"Why does it take so long?," asked Beth who was in Sr. Anne's office five days later discussing medication.

" For the medication to work?," asked Sr. Anne.

" Yes!"

" Well, not everyone's reaction to medication is the same. Treatment is not the same for everyone. It can take up to a few weeks for the type of medication you are on to act effectively. It's been awhile since your body had this in you."

" But it works?"

" Since I'm also your psychiatrist at the clinic, I think what you are taking again is best for you,out of all you've tried."

" But I stopped it. I don't quite remember why."

" You were doing well on the medication and probably wanted to see if you could do without."

" I went against your orders. You are so wise and such a role model. I used to want to be a Sister when I was a little girl."

" I'm not mad at you. I'm not going to shame you or judge you. As someone who cares for the well being of her patients, I want you to get better."

" I just understood how sick I was yesterday."

"That's good Beth. I know this must be hard to think about, but I want to schedule a meeting with your team about discharge."

" But,sometimes I feel paranoid and still hear the voices."

" I think coming to a program here during the day, working on skills you need to live well with your illness would help. It will get better."

" I've been a horrible daughter."

" Beth, you are recovering from an illness. In your mind at the time your actions were logical."

" I guess. I usually get depressed after an episode, don't I?"

" You have, yes. Lots of people do. I know it's not pleasant and you can try some coping strategies with depression too."

" It felt so weird when it clicked yesterday. I saw someone talking to someone I couldn't see. My mother said their brain wasn't working well and had trouble perceiving reality. It was called Psychosis. Then I thought, wait is what Dr. Brown said in therapy actually true about me? Was the reason God was talking less and the reason I trusted more people, not because God had abandoned me, but he wasn't the voice I heard? I asked my nurse if I was sick and she confirmed what I was told before. I have Schizophrenia."

" Yes, Beth, you do."

" I remember before, my other episodes, hospitalizations. This one was such a positive delusion. I didn't want it to end."

" I understand, but you almost hurt yourself. You needed treatment and it's very important that you continue treatment."

" Thanks for all you do. You are the best psychiatrist I've ever had. I like that you are a Sister. It's very comforting."

" Thank you. I'll let your nurse know when your discharge planning meeting is scheduled."

" I hope my parents help me recover."

" I think they will. We'll be talking about that tomorrow. Your social worker will help you plan for the future."

" Good. I'm kind of scared."

" That's very natural,Beth. Well, I have a meeting to get you. I'll see you later."

" Ok, your sister should be coming to visit me soon. She said I can call her Diana."

" I'm glad you have a good friend to help you through this. I'd say that even if it wasn't Diana. Everyone needs a friend."

" Bye."

" I'll see you tomorrow Beth."

" Yes." What an exhausting and busy 24 hours thought Beth. She was pleased to see Diana when she left Dr. McCoy's office.

" Diana, I have news, I'm not sure if I think it's good or scary."

" What is it, Beth?"

" I think I can leave here soon. I'm going to have a meeting tomorrow."

" That's good Beth, very good news. Let's go to our favorite corner."

" You were here with my mom, yesterday, right?"

" I was, that was difficult wasn't it?"

" I forgot what it feels like, understanding being sick."

" I was only in your position about a month ago, telling my friend the same thing."

" Here, you mean?"

" Yes."

" Oh, do you feel better?"

" Yes, but life is still hard. You'll get help."

" Will you still help?"

" Yes, but I think now your family and others will be more involved. I need to take care of myself too. I still get help sometimes too."

" Oh, we can visit?"

" Yes, like now."

" Do you still use coping skills, therapy and medication?"

" I do."

" You.. you saved me when you were still sick?"

" It was difficult, but I was better and had to,my dear."

"My apartment was…"

" Your parents and aunt have cleaned it. They will help you go through the mail, get groceries, all of that. They told me just to be here for you as a friend."

" What if I don't want an apartment anymore?"

" You can talk about all that later. Don't be afraid. Everyone here and your parents will help."

" I trust you and I think God is still here."

" So do I,my friend. You have a good evening, ok."

" I'll try."

" Good." They gave each other a warm hug and felt strength and hope.