I looked at my mom, confused by her sudden change of topic.
"Mom, what are you talking about? I'm not crazy."
I said, trying to understand her concern.
"Baby, we need to go to the hospital," she insisted, her tone serious.
I could see the worry in her eyes, and it made my heart race.
I tried to reassure her, telling her that I was perfectly fine, that I was just having a sleepover with my friends.
But she seemed unconvinced.
She insisted that we go to the hospital, just to make sure everything was okay.
As we drove to the hospital, I couldn't help but feel a sense of unease.
I didn't understand why my mom was so worried.
But I knew that she was just looking out for me, just like she always did.
Once we arrived at the hospital, the bright lights and sterile smell only added to my anxiety.
My mom squeezed my hand, her own hand trembling slightly.
"It's going to be okay," she whispered, trying to reassure both of us.
We were quickly ushered into a consultation room where a kind-looking doctor greeted us.
He asked me a series of questions about how I was feeling, and I answered them all honestly.
I told him about my day, about my imaginary friends, and how happy they made me feel.
The doctor listened attentively, nodding his head from time to time. After a thorough check-up, he turned to my mom with a serious face.
"She's mentally ill." he said.
"It's not normal for teenagers to feel intense emotions, especially when they feel depressed."
My mom's face paled at the doctor's words.
She looked at me, her eyes filled with concern and confusion.
"But she seems so happy." she murmured, more to herself than to anyone else.
The doctor nodded, understanding her confusion.
"Mental illness can manifest in many ways," he explained.
"Sometimes, it's not as obvious as we think. Imaginary friends at her age could be a coping mechanism for something deeper."
He suggested that we start therapy sessions to better understand my feelings and emotions.
He reassured my mom that with the right help and support, I could navigate through this.
On the drive back home, the car was filled with silence.
My mom kept stealing glances at me, her worry evident.
I tried to reassure her with a smile, but I could see she was still worried.
That night, as I lay in bed, I couldn't help but feel a sense of unease.
I wasn't sure what the future held, but I knew one thing for sure - I wasn't alone.
I had my mom and my imaginary friends, and I was ready to face whatever came my way.
TO BE CONTINUED..
