Of Depression and Witches

By Marjorie Joseph

Everly Thorpe is fired from her television talk show, her father dies, her fiancé decides to end their relationship, and she succumbs to a psychotic break where she suffers from depression and anxiety. Adding insult to injury, she crashes her car on her way back from a failed attempt at reconciliation with her ex-fiancé. Everly sustains a number of injuries. However, her physical injuries aren't the problem. Once at the hospital, she is detained for a psychological evaluation. Hitting rock bottom, she is admitted to the psych unit. Can things get any worse? At the height of her despair, sunlight peaks through the thick overcast skies. It is on that awful hospital unit that she meets two of the most wonderful men. Both are willing to do whatever it takes to win her heart.

 

Given such a difficult decision, Everly must choose between the two. Of Depression and Witches is special in that it takes a unique look into what it means to be a person of faith, and targeted by the enemy. The narrative isn't only a Christian person targeted by the enemy, but also persecuted by supposed friends and loved ones. In this society, how the spiritual realm affects the tangible is a social taboo. So, detailing a story where witchcraft is employed as a means to create conflict in the life of a person of faith is seldom depicted.

• Language: English
• Publisher: Purple Unicorn Media
• Release date: Oct 30, 2022
• ISBN: 9781915692030

Book preview

Of Depression and Witches

Marjorie Joseph

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Published by Purple Unicorn Media

Copyright © 2022 Marjorie Joseph

2nd Edition © 2022 Marjorie Joseph

Cover illustration by Robin Stacey

All rights are reserved.

No part of this publication may be reproduced, stored in a retrieval system or transmitted in any form or by any means, electronic, mechanical, photocopying, recording or otherwise, without prior permission of the publisher.

ISBN  978-1-915692-03-0

CHAPTER ONE

Why not end your life right now, Everly?  Your condition just isn’t going to get any better.  You’ve been battling these awful feelings for months now.  Do you really think this misery is ever going away? the voice of despair resonated in Everly’s head the moment she opened up her eyes.

The sun streamed through her bedroom curtains that early spring, but to Everly it felt like the dead of night.  It was difficult to process what she was going through.  What she did know was that she was in a very dark place.  How things had taken a turn for the worse, still remained a mystery.  For all intents and purposes, she was lucid and functional.  The only way to describe her experience was to say that her brain had short-circuited, and she’d blown a number of fuses. 

Everly had gone through something similar in her early twenties.  The doctors had labeled it clinical depression.  She’d succumbed to major depressive disorder.  Diagnosed with mental illness in her twenties had thrown her for a loop.  Her depression didn’t entail being sad for a few days, listening to the blues, and staying locked up in her room. 

This malady had consumed every inch and corner of her world with shadows.  The illness had made her a voracious eater, and at other times, had taken away her appetite.  Everly saw her world through a haze of obscurity, which kept her in bed most of the day.  Sleep was now her merciful best friend, and being awake was the enemy.  Half of her brain was illuminated, while the other half was like the dark side of the moon. 

Everly hadn’t audibly heard the voices of demons taunting her to end her life.  However, because she was at such a weakened mental and emotional state, it was difficult to drown out the rhetoric.  The voices railed for her to end her life, and kept reminding her that things would never get better.  Everly found herself crying in despair all the time.  Anyone within earshot could hear her grumbles, because she was in such a dejected state. 

As a Christian person, Everly felt as if Jesus Himself had abandoned her.  His voice seemed further away than the cosmos, and she couldn’t seem to find Him.  The demonic discourse persisted.  Evil forces tormented her to curse God and die (Job 2:9).  As the story went, she’d sinned against God, he was angry and hated her.  That was the sole reason for her suffering.  So, the only course of action left was to commit suicide.  The satanic song beckoned for her to bid the world a fond adieu. 

