as they admired everyone’s work. I came to understand that they had regressed to this state after traumatic incidents and that it was best just to play along with them.
“Ladies, if you wish to use this time to rest in your rooms please do so. Otherwise, the lounge is open for refreshments. Everyone is welcome.”
I paused at my door but Emily walked toward me and said, “Would you like to join me for a snack? Perhaps some of the younger ladies will come to meet you.”
“Yes, I am hungry.” I felt the rumble in my stomach and realized I hadn’t eaten since breakfast and it was well into the afternoon. (Sixty-three paces from my room to the lounge.) I had a hot cup of tea and three pastries. Emily and I sat alone in rocking chairs side by side, overlooking the lake in the distance. The view was nice. I saw a pier that stretched far out into the water and watched several people wandering down a pathway along the edge. There even appeared to be benches and picnic tables.
“We’ll go there for a picnic tomorrow if you’d like,” Emily said noticing the spot in the distance where my eyes gazed.
“I’d like that.” I wanted desperately to go there now, to be outside and sit still in the sun.
Just then a disheveled patient shuffled into the lounge. Her attire was clean, but she looked as if the cat had been sucking on her hair all day. Of course my short spikes must have appeared off kilter as well.
“Hi. I am Rose Mary. I heard someone close to my age was here.” She said, putting out her hand for me to shake.
“Hi. I am Iona. How old are you?” I asked while extending my hand in response. I watched as she piled her plate high with food from the spread put out for us. I smiled at the new friend I had made and felt hopeful that my month-long stay would not be so boring after all.
Rose Mary was prey to seizures. She had epilepsy and needed a place where she could be confined and taken care of properly. Her family didn’t have the means for a live-in nurse so this was the next best option. She ate her scones, licking her pointer finger and then dabbing it on the crumbs and licking them clean. Rose Mary brushed her hair out of her eyes and I could see the violet hollows beneath them exposing her exhaustion. Emily left us alone to go check on her other charges.
“I am sweet sixteen. So, did you meet the other cuckoos yet?”
“Ha!” I laughed out loud. I was so happy to hear her confirm my initial thoughts.
“Only a few. I met Ruth and Mary, and Patty. The others kept to themselves during art class. Ruth is too much.”
“Wait until you see her tonight. She will be all made up and waiting to be rescued from this hell.” She gestured half-heartedly to the lounge surroundings.
“That’s so sad.” I said, “How long has she been waiting?”
“For over a year now. But she never gives up hope.” Rose Mary shook her head sadly.
“Wow. That’s a long time to be here. I hope to be out of here in a few weeks,” I admitted.
“Now it’s my turn to laugh. You aren’t going anywhere in a few weeks. I have been here for three years. So have most of these ladies. We are all told it’ll be a month, then six months. A year at most.”
“Well, I’m not, um, sick like you are. I just don’t agree with my parents. I am here to get help with that and then I am going home to be with my family,” I said stoically.
“I hope so, Iona, I really do.” Rose Mary suddenly looked very dazed and drool dripped down her chin, her convulsions came on slowly at first, then I watched in horror as her body twisted and contorted itself on the ground. Emily and the other attendants came running as I screamed and they held Rose Mary in such a way that kept her from hurting herself.
“Everyone, snack time is over. Please retreat to your rooms. I will gather the group when it’s time for supper.” Emily said, addressing all the patients in the lounge.
“Just because Rose Mary is having a fit doesn’t mean the