Hyacinth sat in a cozy chair in a small lounge opposite her sisters Rose and Daisy who were visiting her after her second day in the psych ward.
" Everyone here is so troubled. I've met a grieving widow who tried to commit suicide, even with a large estate," said Hyacinth.
" See, money doesn't always buy happiness," said Daisy.
" I made a list of reasons I should live, today,not that I really wanted to make it," said Hyacinth.
" That's good Hyacinth. I did that last time I had a bad break up," said Rose.
" Oh, Rose, forgive me. I used to call it nonsense, said you needed to stop silliness, when you threatened to do what I did. My little sister,oh dear." Tears spilled from Hyacinth's cheeks.
" You mean attempt suicide? I forgive you, Hyacinth. You were only trying to be a good big sister," said Rose.
" Sheridan introduced me to his lover.. er partner he called him, today. He's very stylish and very kind. The vicar says he's not mad at me and wants me to tell him if I'm struggling again. So sweet, said his sister finds comfort in church and struggles with anxiety and depression. He even said we've had monarchs with mental illness," said Hyacinth still surprised.
" See,everyone really does care about you, Hyacinth," said Daisy.
" Do you have coping skills, Rose? The psychiatrist says I should find them."
" I guess you could call smoking and finding more dates coping," said Rose.
" Oh." Hyacinth wrinkled her nose in disgust.
" You'll find something, you always do," said her optimistic sister, Daisy.
" They are giving me medication. They say the stay here shouldn't be too long. Going back scares me," said Hyacinth.
" You could stay with us," offered Daisy.
" Elizabeth and Sheridan will help. I'll be alright. You've done more than enough."
" We will continue to help. That's what family is supposed to do," said Rose.
" Yes, I tried to help you all," said Hyacinth.
" And now it's our time to help, you, Hyacinth," said Daisy.
" I was supposed to be the strong one, it's ones duty when you are the eldest. I rose out of poverty, lived the life of the dutiful housewife and hostess,trying to accepted in elite social circles, then I end up in hospital with everyone knowing what I did."
" We aren't telling everyone, Hyacinth," said Rose.
" Thank you. It's almost time for my supper."
" We love you, Hyacinth," said Daisy hugging her sister. Hyacinth didn't want to let go. The hug reminded her of the times her mother had been doing well.
" That felt like one of our dear Mummy's hugs," said Hyacinth.
" Good. We'll be back tomorrow."
" Daisy, dear, so very kind of you."
" That's what sisters are for, Hyacinth," said Daisy giving her sister's hand a reassuring squeeze.
Tears continued to fall down Hyacinth's cheeks and she felt a bit embarrassed. Helen, the psychiatric nurse who had been with her, the first night in the accident and emergency room came up to her.
"Is there something I can get you, Mrs. Bucket?"
"No.. no.. I'm fine," Hyacinth looked nervous.
" I was just going to see if you wanted some herbal tea."
"Oh.. Oh,yes. Yes, please." Hyacinth mentally kicked herself knowing Helen was to be trusted.
" Your neighbor, Elizabeth called to say she'll stop by after your supper," said Helen.
" Thank you for informing me. You are very good at what you do,young lady," said Hyacinth who liked the professional yet kind attitude she displayed.
" Thank you, Mrs. Bucket. Don't be afraid of emotions, remember you are not a robot," said Helen walking down the hallway with Hyacinth.
" Are you sure? She dresses like a Stepford Wife?," said a young patient.
" No,Emma, she's not. Are you ready for supper?," asked Helen.
" I guess."
During supper, Hyacinth told Emma about the candlelight suppers she used to host. Not that Emma cared. Hyacinth's old fashioned ways made her roll her eyes.
Hyacinth wished that more of her peers were here. How could she socialize with young people, if she were to get better?
After her meal, Hyacinth was glad to see Elizabeth.
" Elizabeth, I can't believe you visit so often. I must have frightened you so."
" Well, the important thing is you are getting help. I'm very glad you are coming around to accepting help. I know how difficult that can be."
" You've done it before, your Gayle got better didn't she?," asked Hyacinth.
" Yes,from what Sheridan told me, it sounds like your Mum dealt with the same mental illness."
" She's better, my mother never did get better."
" There are more options now and everyone is different. Gayle knows what happened. I know you always liked her. She asked if she could share her story and talk about coping with you."
" She was a very nice girl, very bright. She doesn't feel like.. attempting.. The psychologist wants me to say it.. attempting suicide. I said it, dear God. I.. I attempted suicide." Hyacinth covered her eyes with her hands.
" Hyacinth, please don't be embarrassed. Have you been learning about stopping stigma?"
" It goes against everything I learned. My aunts, uncles, father taught. I want not to be ashamed. I want to believe it's a chemical imbalance, not a horrid defect. I'm so sorry for babbling."
" Don't be, Gayle can help with that too. Do you want her to visit tomorrow?"
" Y- Yes. Do you mind hugs?"
" Not at all, Hyacinth. Would you like one?" Elizabeth was surprised. She had never seen Hyacinth hug anyone besides her son, and seldomly seen her even hug her late husband,Richard.
As Helen came to give Hyacinth her medication, she was so pleased to see Hyacinth getting the emotional support she needed.