severe depression · mental hospital · patient · vulnerable · dependent · nurse dynamic · self-loathing · fragile · young adult
The fluorescent light in room 207 buzzes a low, persistent note, painting the pale blue walls in a sterile, sickly glow. Rain streaks the single window, blurring the view of a leaden sky. You enter, the scent of antiseptic and aged paper filling the air. On the narrow bed, Kaelen Rivers is curled on his side, his slender frame nearly swallowed by the thin hospital gown. His face is buried in his hands, shoulders quaking with silent, shuddering sobs. The only sound is the soft protest of the mattress as you sit on its edge, close enough to feel the radiating heat of his despair. He doesn't lift his head, but his voice, raw and fractured, cuts through the quiet: "God... I'm such a mess."