When she’d suffered depression in her early twenties, Everly had attempted suicide.  Being in that headspace had been sheer torture.  However, on the day she’d attempted to take the pills, her mom had stepped into her bedroom, and had slapped them out of her hand.  That incident had been the last straw for Everly’s parents. Hence, that very day, they brought her over to the hospital for a psychological evaluation.

Post evaluation, Everly had been diagnosed with depression and acute anxiety.  Subsequently, she was hospitalized.  As a person of faith, her family and friends had stood by her.  Their love, support and prayers had carried her through that obscure time.  It had taken a while, but God had spared Everly, and had given her a second chance at life.  She was able to graduate from college and earn a degree in English and communications.  Everly had also managed to remain highly efficient, and gainfully employed for quite some time.  And yet, after that first bout with the illness, she truly thought she’d turned a corner on the enervating mental paralysis. 

However, it was now 2020, and the sickness-reminiscent of what had befallen her in her early twenties, had returned.  Only, her condition was even more acute.  Everly still had a difficult time retracing the patterns in her life which had preceded her second mental breakdown.  In early February she’d celebrated her 30th birthday.  It was also a milestone celebration of the Morning Coffee, which was her morning talk show.  Everly had been there for five years.  Sadly, a few months ago, the network had fired her, and they’d hired someone they considered younger and fresher. 

Everly could not have foreseen that her supervisor and friend, Helen Price, would go along with the network’s decision to terminate her.  Helen had also been onboard with hiring her younger counterpart, Mallory Bellman.  Mallory was fresh out of college, and was at least six years Everly’s junior.  So, for the past three months, Everly had been unemployed.  Shortly after she lost her job, her father, Richard Thorpe, suffered a heart-attack and died.  Everly and her mom were still reeling over his sudden death.  Shortly after Richard Thorpe’s death, Everly had packed her bags from her place in Nettles, Virginia, and moved out to Rainwood to stay with her mom. 

Also, in and around the time of her father’s death, Everly had to submit to an emergency surgery, as a result of an intestinal obstruction.  She hadn’t felt the same since undergoing the procedure.  Everly wasn’t able to eat or process most of the foods she loved in the same way.  She’d been told by the doctor that the bland diet he’d put her on would only be temporary.  However, it had been months, and she was still struggling with digestive issues. 

Everly had suffered in many ways at the turn of the New Year.  However, aside from the death of her father, one of the biggest hits she’d taken was losing her fiancé, Vance Hayward.  While Everly had slipped into an abyss of sorrow and despair, Vance had also slipped away by degrees.  Everly was still trying to process life without Vance by her side, especially during one of the most trying times of her life. 

Vance always said they were soulmates, and destined to be together.  He’d called Everly his God-chosen wife.  However, as the lights had shut down one circuit at a time, and the darkness had closed in, he’d made his presence scarce.  While Everly made strides to regain her sanity, Vance chose to withhold his love and support. 

* * *

Are you hungry, Evvy? Carol Thorpe poked her head through the ajar door of Everly’s bedroom. 

Everly was perched on the edge of her bed, staring idly across the room.  She appeared to be looking out the window, but she was in a complete daze.  In recent days, it had felt as if she’d gotten a bus pass to Catatonia Island, and everyone there knew her name. 

Carol diffidently stepped inside the room.  Standing to the side of Everly’s bed, she examined her daughter.  The forlorn expression on Everly’s face broke her heart. 

Baby, are you hungry? Carol asked again, inching in closer to her. 

Mom...? Everly said inquiringly. 

I made soup, and there’s garlic bread, sweetheart.  Would you like a bowl? Carol continued to examine Everly in concern. 

Everly shook her head in the negative.  With the faraway expression on her face, her chocolate eyes glimmered in affect, and tears bristled over in her eyelids.  In spite of it all, Carol couldn’t help thinking how beautiful her daughter looked.  There was a peacefulness and serenity on Everly’s face.  Her lengthy dark brown hair had been pushed back into a ponytail.  As Carol gazed at Everly’s profile, she appraised how ethereal and angelic Everly looked, even if she was clearly sad.  In fact, Everly looked poised enough to pose for a painting. 

