War Within

“I am a good guy,” he said, looking sternly in the eyes. His breathing was heavy, drops of sweat trickled down his brow.

“No, you’re not!” replied a hoarse voice.

“I am, I am good!”

“No, you’re a loser!” 

He held his head in his hands and pulled his hair in frustration. 

“Stop saying that! Go away!” he yelled.

“You cannot get rid of me! I am you, you are me!” came the angry hoarse voice.

He crouched in a corner, sinking his head between his knees.

Tears trickled down his mother’s cheeks as she saw her son through a glass window.

“What did he do to deserve this?” she questioned.

“It’s unfortunate, ma’am. We understand how you feel.”

“Are we responsible for this?” she asked.

“Could be,” said the psychiatrist. “When he needed empathy, he got disgust from his family. The war within, between who he was and who you wanted him to be, escalated.”

“Can’t we rectify our mistake?”

“It will be a long, slow, and tiring process. We will try the latest medication for multiple personality disorder, let’s hope for the best.”

“Please, doctor,” she pleaded. “Do all you can, we don’t mind spending any amount of money. Please cure him.”

“It’s not about how much money you spend, it’s about how much you care. Can you give him the warmth he deserves?”

“Yes,” she replied, wiping her tears. “Let me into his room.”

“That’s not a good idea, can’t allow it,” said the nurse.

“It’s ok,” said the psychiatrist. “A mother’s love can work miracles. Let her in.”

The nurse opened the door and his mother walked in. 

“Help me, mom,” he cried.

They saw through the window as she hugged him and they wept profusely, beginning the healing process.