" Alan Eppes ?" A doctor in a white coat asked Alan" And Don Eppes?"

Alan Eppes nodded worridly and Don gave a gruff nod.

" I'm going to be assessing Charlie's mental state. I'm Dr. Sterling." He said." Did the attending doctor inform you of Charlie's physical condition?"

" Yes, Charlie has malnutrition and dehydration" Alan said.

" Yes. I can't give any indications as to what caused this but I'm hoping you could tell me if something is worrying him." said

" No, he was just working on a math problem.." Don said

" Doctor, he's awake." A nurse said coming towards Dr. Sterling but veered right, presumarbly, to check on other patients.

" Excuse me." Dr. Sterling said, heading towards Charlie's room.

CHARLIE'S HOSPITAL ROOM

" " Dr. Sterling said softly coming into the room. Charlie softly turned towards the unfamiliar sound." I'm Dr. Sterling, the chief psychatrist here at St. Bernaventure."

" Where's my family?" Charlie said, over the raw voice of his throat.

" They're in the waiting room. Would you like some water?" Dr. Sterling said with a smile. At Charlie's nod, he came to the table next to Charlie's bed and poured Charlie a glass.

" Thank you." Charlie took the offered glass and gulped greedily.

" Mr. Eppes... can I call you Charlie?" At Charlie's nod,he continues " Charlie, you are severely underweight. You needed to be attached to a feeding tube."

Charlie closed his eyes.

" Your family is very worried, Charlie. Talk to me, Charlie. Tell me when this started. Start anywhere." Dr. Sterling said, in gentle tones.

" I was working on a theory and I just got stressed. I am sorry for worrying Dad and Don but I'm fine. I won't let this happen again" Charlie said, not making eye contact.

" Charlie, look at me. Tell me what is your next step." Dr. Sterling said

" I want to go home" Charlie said

" Charlie, you came here starved. Even if I wanted to, I can't let you go home" Dr. Sterling said, calmly. Charlie's face immediately fell." But if you really want to, I can't stop you but there are going to be rules that you're going to have to follow."

Charlie had an internal battle in his mind. He couldn't focus here, at home, it might better.

" Okay." Charlie said, quietly

" Nurse, Bring Charlie Eppes ' family in here. And the discharge papers." Dr. Sterling said, with a disapproving gaze to Charlie. Charlie lowered his head from the doctor's piercing gaze.