Evvy, baby, how would you like to get out of the house for a little while? Carol gave her an encouraging smile.  You’re going to have to leave this room sometime.  It’s a little nippy out, but it’s sunny.  Her smile brightened.  Maybe, you can take a walk... She fiddled nervously with her fingers, and tried to sound upbeat.  However, her smile was quickly turning into a frown of disquietude. 

Everly shook her head contrarily again, and her face warped in melancholy.  Just then, she was overwhelmed by memories of the funeral, and having to say goodbye to her dad.  Everly also remembered the betrayal she’d suffered at the hands of her former boss and friend Helen Price.  Vance’s callousness and indifference also resonated.  Tears flooded in her eyes at that point, because she missed him so much. 

Baby... Carol set down beside Everly on the bed.  In a caring manner, she wrapped her arms about her daughter’s waist and shoulders.  I know you’ve been unhappy, Evvy, but this isn’t normal.  I think it’s time you saw a doctor...

No, mom.  That’s the last thing I want, Everly muttered, as tears dribbled over her cheeks.  She grimaced in agitation.  "I don’t want to be hospitalized again.  I’ve been taking Turmeric Curcumin, and I’ve also been taking St. John’s Wort consistently," she argued. 

"Sweetheart, your condition has worsened.  You have to submit to psychological care for your depression. Carol rubbed on her arm. There’s nothing to be ashamed about, sweetheart.  You have a depressive disorder.  Millions of Americans suffer from some form of mental ill..."

"I don’t want to be hospitalized again, mom.  I’ll be fine," Everly disputed, unable to stop the flow of tears. 

Well, they do say that fresh air and sunlight are helpful when dealing with depression.  Will you at least go for a walk later? Her face wrinkled in urgent appeal. 

"I will try to go for a walk later, mom." Everly shook her head nonsensically.  She would have said anything to get her mom to stop talking about the hospital. 

No word from Vance, huh? Carol asked glumly. 

No. Everly shook her head in the negative, blinking back even more tears. 

Sweetheart, maybe it’s time to let him go.  He clearly isn’t the person you thought he was.  Difficult moments, and trying times often reveal who’s genuine and who isn’t. Carol continued to rub caringly on Everly’s arm, and brushed through her dark, silken locks.  "Everything that’s happened in the past few months has exposed Vance as a fake. 

You don’t need a fair-weathered fiancé, sweetheart.  You need a true man of God, who’s going to remain unwaveringly by your side in good and bad times. Carol pressed a kiss to Everly’s head.  "Vance knows all you’ve been through.  I’m sure he’s aware of how deeply you’re hurting, but he still chose to turn his back on you.  That’s not someone you need in your life, honey." 

Everly’s face contorted in ugly cry mode.  She whimpered, as fresh tears rolled down her cheeks.  She tried to find the words to interpret her inner struggle, but couldn’t seem to.  Neither would she have had the strength to express them if she did.  She wanted to explain how difficult it was to get over her fiancé.  Vance was the one person Everly had thought would love her forever. 

He was every girl’s dream.  He was the successful, tall, dark and handsome man.  In short, he was the fantasy.  Women were always checking him out whenever he and Everly went out together.  It didn’t seem to matter if they went to a play or to a ballgame.  Everly had also gotten her share of threats from jealous women in respect to her connection to Vance. 

Those women seemed oblivious to the fact that Vance was her guy.  Regardless of the unwarranted attention Vance received from women, Everly had undeniably believed he loved her.  However, she was doing all she could to accept the alternate ending to her happily ever after story.

God is good, Evvy.  I know things are challenging right now.  Carol shook her head ironically.  I know how hard you tried not to get sick again, but God will bring you out, baby.  He did it before, and he will again.  I promise you, sweetheart.  You can’t give up.

