Fiction: I am not crazy

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James entered Dr. Oloye's office, his eyes fixed on the psychologist opposite him. He was nodding his head and the bulge of his clothes was bigger than normal. His voice was also audible like the base of the home theater. Dr. Oloye's calm demeanor was supposed to put him at ease, but James wasn't buying it. Dr. Oloye asked, pen poised over his notebook.

James sighed, his frustration simmering.

"So, James, can you please tell me why you are here? Dr. Oloye asked.

James frowned his face.
“Oh, well done. So, you want to tell me that you did not know the reason why I was yelling at the reception. Continue playing with me.”

Dr. Oloye ignored him and concentrated on a drug prescription notebook. He called one of the nurses to get the drugs for the patient. And Dr. Oloye turned attention to Jame again. He said, “You were saying something the other time. What is it?”

As Dr. Oloye was addressing James, one nurse entered. And she was feeling scared of Mr. James's actions and reaction.

James replied in a funny tone and unstable voice. I am not crazy. I want you to know. I said my wife is not feeling fine at home.

Dr. Oloye smiled and said, “We did not say you are crazy. We just need to know what is going on.”

James hesitated, my wife is not feeling fine. Meanwhile, He had always been a good, supportive, and caring husband, but lately, things are not the way they should be for him again.

It started after he lost his job, no friends or family cared about him. He is struggling to make ends meet. His children had been sent away from school. All of these made him lose focus. Nagging on simple things.

Dr. Oloye nodded, This is pathetic. Have you taken a step to get another job? As a man to bounce back on your feet. At least, you need to do something.

James laughed and lamented bitterly. “I am not crazy, I know what I am doing Dr. Oloye, I just need to get my wife treated. She is not feeling fine at all.”

The session went like this-James kicked against every suggestion. Said he was fine. But as he left the doctor's office.

Over the next few days, James returned to Dr. Oloye's office to complain about his sick wife. Each session chipping away at his defenses. He began to open up, sharing his fears and feelings.

Dr. Oloye asked. "James, what does crazy mean to you?"

James was unpretentious for a moment. "It means losing self-esteem, being weak."

Dr. Oloye smiled. "Seeking help is the solution not weakness." You left your sick wife at home and came here to lodge a complaint that will not change anything.” You must bring your sick wife to the hospital for assessment. Although, you need financial assistance which is very important. Then, you need to solicit help from her family too. Let them know the situation. Don’t put them in darkness. Probably. They might be of help. You can’t do it alone.”

James went back home after the instructions of the doctor and brought his sick wife to the hospital. When he got to the hospital, the nurses brought up a stretcher to carry his wife to the emergency unit.

Then, James was running after them. Later, he jammed the chairman of the hospital.

“Hey, I am very sorry sir. I did not know that you were coming. Please, pardon me. I brought my wife to the hospital for treatment.” Said James.

The chairman said, “It is all right. It was not your intention to push me away.” But by the way. It seems that I know you.”

James argued. “No, I don't know you.”

“Are you not James? “The brain box.” Did you go to Jaiz University? “ He said. Yes, this is Smith Edward. They embraced each other. Long time, you have changed. I can't recognize you again.”

“But, what is happening to you? You look rough. Why are you like this?” The Chairman asked.

“It is a long story. Things are not the same after I lost my job. I have run up and down to get another job, but I couldn't find one. I have bills to settle. When I got here a couple of days ago, they thought I was crazy and I am not.” James complained.

The chairman nodded.
Okay, go and look after your wife first. Later, we will do something about it.

James went to Dr. Oloye’s office after checking his wife at the emergency unit, but she was not there.

Dr. Oloye said mercy has just located you, and you got one. The Chairman has taken over everything that concerns your wife’s treatment. We have moved her to the intensive care unit (ICU). We have specialists there. All the attention is on her alone. You don't need to worry about the hospital bills again.

Excitement set in.
“Wow! God, so you are alive. All his body calmed down. His eyes became normal.” He was sobered.

That was how he got help from his old friend. He also got a job and was once back on his feet with the help of the Chairman.