PSYCHOTIC (ONE)

“The prognosis is bad. She was able to continue to use the wheelchair all her life because of the mental breakdown and the series of traumatic experiences she had had so far."

The man took in everything the young doctor beside him had said as he stared flatly at the tiny figure who had so much meaning in his life. No matter how much he blamed himself for the misfortune that befell his daughter, he would never be able to return her daughter to the cheerful girl she used to be. His daughter's happiness has been stolen by that rotten woman. Damn it! His heart always flared with anger whenever he thought of that bitch and her disgusting lover.

"Isn't there anything you can do for Heidi?"

The man in the doctor's coat sighed heavily. He then patted his friend's shoulder softly while shaking his head weakly. Since the beginning, Heidi was brought to this hospital, and her condition has deteriorated. Wounds and injuries were found on the girl's thin body. Even her weight at that time was far from the standard weight of children her age. Her bad physical condition was also exacerbated by her mentally disturbed condition. Unlike most children in general, Heidi hid too much suffering in her dark blue eyes. In addition, the nightmares that Heidi often experienced in the middle of the night also triggered the child to experience low blood pressure because of the high level of stress.

"There must be someone who can approach her. I mean not just by her side, but also making her want to open up. Heidi went into a severe depression which caused her physical condition to deteriorate."

"My little girl," muttered the man next to him, darkly. He never thought that his daughter would turn out like this. His decision to give custody of Alma turned out to be disastrous.

"You're a great father."

"Thanks, George. But I'm not good enough to make Heidi shine again like before."

“It's not entirely your fault. You did your best. Even Heidi's condition was much worse the first time you brought her here.”

He closed his eyes tightly. Remembering every event that has always been his nightmare so far, that anger will surely immediately become the fuel for every outburst he feels. If only he hadn't made up his mind too quickly. All because he was too ambitious to bring her back into his arms. But then everything changed. The woman disappeared. Not literally. She is still here in the city to build a brilliant career, but that woman seems to have disappeared just for him.

Every time he tried to reach out to her, she would take a few steps back and run scared like she had just met a monster. That woman never wanted to deal with him again after all the other sides of his life were exposed. But unfortunately, that woman never knew the absolute truth that was still hidden behind it.

"What should I do for Heidi?"

"How about bringing mom—"

"Don't ever bring that bitch into our conversation. Heidi will never see that bitch again in her life."

Alex almost punched George in the face when the man again tried to talk about Heidi's mother in front of his face. He had said many times that he would never let Heidi meet her mother again. All that would only bring a lot of wounds to their lives.

"That bitch abandoned my daughter."

"Sorry, I thought a child would be more comfortable with her mother." George looked scared at Alex's angry face. The man was not joking at all with his anger at Alma. It is very unfortunate because Alma prefers to go out with her lover rather than survive being the wife of a rich man like Alex.

"It won’t happen," grunted Alex irritably, releasing his grip on George's doctor's coat collar. “Heidi is not happy with her mother. And I am the party to blame in this matter."

"Sorry. You haven't told me about your relationship with Alma and its relation to Heidi's condition."

"That bitch took Heidi away and abandoned Heidi for the sake of her bastard lover."

"How long has it been—" George was only able to use gestures to ask about the separation that had occurred between Alex and Alma.

"Two years. I let her get custody of Heidi because at that time Heidi couldn't possibly live with me. She needs her mother."

"Sorry, I'm sorry about your problem."

Once again George tapped Alex on the shoulder to show his sympathy for the man. "I thought you two used to be a good couple."

"An accident."

Alex gazed deep into Heidi's treatment room through the window glass which had been littered with dust scattered around him. Alex didn't like dust, but he tried to resist the temptation to wipe the window. Let the dust disguise his presence today from his daughter. It felt like he always couldn't bear to go in there and see his daughter — he didn't even know if she still recognized him as her daddy or not.

"I know. Alma has broken the trust you gave her."

“There is no love between us, but I love Heidi. She is like the light in my dark life."

