Emily

The sweltering heat was unbearable. She could feel the penetrative rays of the sun burning splotches of her pale skin, giving her pink polka dots. The SPF 30 sunscreen her mother made her put on wasn't doing much to ward off the sun. It was like she was getting baked alive in the world's biggest oven.

* * *

The drive back wasn't too bad. The unsung silence between her and her mother has always drawn funny looks and raised strange questions regarding their relationship, but they both had always valued the lack of communication. To her, the silence felt more natural; in ways that she would have a '"conversation" with her mother via body language and eye contact.

The good times they had.

* * *

Once a month, the ward would allow her on a private outing with her mother. Outings were the only thing she valued above all. There wasn't much to talk or say to her mother, but the lush greenery and the exciting smells and sounds was always much better when compared to her monochromatic pen. To each other, there was a higher level of mutual respect and understanding.

They were equals.

* * *

'Momma, why do you have to leave me?'

'Momma, where are you going?'

'Come back momma, come back!'

Each and every single time, she squeals and writhes in infuriation when their time together is up.

Time and time again, she has to be sedated with excessive dosages.

Unfailingly, she never remembers.

She does not remember.

Do you?

Erratic Behaviour