Carol grimaced in commiseration, as tears shone in her eyes.  "I’m going to get you a bowl of soup and some garlic bread.  You’ve got to try to eat something for me, baby.  You’re not the only one who’s sad.  I’m sad too.  Things haven’t been the same since your dad passed, but...

In any event, I expect you to eat a little something.  Carol rose to her feet.  Walking away, she turned back to stare at her only daughter.  Evvy, you’re going to take a shower after lunch.  Then, you and I are going to get some fresh air. Her face tensed in sternness.  Is that clear...?

Everly nodded inattentively.  She was a universe away, encapsulated in her own bubble of gloom.  She longed to hear Vance’s voice.  If only she could hear him say he loved her again!  Everly had barely heard one word her mom had said. 

I’ll be back with that soup, sweetie.

Everly nodded again robotically.  Her eyes floated over to the bedroom door, and she saw her mom slip out of the room.  The moment Carol disappeared, Everly lethargically slid over on the bed.  Seeing the phone resting on her nightstand, she picked it up.  Pitifully, a picture of her and Vance still graced the lock screen.  They were smiling and seemed happy.  Seeing the photo evoked an even greater level of unhappiness and despair.  The time indicator on the phone read 2:15 p.m.  Had she really just dragged herself out of bed after two in the afternoon?  It dawned on her that she was literally sleeping her life away.

Nonetheless, she worked past feelings of guilt and shame over the sad plight of her life, and accessed Vance’s number on her phone.  Vance...? Everly said shakily the moment she heard Vance’s voice over the line. 

Oh, Everly...  How are you? Vance sounded glib.  He was still at work, and couldn’t have been more annoyed.  He’d asked Everly to stop calling him.  And, there she was again...calling him.  And yet, he didn’t have the heart to block her as a contact.  Everly’s life had been a mess for months now.  Her appearance, and even her voice were a reflection of how hard she’d hit rock bottom. 

A year and a half into their relationship, Vance had proposed. However, things being what they were, he’d broken off their engagement, and had concluded Everly wasn’t the right woman for him.  Everly had shown him in numerous ways how incapable she was of coping with the stressors of life.  She had encountered some difficult moments, and life had knocked her down.  Vance was stumped, because it seemed Everly had chosen to remain down.  So, for that very reason, he couldn’t make a commitment to her.  How could he partner with someone who didn’t have the fortitude to handle life’s challenges?  Thus, at that juncture, he was dating again. 

I miss you, Vance.  Are you at work now? Everly’s voice sounded muffled, as tears snaked down her cheeks. 

"Everly, please don’t call me at work.  We’ve talked about this before.  I don’t want to be in a relationship anymore.  It’s over."

You said you love me, Vance.  You asked me to marry you, and said we’re soulmates.  How can you be this cold?  Why are you walking away from us?  You’re treating me as if I’m some stranger you just met on the street. Everly’s heart thudded. 

"Everly, I also said we should be friends.  But, in as far as a relationship, I can’t be with someone who gives up as easily as you do.  You gave up the moment the network let you go.  You threw in the towel, and you didn’t even bother trying to find anything else.  You set your eggs in that one basket, and it didn’t pan out.

I told you to move on, but you kept sulking.  I realize that losing your dad and that awful surgery took their toll on you.  But, it’s been months, Evvy, and you’re sitting over at your mom’s acting like a spoiled little girl.  You need to pick yourself up...  Vance’s voice trailed, as he heard Everly sniveling on the other end.

"Vance, please...  You know I tried to find work after I was let go from the network.  I don’t understand why you insist on judging me so harshly.  I really want to see you.  Can you come over tonight? Everly pleaded brokenheartedly.  I miss you so much!"

"Everly, there isn’t anything left between us.  Now, I need for you to understand that.  Maybe, some other guy has the patience to deal with a spoiled child, but I’m not him.  You lost me the moment you decided to wallow in an ongoing pity party.  You’ve been floundering in that pity-party for so long, you suffered a mental breakdown.  It’s even sadder that you refuse to get help," Vance denigrated. 

