Happy Valley

By Jane Olive

Laura has lost her mother and falls into a deep depression. She can’t feel anything other than numbness. Her children have lost patience with her; her husband is despondent, and no amount of medication makes a difference. She is interviewed by a representative from The Happy Valley Recovery Center. When asked what the top three things were, that repeated in her thoughts daily, she answered: being alone, being numb, being fat. Little did she know that getting what she wanted would lead to a mental and physical encounter with evil itself.

• Language: English
• Publisher: Lulu.com
• Release date: Oct 10, 2022
• ISBN: 9781447849117

Book preview

Chapter 1  Beautiful Star

Well, here she was, The Happy Valley Recovery Center.  Laura was a strong, levelheaded mother and wife.  She had her ups and downs, but nothing that hit her as hard as her mother’s death had.  Her mother began suffering with mental illness at a relatively early age and was diagnosed with schizophrenia paranoia.  Laura moved her mother into her own home when she could no longer take care of herself, but eventually she became dangerous.  With two young teenage children of her own and a full-time job, she made the heart wrenching decision to place her mother into a mental health care facility.  It was terribly expensive.  After two years, her mother’s savings was drained.  The cost was taken over by Laura and she was forced to cash in part of her retirement to pay the bills.  In the end, her mother refused to eat, or drink and she passed peacefully.  Everyone including her husband and children expected that the passing of her mother would give Laura relief and peace, but Laura loved her mom deeply.  Taking care of her was stressful, but she held onto every minute she could, and after they buried her, Laura fell into a deep depression. 

It was something she could not explain herself.  She stayed in bed two weeks after the funeral.  Her children and husband assumed she was catching up on some needed rest and they were looking forward to spending more time with her.  Not Laura nor her family realized she was spiraling.  Her thoughts were in turmoil.  Why did everyone seem relieved her mother had passed?  Didn’t they love her mom?  Of course they did.  She knew her family had missed her desperately over the past couple of years due to the time she invested in her mother.  Could she have done more?  Her mother hadn’t had the easiest childhood and was diagnosed with Post Traumatic Stress Syndrome when she first became ill.  Laura had a lot of anger toward God.  She floundered between accepting the cards her mother had been dealt to becoming angry over unanswered prayers.  The weeks of depression turned into months.  Her husband had taken over everything.  He filled out the paperwork for her leave of absence from work, offered support, and scheduled therapy, but nothing was working.  Her children were angry, her husband wasn’t sure what to do, and Laura was feeling suicidal.  Nothing made sense anymore.  She was numb. 

After much consideration, her husband suggested a recovery center.  She went along with his suggestion.  She was tired of her kids being angry and her husband had become despondent.  She would rather be alone than deal with her family and their emotions.  It was selfish, but for once in her life, she chose selfishness as her cure. 

Happy Valley was her husband’s choice.  She didn’t care where she went as long as she could be alone.  One of the therapists from The Center visited Laura to see if she met the requirements as a candidate for their facility.  He asked her to list only three things that she focused on daily.  The top three things that were always in her head in two words.

She wrote:

Being alone.

Being numb.

Being fat.

He asked her to explain, and she did.  She wanted to be alone.  When anyone came to see her or talk to her, all she wanted was for them to leave.  She was numb.  She didn’t know why.  She wanted to feel again, but how did she become so numb?  Was it the pills from the doctor?  Was it her anger?  Her sadness?  She didn’t know, but she felt only numbness.  Lying in bed for months had caused her to gain weight.  She used to make time for tennis, racquetball, and ping pong with her husband and family.  They were more than walkers, they were adventurers.  They enjoyed going on short weekend vacations and discovering new trails.  All of the exercise ceased, and she had become fat.  It bothered her, yet she continued to binge eat.  She needed to stop. 

Laura was accepted into the program much to the relief of her husband and children.  There was a contract that had to be signed by Laura and Shane, her husband.  She would not be allowed contact with anyone for 30 days outside of The Center.  After 30 days, she would be evaluated.  Based on the results of a hopeful progress, the family would meet and discuss options.  The personnel representative made it clear that once the contract was signed, there would be no breech in the contract unless an emergency occurred that was considered viable by the management staff.

