special. But I also think...you're wonderful, beautiful, smart and kind. You have so much to offer the world. This...this is just one part of your journey. And we'll face it. Together. So no I don't think you're crazy you have been through a lot so give yourself some grace."
I wiped at my tears and turned to her. "Can I be honest with you?"
"Of course, honey."
"I'm scared I'll do it again," I admitted, my voice shaky with the fear that had been gnawing at me.
She looked stunned for a second but quickly recovered. "Promise me something."
"Sure."
"Promise me that whenever you feel that overwhelmed, you'll pick up the phone and call me. We'll pray together." Her eyes filled with tears.
"Grandma..."
"Promise me that when you feel that way again, you'll find someone and tell them. Promise me you'll fight."
I nodded, tears welling up in my eyes again. "I promise, promise me you won't tell Dad or Bey."
"Sweetie, you should tell them."
"No, please... Grandma, you can't tell them."
"Okay," she whispered, but I could hear the worry in her voice.
I leaned back feeling tired and in a little pain, but I tried to hide it "can I please get some ice"
"Of course" she said getting up and leaving the room.
I closed my eyes tightly breathing slowly trying to ease the pain.
My dad's angry voice cut through the room. "It's either she goes to a mental health facility or a psychiatrist hospital?! You Telling me I don't have a choice in this matter it'? That's ridiculous!"
"Mr. Carter, I understand how difficult and frustrating this may be, but if you want your daughter to be healthy, this is the sacrifice that has to be made," the doctor explained calmly.