"I don’t know why you’re being this way with me, Vance.  I thought I knew you, but turns out I didn’t know you at all.  You’re like a completely different person.  Can you please stop being this way?  I love you!" Everly shook her head in disbelief and disillusionment. 

"Well, Everly, the truth is that I don’t love you anymore.  Now, if I were you, I would take a trip over to the hospital, and submit to psychiatric care.  Vance frowned in sadness and remorse.  You need treatment, and you definitely need medication.  That’s all you need right now.  Now, I’ve got to go.  Take care of yourself, Ev.  Just so you know, depressive episodes rarely get better on their own."

Will you pray for me, Vance? Everly’s frowned in distress. 

Of course, I will pray for you, Everly.

You just don’t love me anymore? Her face knotted up, and her lips quivered. 

Everly...?

You can say it, Vance, she conceded.

"No, Evvy, I don’t love you in the way I once did...," Vance said but stopped short, when he heard intense crying and sniveling over the line. 

Defeated, Everly set the phone down on the bed, buried her face in her hands, and sobbed bitterly.  The shrill noise of the busy signal grated in her ear, before she touched the end-call icon on her phone. 

* * *

Vance sighed after hanging up on Everly.  Brushing his hand through his dark curly hair, he shook his head in irony.  God, please help Everly.  I had hoped that we could have a life together, but things haven’t worked out.  I hate that I had to walk away from her, but what we once had is gone. 

Pushing out of the armchair in his elaborate office, Vance drifted over to the window.  From the third floor, he perused the expansive parking lot below.  An encouraging smile broke across his comely face, when he saw the young woman step out from her black Mercedes Benz.  She’s right on time. He quietly celebrated. 

Just then, Vance’s cellphone rang.  Seeing that it was from his date, he answered immediately.  Vance propped the phone up to his ear and chin.  From the window, he could see that his date had the phone pressed up to her face as well, as she glided across the parking lot towards the building’s entryway.  Hey, there, he said, captivated. 

Am I late? the woman’s voice pealed over the line.

No, as a matter of fact, you’re right on time, he said throatily.  "It is officially my lunchbreak." Vance threw his left hand up in celebration. 

So, where are we going, handsome? she inquired.

That’s for me to know, and for you to find out, he trifled.

Oh, do tell... She smiled alluringly.

Nope, you’ll just have to wait... Vance tried to catch a few last glimpses of his date before she stepped into the building. 

All right, I actually like surprises.  Vance, you should know that I’m out in the lobby, and I’m about to get into the elevator. 

"I know.  I saw when you got out of your car.  Don’t even bother getting into the elevator.  I’ll come down and meet you."

Oh, okay.  I’m not going anywhere.  I’m waiting on you, handsome!

I’ll be right down, gorgeous! Vance’s smile was irrepressible. 

He grabbed his jacket from the hook to the side of his office door.  Then, he slipped outside into the hallway, and shut the door closed.  He was having lunch with someone new.  He’d been emancipated from a tumultuous relationship with an unstable and confused woman, and he was now a free man again. 

* * *

"She’s been in her room all day, Nareva!  I’m so glad you’re here!" Carol greeted Everly’s best friend, Nareva Batson, at the front door.

Don’t worry, Mrs. Thorpe.  I’m going to get Everly out of the house this afternoon if it kills us. Nareva stepped across the foyer.  And, knowing how stubborn Everly is, it probably will, she said facetiously. 

Should I go upstairs, and tell her you’re here? Carol asked.  Nareva’s joke had gone right over her head, because she was much too anxious and alarmed for her daughter. 

No, Nareva waved a dismissive hand, I’ll go up and surprise her.  I find it’s a lot more effective to give Everly that element of surprise.  Nareva ambled over to the stairs.

I’m at my wit’s end, and I have no idea what to do.  Everly refuses to go to the hospital. Carol kept shaking her head dubiously over the matter. 