"You don't want to try talking to Heidi?"

"I did it yesterday."

Alex's eyes were still glazed at Heidi, who was drinking, assisted by her nanny. But even though she was drinking, Heidi still looked like a zombie to him. As if it was only Heidi's body inside, while her soul flew somewhere.

"And it doesn't work. She even just stared at me blankly, without blinking. Her hands are cold when I try to squeeze them. There was no response she showed me during the thirty minutes I was there."

"But she's not afraid of you. That's a good sign. "

"I think she still recognizes me as her daddy."

"She is always hysterical whenever she sees a strange man near her. Heidi is even afraid of me. I guess—"

"Don’t! Don't even dare say anything in front of me," cut Alex quickly. He didn't want to be reminded of a fact that happened to Heidi. It was enough for him to feel pain when he saw his daughter's condition like this.

“Sorry, I didn't mean to hurt you. I think you should take Heidi to a psychologist for treatment. A female psychologist who can understand Heidi. In this hospital there are several psychologists that I know, I can recommend them to you."

"You don't have to do it."

Instantly Alex straightened his black suit and turned to look at George, who now looked so surprised beside him.

"I have a meeting at work. Let me know any updates on Heidi's condition."

-00-

"You read it again?"

The sound of the book being closed loudly creates a disturbing thud amidst the silence of Harper's practice room at Toronto Hospital. The woman with dark brown hair put her thick book on the other side of her empty table, then she turned to Amber— the bully who suddenly walked into her room while she was reading one of her favorite novels.

"Only cavemen are not interested in such a marvelous masterpiece."

Amber openly glanced annoyed at Harper and snorted at the dark novel that was just lying on her best friend's desk. "You offended me, Harp. I don't read books that tell the life of crazy people like that."’

“I think it's more than just a lunatic story. Jayden is a psychotic sufferer who has a deep hatred for his mother. People should have realized that without having seen the tragic death of his mother."

"Yeah, the story was made dramatic so that you and millions of people out there are willing to waste your money to buy a fairy tale book about the madman who killed his mother tragically," replied Amber with a sneer.

She is not a fan of fiction like Harper who is so crazy about novels and books like that. Instead of spending her time reading fictional stories, Amber prefers to spend her time busy shopping online. The end of the month always felt like heaven for her who was crazy shopping. Many discounts she can find on all online shopping platforms that offer goods of amazing quality.

"Hey!" Harper protested. She irritably stands up from her wheeled work chair, which now automatically walks backward after getting a nudge from her hip. “That person doesn't even want to be famous. No one has succeeded in revealing the author's identity even though many people are willing to bet hundreds thousands dollars just to call the author out of his nest. According to his agent, the writer wants confidentiality to be maintained. I think the stories he wrote in his book were more than just fiction."

"You mean the writer is a crazy psychopath who could kill his biological mother?"

"I think so. I even used the book as material for my case study."

"You use it? For your paper?"

"Um-hum. That book came out three years ago while I was doing post-graduate school at the University of Toronto. When I suggested the book as material for my case study, my mentor did not forbid and supported me because he also liked the work of the mysterious author. He said I needed to analyze Jayden's soul in depth."

"What did you find?" asked Amber lazily.

She really did not think that Harper's madness in the book Read My Mind was that bad. It could be said that Harper had turned into a book addict. Almost every day Amber could see the book lying on Harper's desk and was always in the woman's hand when she didn't have a patient. Like this afternoon. She again caught Harper reading the fictional story of Jayden Hoover, a psychopath who had brutally murdered his mother as a teenager.

"Psychotic. Behavior-based on—"

"I know, Harp." Amber cut quickly as she raised her hand in the air. It seemed that she regretted her question which now made Harper even more excited to discuss the story of crazy Jayden. “You don't need to explain it to me. Forget it!" said Amber quickly.

"Tsk, so why did you come here?"

Harper chuckled later after getting an annoying glare from Amber. She was annoyed when the conversation was cut off just like that. What if you're so excited to explain all your theories?

