𝐓𝐇𝐎𝐑𝐍𝐒 𝐀𝐍𝐃 𝐕𝐈𝐍𝐄𝐒

Male intellectis

As they reached the psychiatrist's office, Regan took a deep breath and prepared herself for whatever was to come. She was determined to prove that she wasn't crazy and that her experiences were valid.

They entered the office and were greeted by the doctor. The doctor, a woman in her forties, with blonde hair trimmed straight to her shoulders, was wearing a white jacket, and her face was a mask of her job.

Regan sat down anxiety on a couch, following her aunt. Her heart was racing both in anger and fear.

"Hello, Regan. I'm Dr. Sarah. How are you today?" she asked, her voice calm.

"I'm fine," she answered nervously.

"Your aunt already told me why you're here," Dr. Sarah said.

"Yeah, my niece has been experiencing some odd occurrences that seem to be related to a figure named 'Sirius'. She claims that he's been haunting her and trying to manipulate her life." Monica explained.

Regan rolled her eyes, somehow feeling like he was laughing out there, at seeing her wrecked state.

"I understand your hesitation but I promise that you'll be well taken care of here." Dr. Sarah said softly.

Regan shrugged. She didn't want to be part of tests and these sort of things. It was hurtful enough that her aunt brought her there.

"Regan, I believe that the doctor is right. I think it'd be a great idea to get some help so that you can continue going on with your life without Sirius." Monica reassured putting her hand on Regan's shoulder.

Regan sighed heavily, feeling her head spin with anger and disbelief. She wanted to get rid of haunting, but didn't believe this was the way to do it. She wanted to leave as fast as possible, but Dr. Sarah started to ask her many questions about her life. She asked about her family, friends, hobbies, school, past, everything.

Regan found herself answering the most, although she noticed how. Dr. Sarah was growing even more convinced that she had some sort of mental problem. Regan didn't tell her about that feeling of non-belonging, but she told about being watched and haunted.

Then, she asked Regan to describe her delusions although Regan knew very well he wasn't a delusion. Dr. Sarah asked her about Sirius and how he looked like. Regan felt her cheeks flush in embarrassment. How could she say he was terribly handsome? No, she wasn't going to say it. So, she said he was just some guy, nothing special. The doctor nodded and continued to ask questions.

Finally, Dr. Sarah leaned forward in her desk and steepled her fingers, her eyes fixed on Regan. "So, Regan, I've carefully considered your responses and what you've told me. I believe you have some sort of psychosis, typically schizophrenia or schizoaffective disorder. You're experiencing delusions, especially of persecution and reference, and paranoid thoughts. You've created this character, Sirius, in order to cope with your feelings of being overwhelmed and out of control."

Regan's eyes went wide in shock. She couldn't believe she was taken as a lunatic. "No, I'm not crazy. I'm not!" she exclaimed, anger bubbling up inside her. "He is real and...." She trailed off, not wanting to say he was probably watching them all now, laughing his head off.

"I know this is hard for you, dear. But Dr. Sarah is right. Sirius is not real and our house isn't haunted. You're feeling overwhelmed, and you need help. We can get you on the right medications and talk through your feelings," aunt Monica said, her voice calm.

Regan felt her head spinning. They were all against her. She knew what she had seen and heard. They weren't mere hallucinations. But she couldn't prove it. They didn't believe her. They were never going to believe her.

"You don't understand," she managed to say, her voice shaking with rage, "I'm not manifesting anything. He. Is. Real!"

"We understand that you think so, Regan," Dr. Sarah spoke, her tone gentle but firm. "But based on the evidence and your responses, it's clear that you are experiencing delusions. And it's obvious that when you have delusions you see and hear things that aren't really there. You see, this is what schizophrenia does to a person's brain. It makes them see and hear things that aren't real. It's not your fault, but with psychoactive medication and therapy, we can help you get better."

Monica nodded in agreement, a concerned look on her face. "Yes, Doctor Sarah is right. We want what's best for you, Regan. And this is the best course of action for your wellbeing."

Regan felt her blood boil in anger and betrayal. She couldn't believe her aunt was taking the doctor's side. She wanted to hit something but it would make things worse. They'd think she was acting upon her delusions. She clenched her fists until her knuckles turned white.

"You know what? All of this is such a bunch of crap and nonsense. I know he's real and I know he's mocking around with you both as well, right now. So, whatever you say doesn't make sense. I'm done." And with that, Regan stood up from the couch, storming out of the office, not bothering to glance at her aunt or Dr. Sarah.

The walls were scary and suffocating and she hastily made her way out. She couldn't believe all of that. And she knew he was watching her, right now.

As she entered the car, she crossed her arms, her eyes burning on the road. Soon after, Monica entered, a disappointed look in her face.

"You shouldn't really done that, my dear. We're just trying to help you," she said, her voice gentle but disappointed.

"That's not help. That's bullshit," Regan snapped. "And I don't need any help."

The rest of the drive went silent. Regan would glare at her aunt and Monica would try to reason with her but none of them made sense to each other.

When the car reached their house, Regan got out and slammed the door shut.

She stormed into the house, her anger bubbling inside her like a volcano ready to erupt.

"I can't believe you think I've gone insane. Why don't you ever believe me?" Regan vented, feeling frustration and resentment toward her aunt.

"Regan, I don't think you've gone insane. But you know very well that these paranormal and occult stuff you talk about doesn't exist." Monica said as she approached and put a hand on Regan's shoulder. "Please, I'm trying to help you. I don't want to see you depressed."

Regan shook her head, rubbing her eyes, "I'm not depressed or psychotic," she retorted, "and you know what, aunt? Just because you think that paranormal doesn't exist, it doesn't mean you're right." Then, Regan stood up from the couch again and walked in the kitchen, thinking to eat something.

Monica followed her, "Regan, don't be like that. You know I care about you more than anything."

"You do but you don't understand me. No one does," Regan replied, looking inside the fridge. "I need you to believe me, not to bring me to some shrink and give me pills."

Monica sighed and before she was going to talk again, the doorbell rang.

"I'm gonna check," Regan said, not looking at her aunt.

As she opened the door, she saw Vesper.