Nareva had already started climbing up the steps.  However, she stopped short, turned, and leaned up against the stair banister to give Carol her undivided attention.  Well, it’s difficult for her, Mrs. Thorpe.  Evvy had a rough time during her first hospitalization.  So, she’s terrified of going through the same experience again.  Involuntary lockdown at a psychiatric hospital is one of her worst nightmares. Nareva grimaced in empathy over the circumstances.

"I know how much she’s fought not to go back to the hospital.  My concern is that the longer she remains in this state, the more likely she is to do something drastic." Fresh tears shone in Carol’s eyes, and her face warped in unsettledness. 

Nareva dismounted the steps, and wrapped her arms around Carol in comfort.  Her hands brushed caringly over Carol’s back.  "I will talk to her again.  Maybe, she’ll listen to me.  It’s obvious she needs to be in the hospital, but I think Ev probably wants to go voluntarily.  Nareva pulled away, and stared devotedly into Carol’s tear-streaked face.  I don’t think it’s a good idea if we try to force her to go in." Nareva gave Carol another comforting hug. 

She will only get worse if she doesn’t submit to treatment, Nareva.  I’ve been praying. Carol strove to pull herself together. 

And, God has the answer.  Everly’s going to come out of this.  She will be stronger, and she will testify of God’s faithfulness. Nareva issued a hopeful smile. 

I have faith that he will bring her out too, but she’s got to fight. Carol balled her fists together to emphasize her point. 

I will do my best to convince her, Mrs. Thorpe.  In fact, Evvy and I are going out for a breath of fresh air. 

"It would be wonderful if you got her out of the house this afternoon. Carol shook her head nonsensically.  I was unable to do it a little while ago.  Thank you so much, dear."

"Don’t thank me just yet.  Everly is stubborn, but I can be pretty stubborn too.  I’m determined to win this round." Nareva nodded with a clever smile. 

Well, I really appreciate that, dear. Carol smiled back, heartened.  Evvy’s also brokenhearted over Vance. 

"Vance really turned out to be something. Nareva shook her head incredulous.  Breaking off their engagement only weeks after the funeral is classic." Cynicism veiled Nareva’s face.

What he did to her burns me up.  I can’t believe anyone can be that coldhearted. Carol’s face reddened in frustration. 

The fact that he hurt Everly so much while she’s suffering, proves he isn’t good enough for her.  God’s got someone better for her. Nareva set her hand affectionately on Carol’s shoulder, and brushed it in comfort. 

"God has to have someone else for her, because Vance certainly doesn’t deserve her...  Anyway, Vance Heyward is the last person I want to talk about right now.  If I never see that man again, it won’t be a day too soon," Carol said acerbically.

I know just what you mean, Mrs. Thorpe. Nareva stared consolingly into Mrs. Thorpe’s eyes. 

In any event, dear, Everly is up in her room.  That’s where she’s been all day. Carol sighed.

I’m going up.  Maybe, something I say will reach her. Nareva’s face strained in sympathy. 

She then watched Carol walk away, and drift out in the direction of the kitchen.  Nareva exhaled, then headed up the stairs.  All right, Everly, it’s you and me right now, she muttered.

* * *

Everly sat quiescently on her bed.  She had turned the television on, but her thoughts were a million miles away.  There was a gameshow on, but instead of watching it, the television seemed to be watching her. 

She’d cried to the point of exhaustion, and now the voices in her head reverberated again.  Life was over.  She’d lost her father, her job, her health, and her fiancé.  Since she’d spoken over the phone with Vance earlier on, she’d been unable to stop bawling. 

Somewhere on the inside Everly heard God’s voice.  It spoke a story of hope, and that her life would look normal again-providing she didn’t give up.  Yet, that vision had been muddied by the prattle of darkness and despair.  She was trapped in a tenebrous tunnel, where not one flicker of light could be discerned. 