"Next week Tyler and I are having an engagement party."

"Oh!" Harper squealed in delight. What wonderful news. Finally, the two stupid humans who often quarrel decided to fly the peace flag.

Harper has known for a long time that Tyler and Amber love each other. It's just that Tyler and Amber are stupid stubborn people who always have a hard time getting their egos down.

"Did Tyler propose to you very romantically?"

Amber pursed her lips cutely when Harper started asking that question. “Has Tyler ever looked romantic to you? You definitely won't believe it. That damn bastard two days ago came to my house. In the middle of the lonely night, he knocked on my door. Then he said in front of my face that was still nodding off when opened the door for him, Amber, I want you to marry me. Shit!" Amber cursed harshly while telling her love story that was never spiced up by anything sweet. Tyler is too masculine and too insensitive to romantic things.

Harper burst out laughing at Amber's face, which was still annoyed. She could imagine how annoyed Amber was being disturbed in the middle of the night just for a very unromantic proposal. It even seems weird. But that's how Tyler is. Since she got to know the man in high school because Tyler was a senior who was mad at all the students in her school, he had a man who was too indifferent. But his indifferent and cold attitude made him often get lots of gifts from his fans. She, who partners Tyler in biology competitions, often laughs at the man when his fans often mess up his quiet days at school.

"That doesn't sound like a proposal," Harper commented after controlling a little of her laughter. But she still laughed every time she saw Amber cursing silly in front of her.

"It was! My eyes even opened at that moment. I glared at him who still showed a serious expression, then pushed him away from my house. I think he just drank so much booze that his speech was rambling like that. But then he was banging on my door repeatedly while shouting which made me ashamed of my neighbor. The crazy man kept saying that he was serious about what he said, and he wanted me to accept it without argument."

"He forced you."

"He orders me!" Amber replied quickly. “He thought I was one of his men whom he could command at will to accept his love. Tch, I'm so annoyed with him."

“I think it's because he's been working with the hard cases in his division for too long. As far as I know, the criminology division is the busiest in the Canadian police force."

"That's what he told me too." Amber is seen exhaling slowly while gazing far away at the lacy white window curtains in Harper's room which are now swaying due to the breeze in the outside.

"He said he was afraid he wouldn't have a chance to propose to me. His work is like a mountain in the office. It is hard for him to take time off next week. But he is trying to get two days off from his commissioner for our engagement."

"Well, I'm happy with your engagement, Am. I hope you will get married soon after this. Tyler is a nice guy. He's in charge. He also does not have a bad record in his love life. That man had not liked to mess around with women at all in the past. I'm sure if you forced him to tell a story, he would only mention very few dates he had in the past. Maybe only three," said Harper thoughtfully.

During her time as his partner in biology competitions, Tyler was never seen dating any woman. Except for Lindsey who he was dating to accompany him to the graduation party. The rest, Tyler is rarely seen with women.

"I think you understand Tyler much better than I do."

"That's because I was his partner in the past."

"You know him better than I do."

"But he loves you more than he does to me."

Harper smiled gently at Amber who was now deep in doubt. She knew that she must be having anxieties about her decision to accept Tyler's proposal. In any case, Tyler is very far from the ideal man that Amber wants. Apart from being insensitive and overly indifferent, Tyler is also not the kind of romantic guy who will remember birthdays or give flowers on certain days for Amber. But one thing that makes Harper sure is that Amber will never regret accepting Tyler, that man is a responsible man who will only love one woman, Amber.

"You will be happy with Tyler."

"He's not romantic, Harp," said Amber sounding frustrated. In a wrinkled doctor's coat, Amber plunged her face into her open palms. “He never even wished me a happy birthday. When I first met him five years ago on the day of your graduation, he just gave me a smile that made me want to scratch his face right away. From his gaze, he seemed to look down on me."

