As the city of Detroit prepared for that eventful Thursday in November, Primrose started prepping for an increase in visitors as it usually did around this time.
After Christmas, Thanksgiving was normally when family members would come in and see their loved ones they hadn't seen in a long time.
Some patients who were showing good behavior on the fourth floor sometimes went home with their families for a day or two.
Karen sat on the bench of the lunch table in the rec room with two newfound friends, Thomas and Sharon. Thomas was her doctor's other patient whom she befriended because of Betty. He talked just as much as Betty but it wasn't so annoying to Karen.
Sharon was Dr. Newton's patient and she had been here for less than a year, though Karen didn't understand how she was here at all. She seemed quite...normal.
It had been weeks since her and her doctor had any moments that weren't outside of their sessions. Dr. Sheard would only acknowledge her inside of his office and seemed to avoid her anywhere else.
Karen could admit that it hurt but she felt it was for the best. She recalled Betty thinking that something was happening between them and couldn't let anyone else think that, especially on this floor of more lucid patients.
She had an upcoming session with him later today and she knew it was going to be difficult.
She wished it was because of her having to open up but just sitting across from him would be a challenge for her.
♡
Drew looked at the clock on the wall to see they had twenty minutes left. They had gone back and forth after Karen had told him about not wanting to see her sisters right now.
Drew believes that she is more than ready to see them in her current state but she disagreed.
He let out a deep sigh, "Thanksgiving is next Thursday, Karen," He tried to convince her again. "Everyone's family is coming to see them. Why shouldn't yours come to see you?"
"They wouldn't want to come anyway," Karen said bitterly. "Jacky would probably be the only one to show. The minute Momma hears a word about it, she'd stop Twinkie from leaving the house. And I don't even know if Denise's husband is driving all the way here just for her to see me."
"You're thinking of every possible bad scenario," He tells her. "You have little faith in your sisters."
"Rightfully so."
Drew put his clipboard on his desk and gave her his full attention, "As your doctor, I say that you're more than ready to see your family. Maybe not your mother, we'll wait until Christmas to test that theory. But, you need to reconcile with your sisters."
"I'm fine with where we stand," Karen crossed her arms.
"You may feel fine but you're not okay," Drew told her. "I'll be speaking with Twinkie and Jacky either today or tomorrow about it. Don't be surprised when you have a few visitors."
"You're overstepping," She whispered.
"I'm doing my job," Drew reminded her. "I told you that I'm here to push you when you need to be but don't want to be. This is for your own good."
Karen rolled her eyes, "Well since you've decided you're the ruler of my fate, can I ask for your permission to leave now?"
He sighed, "Karen, I'm not trying to run your life."
