Sane

chapter 13

August 13,2016
Brookhaven, New York

Niya POV

*after school *

"How about we go back to your house and take a nap ?" I Suggested

"Sure I feel like that would help ease our minds a little."said Dezmon

As Niya and Dezmon settled in for a nap at his place after school, Niya hoped the rest would help her shake off the day's stress. However, as she drifted into sleep, her mind began to stir with unease. The familiar signs of a bipolar episode were creeping in—her heart raced, and her thoughts became a whirlwind.

Suddenly, she awoke with a start, feeling disoriented and overwhelmed. Dezmon, who was lightly dozing beside her, noticed her abrupt movement and sat up immediately. "Niya, are you okay?" he asked, concern etched across his face.

I took a deep breath, trying to steady herself. "I don't know," she admitted shakily. "I think I might be having another episode."

Dezmon nodded, understanding the gravity of the situation. He knew that changes in sleep patterns could trigger mood episodes for Niya .

"Let's take it slow," he suggested gently. "Do you want to talk about what's going on?"

I nodded, grateful for his presence. "I just feel... off," she confessed. "Like my mind is racing and I can't catch up."

Dezmon reached for her hand, offering silent support. "I'm here," he assured her. "We can get through this together."

As they sat in the quiet room, I started to focuse  on my breathing, trying to ground myself . Dezmon's calm demeanor helped anchor me as I navigated the wave of emotions.
Little did I know Dezmon was fighting his own battles as well.
---

Dezmon stepped out onto the balcony, the cool evening air wrapping around him like a comforting blanket. He leaned against the railing, staring out into the dimming sky, feeling the weight of worry pressing down on his chest. Niya was asleep inside, but he knew she was fighting a battle that he couldn't fully understand. It tore at him to see her struggle, and he felt helpless.

He reached into his pocket and pulled out a blunt, fingers trembling slightly as he rolled it between his palms. Part of him hesitated. He knew this wasn't the answer—smoking wouldn't fix anything. But the tension in his body was unbearable, and he craved a moment of escape from the swirling thoughts in his mind.

With a flick of his lighter, the tip glowed orange, and he took a deep drag. The smoke filled his lungs, moment that moment he felt peace.

———-

August 13,2016
Brookhaven, New York

Dezmon House

Niya POV

"Hey Dezmon I wanna go home . I appreciate everything you've done for me but I feel like I need to go home ." I said

Dezmon nodded understanding where she is coming from ."Sure I'll drive you then just promise me that if you feel any kind of way you'll let me know."

"Sure .Ill keep you posted." I said

*the ride to Niya house*

I sat in the backseat of the car, staring blankly out the window as the world blurred by. The weight of grief pressed heavily on my chest, making it hard to breathe. My sister is gone, I thought, and the reality felt like a cruel joke. Memories flooded my mind—laughter shared, secrets whispered, dreams discussed—each one a reminder of what I had lost.

As we drove home, each passing mile deepened the ache inside me. I can't believe she's really gone. The thought echoed in my mind like a haunting refrain. She had always been my rock, the one person who understood me completely. Now, that presence was just a painful absence, leaving a void that felt impossible to fill.

When we finally arrived home, I stepped out of the car and took a deep breath, trying to steady myself.
I gave Dezmon a tight hug and a kiss on the cheek.As I entered the house it felt eerily quiet, and I could almost hear her laughter echoing through the halls. I made my way to my room and collapsed onto my bed, tears streaming down my face.

I felt lost and alone, grappling with the harsh reality that life would never be the same again. In that moment, I allowed myself to feel everything—the pain, the sorrow, and the anger at a world that could be so cruel.

As night fell, I lay in bed, staring at the ceiling, feeling as if time had stopped. I knew I would have to confront this grief eventually, but for now, all I could do was let the tears flow and hope that tomorrow would bring a little bit of light back into my life.