Page 97 of Mortala
"Unfortunately."
He arches a brow, taking a few seconds before he glances at me versus the paperwork he’s reading from, and documenting my answers upon.
"Mr.Sullivan, it's vital she continues to see a licensed psychiatrist."
"I'm aware."
The doc stares a moment longer before he flips through the pages and scrawls his signature on them.
The scratchy glide of his ink pen pisses me off for some reason.That's a lie.I know why.It's the tangible sound of them writing Sadie off as if she doesn't deserve to stay here and to keep getting better.
"Mr.Sullivan, if you would.I have some documentation for you to sign."
Daisy pops through the door without knocking, handing over more which he adds at the bottom of the pile.
"Standard discharge custody and liability paperwork.Should something happen, the hospital is not liable for any adverse reactions or complications.In the event something transpires, I advise you and Miss Wilson to seek psychiatric care from her psychologist.Any medical emergencies, please return as soon as possible.If you would, initial in these two spots and sign at the bottom."
Page after page, line after line, I scribble my name, tying myself to her.Selfishly writing my relationship to her with a force that threatens to tear through the page.
"This is the last one.Under normal circumstances, this documentation is signed in the presence of the patient but considering her psychological incompetence, we have a witness and a notary here to legitimize the process.Miss Daisy, if you'd please."
"Yes, Doctor."
Daisy lets in an older woman wearing a pair of dark slacks, a deep purple blouse, and silver jewelry that matches her white hair.
"Hello, I'm Rozella, the hospital chaplain and on-call notary.Doctor Tian asked for me to be here for some legal paperwork."
I can't help the way my eyes narrow on her.This whole interaction feels like we’re boxing Sadie in to cast her out, and since she can’t defend herself, I’m on the verge of baring my teeth and biting as if they’re pushing a feral animal into a corner.
"This is to file for power of attorney.Do you know what that is, Mr.Sullivan?"she asks while isolating one of the packets Daisy put together earlier.
"Yes."
"Are you willing and of sound mind to sign this paperwork and assume the responsibilities outlined in the documentation and what we discussed?"
"Yes."My tone sharpens.
Absolutely.There's not a single doubt in my mind.
"Very well.Go ahead and sign here, here, and here," she instructs, marking each spot with a bright yellow marker.As if I'd miss them.
Taking her pen, my name's scrawled across the highlighted portions and back in her possession within seconds.Hers follow, then a stamp is placed beneath her signature to officiate it.
"That's it, easy peasy.Thank you, Mr.Sullivan.If you or Miss Wilson ever need—"
"We'll manage," I cut her off.Last thing weneedis her religious spiel.I rather get my girl home without some anointing oil and promises from false prophets setting her off.
Doctor Tian takes over."Everything looks good.Miss Wilson will need to follow up with her psychiatrist within three days to maintain her medication regimen.I advise a very strict routine.Missing a single dose may result in another episode and a visit back to the emergency department."
"I'm aware."
I get it.Eyes and ears, twenty-four seven.Three sixty-five.They won't take any accountability for releasing an unstable patient before she's capable of caring for herself.
Thankfully, the doctor lets himself and the chaplain out without another word.I've had about all I can take for the day.Daisy leaves next, en route to grab a wheel chair for Sunshine and I.Hospital policy.
At her bedside, I ease onto the empty space next to her.She still looks peaceful.I hate having to wake her after surviving a manic episode, but it’s time to leave and go back to what we know.
Gently brushing a lock of her hair out of her face, I pin it behind her ear.If only Sadie could see herself the way I do.Wild thing hung the moon with railroad ties and spite.An unforgivable force to be reckoned with.
