Delicate Disguise (Part I)

"Katrina, look at me.... No, look at me, stop staring at the floor."1

She lifted her head slowly, eyes blank and clear. Her mouth was fixed in a small smirk yet there was nothing funny. Her brunette hair fell gently over her eyes and she didn't move to fix it. Her mind was fuzzy but the smell of antidepressants was crisp and welcoming.2

"Very good. Very good. Now please stand up for me, Katrina."3

Obediently, she stood. Silently swaying back and forth on her heals, she continued to stare blankly. Katrina had done this before. Many times and now it seemed to be easy. A latex-gloved hand gently opened her mouth and placed seven small pills into it. A glass fell into Katrina's hand and she quietly put the glass to her mouth and swallowed the pills.4

"Excellent...gets easier everyday doesn't it? Your mother and father will be arriving shortly for a visit...won't that be nice?"5

At the word "father", Katrina's eyes locked onto the older male doctor kneeling before her. Her fists tightened weakly but the true anger lay inside of her. The effects of the medication were beginning to take their tole and Katrina did not have the will to oppose the future.6

Sighing quietly, Katrina sat again. Her physical appearance was weak. Thin arms and legs lied hidden beneath her cotton nightgown. Katrina had done this to herself. 7

"Katrina, are you hungry? Do you feel like eating right now?" the same doctor asked. He tried to understand Katrina but she shut him out. She could trust no one here. They would not believe her anyway.8

"No, Dr. Cain...I don't...want..." Katrina answered quietly. Food meant recovery and Katrina did not want to go home. She was safe here.9

"Alright, we can try later." Dr. Cain said smiling and turning to leave. He closed the door behind him, the lock turning to seal off the room. Katrina stared across the white room. There was not much to it: a bed, a table, a small window and a sofa. She had been here for six days. Six beautiful days as far as she was concerned. There was no one to hurt her. No more fighting, no more abuse. 10