Laura said her goodbyes early on a Friday morning to her children Michael age 14 and Caroline age 11.  She did her best to feel effected when she said her goodbyes, but she felt nothing.  It was apparent that she was acting, and the family was as relieved as she was that they would get a break from her misery.  They needed time to regroup and heal.  Caroline bought her a brown leather purse that could be used as a shoulder purse or as a small backpack.  Laura didn’t like it and it showed, but she did her best to be enthused.  She didn’t transfer all of her belonging to it, but she put in a few necessities.  She left her big purse at home and took the smaller one.  Shane drove her to The Center located seven hours from the house to check her in. 

Shane was a sportsman.  He loved tennis, racquetball, and ping pong.  When they first started dating, Shane was thrilled to teach Laura and the children all three sports.  Laura was an adventurer.  She loved hiking and discovering anything historical.  His boring life was immediately turned upside down when he started dating her.  He, she and the kids bonded quickly and a little over a year after dating her, they were married.  He loved her children like they were his own.  They had a father named Jerry, and Shane was the stepdad.  The kids were hilarious and real.  Exactly like their mom.  The joy of living with them outweighed the struggles of parenting.  He bragged on the kids often and it brought smiles to everyone’s faces. 

He was terribly sad that his beautiful wife had spiraled after her mother’s passing.  It was horrible to leave her somewhere for others to take care of her, but he ran out of options.  Her depression was affecting the children and they needed to be kids.  He wasn’t a psychologist, but the kids were not coping well with their mom’s struggle.  They were angry with her and hurt.  He prayed this Center would get her back on her feet again.  He didn’t want to imagine living his life without his beautiful star.

When they arrived, it was a bright, sunshiny day.  The Center had a wide circular drive and there were three visitor parking slots located in the middle of the drive.  The building was Hospital white.  The windows were gray.  The lawn was impeccable, and the garden décor was an array of green ferns and grasses.  Her first impression was that it was sterile.  She had the gift of discernment and clean was not the correct description.  It was definitely sterile.  They passed several people at the front of the building sitting in gray rocking chairs seemingly relaxing in the sun.  As they walked closer, Laure thought to herself, Damn, are they sure this is Happy Valley?  These people look miserable.  Oh well, they probably were.  Just like she was.  She wondered what their problems were.  She and her husband walked to the front desk and introduced themselves.  They were directed to a room labeled Ordained for Family.  She found the room as barren as her emotions were.  The room was furnished with three gray, plastic, square loveseats.  There was a table next to a window that sat four.  The table and chairs were gray and plastic also.  The floor, walls, and curtains were white.  The only thing of significance in the room was the border around the center of the room.  The room had black handprints that did not completely extend around the room as if people had put their hands in black paint and began to make a border but never finished it.  She found it rather disturbing. 

As a joke she said to Shane, Wow, this room is more mind numbing than those pills I am on.

It was the first joke she had made in months.  Shane gave her the sweetest most appreciative smile and hugged her tight.  She should have felt guilty, but she didn’t.  She half hugged him back, but the small joke was enough to give Shane hope.  He felt he had made the right choice.  He replied, Hey, if this room gets a joke out of you, I will start redecorating when I get home.

Laura chuckled at that, Yes, it must be these colors that have livened up my spirits.

Shane took notice of the room for the first time and then laughed, I will try to be more inventive. 

A moment later a tall man walked in with a male nurse and introduced himself.  He shook both of their hands, Hello, I am Dr. Grimberg the director and lead psychologist here at Happy Valley.  We are happy to welcome you to our family here at The Recovery Center.

He had piercing black eyes.  He looked like a cross between Gomez and Lurch.  His hair was jet black and his teeth were too long.  If he were to dress as Frankenstein for Halloween, it wouldn’t take much of an effort.  He was smiling but Laura was immediately suspicious.  He didn’t look happy; it was more of a giddy creepy smile, comparable to that of a hyena.  The nurse was a medium build black man, and again, there was no smile.  It was closer to apprehension on his part.  Laura didn’t feel comfortable, but she figured working around a bunch of depressed, crazy people probably wasn’t the most rewarding job.

The director continued, This is Charles, he is the head nurse here.  It is a small place so you will see quite a bit of us.

Shane and Laura returned their handshakes.  Shane was first to respond, Thank you for accepting our application.

Laura wanted to say something, but she was feeling apprehensive.  Something seemed so off to her. 

