“My daughter isn’t crazy,” Rachel said, crossing her arms and staring down the social worker.

He stared right back at her. “Ma’am, I didn’t say that Ella was crazy. She’s showing symptoms of mental illness. She isn’t crazy.”

“Sure,” said Rachel. “You all word it differently than I say it, but that doesn’t change the fact that you think she’s crazy.”

“Nowadays, being crazy isn’t all that a big deal. You take some drugs, get some therapy, and you’re pretty much okay.”

“Have you heard any voices? Had anyone insert thoughts into your head?”

This time it was Gabriel’s turn to blink and study her for a moment.

“Oh, right. Ella didn’t take her meds today, she’s off the wall. Ella is talking to the trees today. Ella’s planning on running off today, she’s hearing voices. Ella is seeing things. How about we all talk about Ella as if she doesn’t understand what’s being said even though she speaks English just as well as they do?”

Sophie stood up. “Then don’t go around talking to trees!”

“I wouldn’t if they didn’t talk to me first!”

The absurdity caused Sophie to fall silent and look at her.

“What?” she asked.

“Nothing.”

Categories: distracted
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