That Friend

REPORT OF PATIENT #95 "ELLE"

Report issued and covered by: Jan

Patient #95 was a patient of average height, with hair touching her shoulders. In addition to long hair, she was a brunette, coated with big blue eyes.

Apparently, some of the patients have told (or rather sworn) to me that her hair smelt of honey.

Not really sure if that would be categorized as an honest or creepy comment.

Initially born in the United States but has spend some time in South Africa. Beyond her neighborhood, she had spent time going on trips witnessing the beauty of nature, whether it be the flora or fauna.

She had been here for a year now. Immedietly put into psychatric care following her strange visions of friends that don't really exist in the real world. These 'friends' of hers did not alter her behaviour in a negative way, yet we received a report from her parents that they were concerned their daughter would be beyond 'odd and harmless' should this continue in the future.

One day, I passed her room, and my ears picked up a shrieking sound to that of an elephant. Once I had opened the door, there was indeed such an animal, big enough to be in the same room as her.

I ignored it at first as I figured there was no use of explaining to her how that friend of her doesn't exist.

That is, until a week later, I received from the other employees such as myself, that Elle and her "friend", the elephant, had a conversation, and the elephant's voice was a disturbance for the patients around her.

I went into her room, demanding an explaination.

"The Elephant understands what I like, my interests." Elle said. "We have a meaningful conversation and we connect to each other."

"But what about the people you met in life? Friends, family."

"My friends were all the same, they liked the exact same thing. Many I believed didn't really like a particular movie or song, instead liking it because it was a trend. I refused to socialize with people like that. As for my family, they didn't understand, to think they are my parents."

I do not wish to be judgmental for I am just an employee, but the thought of her disregarding real life annoyed me, especially when she was a grown adult, mid 20s.

"I do not wish to talk to you." Elle said to me politely, although I couldn't be bothered to notice.

"I hate to be rude but you're required to talk to the doctors here, or people like me. Not that friend of yours. We're trying to help you."

"I appreciate you trying to help me, but the Elephant is slowly helping me think more about the world and understanding it at the same time. So, I rather not be disturbed."

"What are you gonna do about it?" I asked in a mocking tone. I wasn't proud of it but I was annoyed by her behaviour to the core, especially with that imaginary friend of hers." I lost my breath as an Elephant's trunk wrapped my body. I saw the Elephant, the friend of hers.

It was real.

It gave me a stare that was worth around 10 seconds of a threatning atmosphere, then threw me outside. I looked at her room, shaking my head. If that Elephant is that loyal, then I guess it'll do a better job at making her see sense.

Which is why I'll leave her case in its...er feet? I can't really say 'hands'.