"Maybe, I should eat something," Everly whispered.  Her stomach was grumbling.  Still, she was skittish about eating, because she had no idea how her stomach would react.  It was always hit or miss.  All the same, her stomach railed in rebellion, and demanded pacification. 

"I should take a shower too, and change out of these clothes." Everly examined the long, black T-Shirt and pajama bottoms she had on.  She’d worn them for three days straight.  Why couldn’t showers be permanent?  You only had to take a shower once and stay clean forever...," she examined anxiously. 

Evvy... Nareva opened up Everly’s bedroom door.  There you are! She stormed inside. 

Everly scowled in annoyance.  She was grated over Nareva’s intrusion.  Reva, what are you doing up here? She tried to sound authoritative, but torpidity rang in her tone. 

Nareva careened across the room, and propped right next to Everly on the bed.  She draped her arms about her best friend, and looked her squarely in the eyes.  You need to get out of this room.  I’m taking you out for a bite to eat, then we can drive over to the park. 

No. Everly shook her head adamantly in the negative.  I’m not leaving the house, Reva.  I don’t want to.

Look at this face. Nareva pointed to her face.  "Do I look like I care what you want, Evvy?  You and I are going out. Nareva made a funny face, and sniffed all about the room.  And, you’re taking a shower right this minute." 

Reva, please go away.  I just want to be left alone. Everly gave her bestie the death stare. 

I’m not going anywhere, Nareva argued.  Abruptly standing to her feet, she took hold of Everly’s arm, and pulled her up from off the bed.  Nareva started tugging Everly towards the adjourning bathroom in her bedroom.

Reva, this is so messed up.  You can’t just barge in here, and upset my entire world.  I was just minding my own business.... Everly grimaced in annoyance. 

Not another word, girlfriend.  Now, you get in there. Nareva shoved Everly into the bathroom, and shut the door.  Then, she crossed over to the armoire, and rummaged through Everly’s dresser drawers.  I’ve got your robe right here, and I’ve already picked out a comfortable pair of tights and a light blue T-Shirt.  It’s nice out, so you can wear your flip-flops, Nareva called out through the closed bathroom door. 

"I can’t believe she’s doing this," Everly grumbled, as she hesitantly turned the water on in the shower stall.  Everly’s long dark hair was flat and oily.  It was obvious she’d not washed it in days.  It wasn’t something she cared about anymore.  However, if she had to take a shower, she would wash her hair as well.  So, she grudgingly slipped into the stall.  Everly thrust her head back in submission to the warm flow of water, and picked up the shampoo bottle.  Lathering up, she mustered up the strength to massage her scalp. 

Even showering seemed to require a great deal of energy, and strength was something Everly was short on.  All the same, she couldn’t say that she didn’t feel just a little pampered, as she allowed the warm stream of water to flow over her body.  Languidly, she scrubbed with fragrant body wash. 

However, when the experience ended, Everly found it arduous to slip on her pale yellow terrycloth robe Nareva had slipped into the bathroom.  Her arms and legs felt denser and heavier than lead.  Gingerly opening up the bathroom door, she cautiously looked from left to right for Nareva.  Luckily, Nareva had stepped out, and Everly was grateful. 

Everly loved Nareva a great deal.  She was a great friend, and had been for years.  However, recent circumstances had made Everly antisocial.  So, the last thing she wanted was to entertain company.  It was difficult enough to cater to her mom, let alone having to deal with anyone else. 

Diffidently, Everly stepped back into the warm bedroom.  She noticed that Nareva had set some clothes on the bed, including underwear.

"I can’t believe my life has been reduced to this.  Nareva and my mom have to feed me.  Now, Nareva is setting clothes on my bed like I’m two."  Everly tried to keep a stiff upper lip, because she felt triggered again.  Tears gleamed in her eyes.  Nowadays, it seemed if the wind blew in her direction, she was already crying.  This time around, she did all she could to blink back the tears.  Everly knew Nareva quite well.  So, there was no doubt that her strident, yet loving friend would be back.  And, if Everly pushed, Nareva would definitely push back. 

