Moonshine by Regina Bartley Page B

session that takes place each day and you will be asked to participate at some point. You will also have a scheduled time where you meet with the doctor on a weekly basis. There is a lot to learn, but you’ll get the hang of things real quickly. Also, when it’s time for your medications, there is a nurse’s station at the end of the hallway to your right where you will be able to get them. She is also there if you feel sick and are in need of treatment. Don’t come to me. I don’t do well with the sickly types. That’s where my mothering stops.” She grinned at me. “As far as visitors go, they will only be able to visit on Sundays between twelve and six, unless it’s authorized by authority for another day or we have something special going on.”
                  “Okay,” I finally spoke, although it wasn’t much.
                  “I will leave you to get situated and if you need anything you just let me know. Also, before I forget. We have several members of staff here and you will get to know them all soon enough. One of them will be by in a minute to check your bags.”
                  “For what?” I asked.
                  “They have to check for weapons and things that can be used to harm yourself. They will confiscate your cell phone, any shoe strings, nail files, and any other materials or items that could be hazardous. As far as the cell phone goes, you will be permitted to use those during certain hours of the day. They stay locked up inside the main office until then.” She stood there silent for only a minute. “I believe I have told you everything.  Do you have any questions before I go?”
                  “No.”
                  “Okay, supper will be at six o’clock. I will see you then.” She left on a whim.
                  “She seems really nice.”
                  I rolled my eyes. “She’s a talker.”
                  “That she is, Baby.” Dad finally spoke. He hadn’t said a word since we left the hospital.
                  “I really wish you guys didn’t have to go yet.”
                  “We don’t want to go either, but we have to. The sooner we get out of here the sooner you will get better and come home.” Mom said softly as she wrapped me tightly in a hug. I had hoped she wouldn’t cry. “I forgot to tell you that I spoke with school and they have agreed to let you finish out the year through a home schooling program. You will be given assignments here for you to work on. I know that it’s not what you wanna hear, but I was certain that you would want to graduate and not go back to school for another year.”
                  “And you would be right, I don’t. Graduating sounds pretty nice and gives me something to work towards. Thank you.”
                  “I’m glad to hear you talk like that. Your welcome, now let’s get you unpacked.”
                  We kept our goodbyes short and sweet and they had promised that they would visit on Sunday. I let them go easily, and I was surprised. Being inside the bedroom wasn’t so bad. I could let them go from here, but what awaited me outside the door is what scared me. I knew that once I left the solitude of my room my anxiety would be back.
                  A lady named Ruby came by to check my stuff. She said hello, and she finally quit talking once she realized that I wasn’t going to talk back. She didn’t stay long and only snatched a few things. Once she left I realized it was the first time that I had been alone since the incident. I sat on the edge of the bed and left my feet on the floor. It was at that moment that the severity of what I had done finally hit me, like a ton of bricks. I was so stupid. With very few drugs in my system, I could actually think about things and I didn’t like it. The feeling of truth left