"I...interesting."
He holds two corners while he reads, as if the paper is covered in biohazard material.I watch his eyes move left to right with each line of text he consumes.
"Interesting," he repeats himself.
A moment later, he lays it on the table, crosses his right ankle over his knee, and jots something on his notepad which reminds me too much of the hospital.And they say no two shrinks think alike.
"Before we begin, I need you to understand that there’s a limitation regarding a power of attorney.Records prior to the date of this document do not warrant release or discussion.Meaning—"
I cut him off."I'm not privy to confidential information unless it’s mentioned herein or after supplying you with the appropriate documentation.I'm aware."
"Correct.Since she’s in crisis, Miss Wilson’s likely unable to consent to sharing her confidential records.If she revokes your presence today, or in the future, you will be required to leave before I continue speaking with her.Do you understand?"
Sadie won't revoke it; not now, anyway.Before, when she was stronger, she wouldn't allow me into the building let alone an appointment.There's something about this whole arrangement that I'm uncomfortable with; call it soldier's intuition if you want, but I don't like him.
"Noted."My teeth grit.
"Very well.Let's begin."
Sadie's still silent at my side, only her soft breaths tell me she hasn't fallen asleep while I spoke to Kensington.Something she's been doing a lot lately.I'll get her moved from the bed to the couch, long enough for the sun to stretch across her legs, and within a few minutes she's out again.It's more of the same between meals, even when I brought her home and gave her another bath.Like taking care of a doll.
"Sadie, we received your medical records from the hospital.Looks like you completed a seventy-two hour hold after what’s noted as an attempt to harm yourself or take your life.Is that correct?"
I've walked deserts wetter than him.
Stubborn girl doesn't reply, not shocked there.He taps his pen insistently on his notepad as he waits.From the looks of it, this is a normal occurrence for their little rendezvous.Guess it's my turn.
"That's correct.She hasn't disclosed if it was an attempt or not, nor was she very cooperative with the evaluations."
"I see.That was noted in the records.Seems she was forthcoming then stopped participating in her care."
He flipped through notes before continuing.
"Says here she responded favorably to administered medication.Even with the selective silence and declining appetite, they thought she was stable enough to be released with a caretaker.Safe to assume that's you?"
"You assume correct."
"And how has she been at home?"
Sadie shifts next to me.I give her a moment to still before I slip my arm over her shoulders and pull her into my side.He observes us closely, but I don't pay his curiosity any mind.
"Sleeps.Doesn't engage in conversation or decision making."
"So, she's withdrawn."
"If that's the word, then yeah."
"Have you maintained the medication regimen prescribed by the hospital psychologist or reverted back to the one Miss Wilson and I established?"
"The hospital regimen."
"Good, good.From what the notes say, her history paired with the failure to establish an adequate dose, I believe she would benefit more from a twenty-four-hour facility rather than being at home.There's one south of here, I can—" He grabs a tablet to bring up unnecessary information.
"Absolutely fucking not."
"Mr.Sullivan, it is my—" He bristles when I cut him off again.
"I don't peg you for an ignorant man, Mr.Kensington.Let's not pretend you didn't just hear me say no."
