The Upper-Class

Chapter 4: Schizophrenia

Kamiko wasn't nearly as nervous in the psychiatrist’s office as she was in the doctor’s office a few days before. The Trescotts already knew her problem. This time, it was just details and she could handle that.

“So, Kamiko, I would like to ask you a few questions,” the psychiatrist started. “Please, answer them as truthfully as possible.”

“Okay…” Kamiko replied.

“So, tell me, is it that you hear voices or see things along with voices?”

“I see and hear them.”

“Okay, do you know how many there are?”

“Four. There are four of them.”

“Just four? That’s good. Four is a nice and low number that we can work with.”

“It’s four too many if you ask me…”

The psychiatrist smiled a bit. “Yes, I think we all feel that way… So, these four, do they have names?”

“No, at least, if they do, they won’t tell me. When I was little, I would ask them, but they’d never tell me.”

“Little? So, this has been going on for a while?”

Kamiko nodded. “Ever since I was three from what I can remember.”

“And, how many were there then?”

“It started with just one. The others gradually joined in. The last one came when I was seven.”

“Can I assume that there’s one that’s more ‘overpowering’ than the others?”

“The little boy, the first one to visit. He’s in charge from what I can tell.”

The psychiatrist scratched his chin. “Do you think you could sketch him out for me? It would help me get a better idea of what we’re working with.”

“Sure. I guess I can so that.”

“Fantastic.”

The psychiatrist handed Kamiko a pencil and a pad of paper. She began to draw, and within a few minutes, she handed her completed sketch back to the psychiatrist. He took one look at the page. It felt as if his tie was trying to choke him.

“This is the boy that’s been visiting you since you were three?” he asked, pulling at his tie nervously.

“Yes,” Kamiko replied with a miserable nod.

“That’s very… interesting…”

“I know it doesn’t look that great, but it’s the best that I could do…”

“No, your drawing is great. So, tell me, what does this boy say to you?”

“Well, he tells me what to do. To hurt myself and other people around me. The others don’t talk, but, when I refuse to do what he says, they hurt me.”

The psychiatrist was silent for a moment. He stared at Kamiko’s drawing. I’ve never had a patient with this sever a case of schizophrenia, he thought nervously. I really hope that I am able to help this girl.

“So, Kamiko, is there anything you’ve found that makes you feel better  or make them quiet down a bit?” the psychiatrist asked. “Perhaps gardening or listening to music?”

“No… Well, it’s not really something I do anyways…” Kamiko replied.

“That’s fine. Would you mind telling me anyways?”

“It… It’s Damian… For some strange reason, they all hate him. They all shut up and hide whenever he’s around. Sure, they’re a thousand times more horrible than ever before at night, but I don’t even care! They leave me alone during the day when I’m around Damian. It’s amazing!”