Insane?

Chapter 26:

*SOPHIA'S POV:

Going through security and checking in for the last time was a bittersweet feeling. Perhaps I'll come back next summer, but it all depends on where college opportunities take me. Strolling down the usual hallway, I made my way to the all too familiar office door of Dr. Collins, knocking gently on the wooden surface before entering. It was obvious that she had stepped out for a moment. I sat down in one of the chairs to organize my notes for today, smiling at all I had accomplished. This was going to be one bomb-ass portfolio.

"Ah, good morning, Miss Woodsley." Dr. Collins chirped, carrying a stack of folders. She placed them on her desk and then sat across from me, smiling. "Since today is your last day, we aren't going to get you into anything major. Take it easy today, like saying goodbye to the ones you've befriended or something of that matter. As you can see, I'm gonna be up to my elbows in paperwork, so go ahead and start when you're ready."

I flashed a smile and gave a nodded quick nod to let her know I understood. After finishing up my notes, I headed towards the play area to get one last day in with the kiddos. Surprisingly not, the only occupant was Cassie. Rainbow blocks were the center of attention instead of art at the moment. Stacking one by one very carefully, she was successfully constructing various towering buildings. I grabbed one of the block bins and sat across from her to build my own sculpture. The girl glanced at me a few times which encouraged me to initiate a small conversation; Cassie easily answered the simple questions and comments I gave her. The blocks she possessed slowly made their way into my building space, so we joined forces to create an entire colorful utopia. It didn't last long, however, since she decided to have her barbies dive-bomb the city and destroy it.

As the two of us picked up the scattered toys, I made the comment to Cassie that today was my last day to play here for a while. She seemed to comprehend the idea, asking a few 'whys' and nodding along with what I was saying.

When it was around noon, I excused myself from the playroom and walked back to the office to fetch my lunch. Dr. Collins was still scribbling and signing off on various forms as I returned. She was eating as well while we talked over a few things. I was encouraged to reflect on my experience here, asking if I would have changed anything or if I have any suggestions to better the program for future students. To be honest, the whole time just felt surreal, like I was already a qualified worker interacting among the occupants. I was respected and trusted because of the relationships made, which made it seem hard to let go.

She gave a heartwarming chuckle after my whole spiel, nodding in acceptance. Looking at the time on her watch, she made the comment that I better start tying up loose ends if I hadn't already. Throwing away my trash, I scanned the facility for familiar faces. The cafeteria was the first stop where I found a few progressing patients, telling them goodbye and giving a reassuring good luck talk. Changing route to the recreational room, I ran my fingers along the cream colored walls as I walked down the hall, reminiscing how this was the last time for a while. Fortunately, both boys resided in the room alone. Wesley has his face buried in a book while Damon was throwing a ball in the air.

Damon grinned once he saw me enter the room, holding the ball steady in his hands. "Hey, Woodstock, how's it going?"

I rolled my eyes and crossed my arms. "Wow, my last day here and you can't even bother to address me correctly? What a friend."

"Hey, Sophie, I was hoping you'd come see us." Wesley stated, setting his book down.

"Of course I'd come see you guys." I chirped. "You're friends now."

"I didn't agree to this."

"Damon,"

"Yes?"

"Shut the hell up."