One Wrong Turn

Episode 50

We passed through an open ward to her office.
The sight of mentally challenged people gave
me the creeps. Some looked calm and well
behaved, you ll rarely notice their madness.

Others where obviously unruly and disorderly.

Some showed waxy flexibility.

I wondered why Ruth was in a psychiatric
hospital. Has she suddenly become mad? I
wondered. I began to recollect stories of
young girls who have been used for money
rituals by boys of this kind.

My own thoughts sent cold shivers down my
spine. But i knew my curiosity would soon be
satisfied, as we entered into a small office
with three chairs and a table.

She pointed at seats for Hannah and i, while
she sat across the table facing us. I looked
around the office uncomfortably, wondering
what was about to happen.

Hannah on the other hand was sobbing. Her
face was soaked with tears. For what reason, i
had no idea.

The nurse placed her file on the table, and
flipped through several pages, clearly
searching for something.

She looked up, staring into our eyes,
alternating between me and Hannah.
“lets hear your own side of the story” she said,
pointing at Hannah.

Hannah shrugged, and turned away from the
nurse. She directed her gaze to the floor,
sobbing profusely. I was getting more agitated
and worried, i desperately needed to hear what
happened.

“i didn’t know it was going to be like that, i
thought she would agree ” Hannah said in
between sobs.
“but why did you not offer yourself instead, or
at least return their money?” the nurse replied,
in a stern voice. She was getting impatient
and angry too.

“Aj wanted me to himself, i have spent part of
the money. Ruth was the only option left”
Hannah continued.

“so you sold your friend? For how much? ” She
shouted, springing up from her seat and
banging her fist on the table.

Hannah’s head dropped to the table, her
sobbing had become weeping. I turned my
head from side to side, trying to decipher the
situation. I just couldn’t gather the story in
my head.