Dr. Grimberg replied, We only accept applications from people that we believe we can help.  You two have signed everything and your payment has cleared.  Charles and I will leave you for a few moments to say your goodbyes so we can begin the walk down the road to recovery.

Laura was in observation mode.  Charles was next to speak, I will be waiting outside for you Mrs. Fabozzi.  Take all the time you need.

It was something about the way he said it that made Laura want to run.  The director was annoyed by Charles’ tone and said, "Well, not too long.  We need to get the show on the road, and we have a schedule.  He turned to Shane, No need to worry, we are going to take good care of your wife and I will contact you next week simply to touch base and update you on anything of particular importance."

He shook Shane’s hand and Shane replied, Thank you doctor.  That is very reassuring.

Dr. Grimberg gave Laura a pat on the shoulder and for some reason it felt slimy to Laura.  She wiped her shoulder off with her hand in an unconscious gesture.  The doctor gave Laura a suspicious look.  He said to Laura, I think you will be surprised how one week at this clinic can redirect your thought patterns to those of survival rather than simply surviving.

Laura gave all three of them a What is that supposed to mean? look.  The Doctor turned and left.  Charles said, I will be outside waiting.  Take your time.

After they left Laura said to Shane, Umm, are you not getting a creepy vibe?  What was that supposed to mean?  Survival?  I am not sure this is such a good idea.

Shane shook his head and smiled, It is a clinic, you will be fine.  They are here to help you.  Besides, what choices are left?  We must get you out of this funk.  The kids and I need you back.  If this place can slingshot you toward recovery rather than digressing into that black hole you have been stuck in, then I am all for it.

Laura replied hesitantly, I know, you are right; I am just getting a bad vibe, but that is all I carry around lately so who knows.  I will be fine.  Hell, it’s paid for, may as well get it over with.  I am going to miss you and the kids.  The words surprised Laura as much as they did Shane.  For the first time in months, she felt sad about the separation.

Shane hugged her, kissed her, and smiled.  I can already see a little light at the end of the tunnel.  I love you Laura, so very much.  You can do this.  Everything will work its way out.  Are you ready?

Laura took in a deep breath and resigned herself to the current situation, I think I am.

Shane hugged her again, Good girl.  He took her hand and walked outside the room.  Charles was there waiting.  It seems my girl is ready to recover.  Take good care of her.  I am counting on you.

Charles gave him a pained look, I will do my best.

Laura was immediately suspicious again.  Shane chuckled and gave her one last hug, You will be fine.  We will see you in a month.  Focus on you.  The kids and I will be fine.  She hugged him back and he left.

As Shane drove away from The Center, he prayed for his wife.  She was the light of his life.  He met her at work several years back.  Shane worked for Tatum and Barnes.  He was a commercial and advertisement developer.  Laura was one of the executive secretaries for the sales staff.  She was tall with wavy brown hair and silky brown eyes.  She wasn’t a small woman.  She was big boned and naturally strong.  She had a beautiful wide smile and a shapely figure.  She kept up with her appearance.  Her hair, nails and clothes were attractive while remaining suitable for her profession.

Shane was raised in the church and his dad was a pastor.  He never felt any real connection with anyone until he met Laura.  She was his star in a dark sky.  He didn’t struggle with depression, but he struggled with cynicism.  Most people annoyed him including his parents.  He felt as though people in general were stuck in a world where they put on a persona.  That wasn’t him.  He was who he was, and he didn’t hide it.  An office argument put him face to face with Laura one day.  He had known her for years, but the fight opened his eyes.  He could remember every moment.  He fell in love with her over a stupid misunderstanding and he never turned back.  He thanked God to this day for that silly office fight which opened his eyes to the most wonderful woman in the world. 

Laura turned to Charles with a half-smile, Well, let’s get this show on the road.

Charles nodded, Follow me.  Your bags have been relocated to your room.

Chapter 2  Observation Mode

Laura felt the need to make conversation.  So, how long have you worked here?

Charles did not answer.  He walked her down different hallways and through doors that could only be described as hygienic.  They exited the final hall which opened into a large cafeteria.  There were many people busy at the tables playing cards and conversing.  Charles took her toward a stairwell that led to a door on the next level up.  People began to take notice and the room started to grow quiet.  Charles then responded quietly, "My advice would be