Schizophrenia

Chapter 3: The Next Day

"Hold still...don't move. Now, I will be taking a brain scan. I am scanning for abnormalities to make sure everything is the same as last month." The nurse pushed the green button to start the machine.

"Why do I have to do this every month?" Susan asked. She was six years old, and had been in the center for two years. 

"Shhh...because, you have Schizophrenia. Changes can happen very quickly. We have to keep a close eye on you. These tests are to study and research how the brain works and functions, along with the medicine and therapy. We have to make sure everything is working properly. We need you to be as healthy as possible... Now, there is a little face on the top, there, and it will let you know when to breathe, and when to hold your breath. I need you to be as still as possible, and keep your arms in." 

Outside, Doctor Walker is talking with Professor Hërschoff. They both seem irritated. Professor is trying to be patient  with Doctor Walker. "Now, let me get this straight...So, you are telling me that some of the "characters" these children describe, were at one point, living people? Is that what I'm hearing?"

   "Yes. I did some research last night at home, and that's what I'm saying. These characters are actually real people who previously existed." 

"Oh, wow....Um...okay..So, assuming this is true..what does this mean? That we are dealing with actual real spirits?...Ghosts? But, how? Where? Are they here? Why can't we see them then? Why don't they move something around, make something fly through the air?" As he says this, he waves his hands around to emphasize the space. 

      "Because these work on a psychological level. The Bible mentioned that God had blocked adults and the wise from certain secrets and had revealed them to children."

"Well, let's change that then." Professor Hërschoff has a stern look on his face, and acts as if he just assumes and expects Doctor Walker to agree with his every word. "We could probably change that. I would assume. We have all of the technology in the world. I'm fairly sure we can figure out something. Surely you agree."

     Doctor Walker is very concerned with this theory, and doesn't like where this is going. No, he doesn't agree. Not one bit. But, this isn't his project. He is lucky. He could never make as much back in Boston as he could here. "I'm not so sure about that...but this is your establishment...not mine. I just work for you." He throws his hands up when he says this. 

       'Well, let's get to it, then! Sounds great! We have a plan...Well, you heard the man! Chop, chop people! Let's get to it! He yells this out to the lingering staff, eavesdropping in the hallway. The nurse exits the room, from behind the Professor. "Professor, may I have a word with you? It's about Susan."  The professor turns around, stunned, snapping out of a momentary daze. "Oh,  yes. What is it, Helen?" 

     "I found a brain abnormality. I think you may want to come take a look." 

"Walker! Follow me! Any news is good news! 

      They enter this other room, where Helen has the X-ray and the MRI results available and up on the screen. "See, in the Occipital lobe? She has a fluctuation in the Cerebrum that is abnormal. The area that controls the photographic memory is running into the area beside it, which controls hearing, the Temporal Lobe." 

"Yes, I see. No, that isn't good. That's isn't good, for us. Is she the only one, or are there more? 

"She so far, is the only one."

"Okay...thank you. I'll take care of it."

'Wait...look here..something is changing on the screen. Is that..I think I* see a face...woah...You see it?"

The professor looks closer, squinting. "I suppose artistically, creatively..yes...I suppose that could be a face. Good observation. Now you have painting subject. "

"But..." The professor walks away, uninterested in the doctor's 'discovery'. The doctor whispers to  the nurse, "That's not supposed to do that."