“Finally, a doctor. That nurse wouldn’t let me leave, she said a doctor had to release me, so let me out,” Sydney demanded sitting up.
“Hold it, you’re not going anywhere. You almost died. I can’t just let you walk out of here after having your stomach pumped. I’m Dr. Wexler. Dr. Ramsey and I got you stabilized in the ER.”
“Well Dr. Wexler, I feel fine and I have things to do so bring me whatever it is I have to sign.”
“You need to stay here overnight and if everything’s okay, we’ll let you go home tomorrow,” Karen said checking her out, “Is there anyone that we can call for you and let them know where you are? Like your parents or…”
“My parents are the last I would call right now. And no, there’s no one else for you to call.”
“I take it you don’t live with your parents then?”
“Are you kidding? They kicked me out the day after I graduated high school! I haven’t spoken to them in almost six months, so calling them would be a waste of your time.”
“Fine, then is there someone that you live with that we can call?”
“I move around a lot, so no,” Sydney answered staring out the window.
There was a knock at the door and Gail walked in. Karen walked over to her.
“Chris asked me to come down for a psych consult. He told me that she overdosed on Diazepam and alcohol,” Gail whispered looking at Karen concerned.
“Sydney, this is Dr. Gail Baldwin, she’s going to talk with you for a little while,” Karen told her avoiding Gail’s concern.
“I don’t need a shrink, I’m not crazy,” Sydney said offended.
“Oh honey, no one thinks you’re crazy, we just want to help you.”
“I just had a little too much to drink, that’s all. Doesn’t mean that I need help that I’m not asking for.”
“Your tox-screen showed that you’ve been taking Diazepam. I get this feeling that you’re not taking it to treat anxiety or panic disorders,” Karen said bluntly.
“I’m not some junkie if that’s what you’re trying to say.”
“Sydney, if you’re addicted to this medication, we want to know so that we can get you the proper help. If we stop this now then you won’t have to worry about ending up on a gurney in the ER again.”
“I don’t understand why you people care. I’ve been taking care of myself for almost six months now and I’m doing just fine.”
“Just fine? Do you not remember almost dying just a few hours ago?” Karen raised her voice, “’Cause I do! I held the paddles that made your heart start beating properly again. I felt your body being shocked back to life beneath my hands! Dr. Ramsey and I fought to keep you alive and you’re not even willing to fight to save yourself!” Karen knew how hypocritical she sounded, but she continued, “You’ve basically said that you have no place to go and no one around that cares about you and my grandmother is offering to help you and you’re turning her down!”
“Karen, can I talk to you for a second?” Gail stopped her by taking her arm and gently pulling her out the door, “I don’t know what all that was about but I do know that you need to go home. You’re exhausted and you look like you haven’t eaten since the strike started. It’s over now so go home, get something to eat, get some sleep, take a nice hot bath. Let me deal with Sydney tonight and you can handle things tomorrow.”
“You’re right, I need to get out of here for a few hours. I’m sorry about what happened in there, I shouldn’t have gone off on her like that.”
“I’m sure that when you’ve been through almost the same thing that it’s frustrating to watch someone refuse help when you know that you really can win your life back. I look at how far you’ve…”
“If anyone can get through to her, it’s you, Gail. I’ll be back in the morning.”
“Alright, I’ll fill you in on whatever progress I manage to make. You get some rest,” Gail said hugging her before she walked away.
Karen stepped into her apartment and looked around the empty place. All she could think about was Sydney, who didn’t even have a place to go home to. Leaning against the door she closed her eyes and took a breath, trying to fight off the tears. She slowly slid to the floor as thoughts of her own lonely life forced her to give up the fight and her eyes overflowed.

What’s the matter Mary Jane, you had a hard day
As you place the don’t disturb sign on the door
You’ve lost your place in line again, what a pity
You never seem to want to dance anymore

It’s a long way down
On this roller coaster
The last chance streetcar
Went off the track
And you’re on it

I hear you’re counting sheep again Mary Jane
What’s the point of tryin’ to dream anymore
I hear you’re losing weight again Mary Jane
Do you ever wonder who you’re losing it for

Well it’s full speed baby
In the wrong direction
There’s a few more bruises
If that’s the way
You insist on heading

Karen picked herself up off the floor and dragged herself over to the couch. Without bothering to pull out her bed, she collapsed onto the cushions, curling her knees up to her chest and holding them tightly as she cried herself to sleep.

Please be honest Mary Jane
Are you happy
Please don’t censor your tears

You’re the sweet crusader
And you’re on your way
You’re the last great innocence
And that’s why I love you

So take this moment Mary Jane and be selfish
Worry not about the cars that go by
All that matters Mary Jane is your freedom
So keep warm my dear, keep dry