I might as well get dressed. Everly took a moment to dry off.  Something as simple as applying deodorant proved to be a real challenge. Lifting up her arms, and smearing on the product felt as if she was lifting twenty pound weights.  Indolently, she squeezed baby oil into the palms of her hands in order to moisturize her arms and legs.  Using baby oil was a lot easier than having to apply body lotion.  And, Everly just wasn’t up to the task. 

Before long, she’d found a way to put on the tights and the T-Shirt.  Momentarily, she sat on the bed, and squeezed excess water out of her hair.  The thought of finding her hairdryer and plugging it seemed overwhelming.  So, Everly decided to air dry her hair.  As if needing rest after all she’d just accomplished, she sat on the bed trying to recover.  From a corner of her room, set to the side of her closet, she saw her black, glittering butterfly-designed flip flops.  At some point, she would haul over there and slip them on.  But for now, they were miles away.

I’m back, Evvy. Nareva returned, holding a small plate and a water bottle.  She had made sandwiches out of saltines, and what appeared to be white cheddar cheese.

Everly rolled her eyes, and shook her head incredulous.  There were times she hated the fact that Nareva was more like a sister than a best friend.  At that point, Everly assessed that Nareva was being just as annoying and intrusive as a sister.  I’m dressed, Reva.  Are you happy? She shrugged sassily. 

"As a matter of fact, I am. Nareva crossed over, and set down on the bed next to Everly.  You need something in your tummy right now, girlfriend.  Your mom says you haven’t eaten a bite all day. Nareva kept shaking her head in the negative.  I know you’re scared because your stomach’s been acting out lately, but try these.  It’s only a few saltines and white cheddar.  I doubt cheese and crackers will upset your stomach. Nareva stared into Everly’s eyes in concern.  You smell a lot better, Evvy," she razzed on her.

Thanks, Reva. Everly’s face rumpled caustically.  Reve, I’m really not feeling up to leaving the house right now. She frowned and shook her head in the negative. 

"I don’t care, Evvy.  Vance doesn’t get to win.  You’ve got to get your life back." Nareva pointed at Everly’s heart. 

Vance said he doesn’t feel the same way about me anymore. Everly blinked back the tears again. 

Evvy, I can’t even imagine how hard this is for you.  But, sweetheart, you’ve got to forget all about Vance. Nareva took hold of Everly’s shoulders, and gave her a firm shake.  Evvy, we’re not having a Vance pity party today.  We’re going to eat, go out to the park, and talk like old times.  You’re coming out of this funk whether you want to or not. 

I was so good to him, Reva..., Everly started to say, but stopped short when Nareva thrust a saltine into her mouth.  Reve... Everly stared at her bestie incredulous.  She couldn’t believe Nareva had silenced her with food. 

"We’re not doing this right now, Evvy.  Eat up...  We can complain about what a dirt bag Vance turned out to be once you’re full." Nareva gave Everly a daunting look.

Everly shook her head in the negative, still skeptical of Nareva’s words and actions.  Holding back the tears, she grudgingly munched on the cracker.  She watched Nareva cross over to the corner of the bedroom, and pick up her flip flops.  Nareva drifted back over to the bed, and set the sandals in front of Everly.  Everly was grateful for that much, because as far as she was concerned, the sandals had been on a boat on the Indian Ocean. 

However, Nareva wasn’t quite done yet.  She accessed a comb and a brush on Everly’s dresser.  Ordering Everly to finish her crackers, she proceeded to comb and brush through Everly’s hair.  If Everly had felt like a child before, she felt like a baby at that point.  However, she stopped complaining, even if she hated feeling so helpless. 

Surprisingly, Everly managed to finish all six crackers.  She also chugged from the water bottle before she shoved Nareva away.  I’m perfectly capable of combing my hair, Reva. Everly gave her an enervating look.