The Girl and The War

Chapter Nineteen- Kayla

   I woke up the next morning in the infirmary, with and iv needle inserted into my arm. My head throbbed. I could barely open my eyes because the bright white hospital light was blinding me. I squinted my eyes open wide enough to see my dad and Andrew talking to a doctor. I recognized the doctor as Dr. Swift. She was the head of the hospital located at the base. She was older, in her mid fifties. She was widowed after her husbands plane got shot down in the war.

"She is suffering from extreme malnutrition, lack of vitamin D, dehydration, and muscle fatigue." I heard Doctor Swift tell them.

"I can't believe I didn't notice how little she was eating or drinking." My dad said putting his face in his hands. "I've been so busy working, I just assumed she had been taking care of herself."

"It's not your fault sir, she's seventeen years old, she should be able to keep herself alive without you nagging her to eat." Andrew said, trying to comfort him.

"Well I left you in charge of her Andrew while I was busy, you should have been more aware of what was going on." My dad said, quickly shifting the blame.

"Sir, I offered her food and water everyday the last month, she always told me she had already eaten. I didn't think she would lie to me." Andrew responded calmly. My dad sighed.

"How long will she have to stay here?" My dad said, turning his attention back towards Dr. Smith

"Not sure, but I would also like to administer a psych evaluation while she is here." She told him.

"Yes please do that, I was going to make her come down here today for one anyways. She seemed a little sad the last few week." My dad responded. I went to try to sit up, so the light wouldn't burn my eyes so much. The three of them saw me move.

"Kayla." My dad said moving to the chair by your bedside. He put his hand on my cheek. "How are you feeling darling." He asked.

"I'm tired." I replied. "What..what happened."

"You fainted, dear, the doctor said it's because you haven't been eating enough."

"I've been eating." I lied. The truth is I hadn't had a full meal in weeks.

"No you haven't honey, it's okay, we are going to get you help."

"I don't need help." I said. I glanced at Andrew who was awkwardly standing at the end of my bed. I was about to ask him to leave when Lieutenant Jackson walked through the door.

"Where have you been?" Andrew asked him.

"Oh I was um.. I was checking inventory." He looked like a mess. His hair was frazzled and his buttons were buttoned up incorrectly. His shirt was only half tucked in, the sight would have been humorous if I had the energy to laugh. I felt a little better as the Iv continued to drain in my arm, but still not close to one hundred percent.

"If possible I would ask that all of you leave so I may speak with Kayla for a bit?" Dr. Swift said interrupting. Great, here comes the psych evaluation. My dad nodded and kissed me on the forehead. Then the three of them walked out leaving me alone with Dr.Swift.

"Kayla I just have a few questions to ask you, answer them honestly okay?" She said. I nodded. "In the last month have you experienced any thoughts of self harm or suicide."

"What? Um no." She scribbled on her clipboard.

"Do you have negative thoughts relating to food?"

"No." She looked up from the clipboard.

"Then why have you decided not to eat consistently in the last month?"

"I kept forgetting I guess." She raised her eyebrows at me.