"Really? As far as I know, Tyler was having his admiration for you. After meeting that time, he often asked me. And when he started working in the criminology department, he took me out to lunch a few times because he knew I would take you."

“Still it doesn't help. I'm still not sure about this relationshit. That's why I asked to get engaged first. Even though at first he wanted to get married instead of wasting time dealing with the engagement, I insisted on getting engaged first. I reasoned that my parents wanted to get to know him better before he took me as a wife."

"Ck! Your parents have liked Tyler a lot since he came over to your house that day. Uncle and Aunt Ambruister often praised Tyler in front of me."

"Right. But I still don't want to marry him until I'm sure I love him." Amber immediately turned fiery.

Her bright red hair dyed in the salon looked like a flickering fire when blown by the air from the air conditioner. Nothing could stop Amber if she wanted to. Even her mother and father. Amber is a stubborn, stubborn figure who is very difficult to shake. Luckily Amber got Tyler because she believed that the man could hold his ego to following Amber's passionate desire.

"By the way, who are you coming to my engagement party with?" Amber quickly changed after previously she looked like a wildfire in the middle of Harper's cold room.

“Jill? Gladys? You invited them too, right?”

“Jill is coming with Arthur, they've been dating for a month. Meanwhile, Gladys will go with that handsome office boy, what's his name... ”Amber seemed to remember while thinking.

"Simon Collin?"

“Yeah right! Simmon Collin. I saw them having lunch together in the cafeteria. I applaud Simmon's silly tastes. He dared to approach Gladys who had always been famous for being fierce among pulmonary specialists."

“I think it's because of Simon's toughness and also his sincerity. Last month I saw Simon helping her tidy up the files in her room and also delivering the files Gladys was going to take home to his car. It's little attention like that that finally makes Gladys feel touched no matter what Simmon's status is here."

"Yeah, you're right. Since Jill and Gladys already have a date, how about you? ”

"Me?" Harper pointed herself right in front of her face while making a confused expression in front of Amber. "What is wrong with me?"

"Oh God!" moaned Amber grimly. “You don't have friends to come to my engagement party, Harp. You're not coming alone, are you?”

"What if I come alone? I am fine."

"Yeah, I don't. You should immediately find a date to come to my engagement party next week. I don't think Hendren's bad either. That cardiologist has been chasing you since the first time you set foot in this hospital. Or if you don't like Hendren, you can go with Groove, the finance manager I think is interested in you too."

Unexpectedly, Harper laughed loudly after that. Don't know what she laughed at, but the woman was amused by the offer Amber gave her. "I'm not interested in them."

"Why? Their faces are not bad."

“And I don't judge every man by his face. I'm just not interested in them."

"But why? Give a reason!" Amber insisted annoying.

Harper had no problem going to the party herself. After all, the presence of a date according to her will only make it difficult for her to move when she is going to chat with her friends at the party. But this stubborn Amber always wants an excuse for every decision she makes. So she had to think about the reason immediately before Amber turned more and more savage.

"No reason."

Finally, Harper gave up on making excuses. She is sure Amber will certainly argue with any excuses that will be given as long as the reasons are not relevant to her.

"Because of that man?"

Instantly Amber showed a sad face that Harper hated. That man is past. She didn't want to remember it anymore and made him something she needed to think about. After all, their relationship officially ended three years ago. So why should she pollute her life again to think about her memories with that man?

"Nope," Harper argued quickly and coldly.

She glanced at the watch on her wrist, “I have to go to check on Florentina and Mr. Claford in their room. Bye, Am. You can stay here as long as you want, but close the door again when you get out. I'll tell my assistant that for the next hour, I don't accept clients for consultations because I need to do some assessment on Florentina and Mr. Claford."

After that long words with a tone of sarcasm, Harper immediately walked out of her room without looking back at Amber who was now staring at her back in a haunting guilt. With a small sigh in her mouth, Amber then walked away from Harper's room while cursing herself who had just made a big mistake in front of Harper.

Shit! she cursed loudly as she closed the wooden door behind her.