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Chapter Twenty-Seven
Dr.Jay Branson
Journal Entry
At approximately 1400 hours, Mrs.Grace Solomon was brought to my office for her session.She sat stoically, not saying much, except for repeating the same statement twice.“Closed mouths don’t get fed.”
I’ve heard that same statement from Ms.Yarring.
Now, Grace is playing copycat.Elizabeth has that effect on people.She stared at me for a long time, without speaking.I got the sense that Mrs.Solomon felt she didn’t belong here.She’s said as much before, but today I wanted to stay away from the topic.We had more pressing matters to discuss.
She sat across from me with her hands folded in her lap, her back straight as though she were ready and willing to take it on the chin.As though she suspected what was coming.Mirroring, as I call it.First, I explained the procedure, a Frontal Leucotomy.
I went as far as to repeat myself, wanting to make sure Mrs.Solomon understood.Her repeated attacks on any person of authority cannot be tolerated.Carefully, I explained the mechanics of the surgery in layman’s terms, detailing how things will unfold.I explained to Mrs.Solomon how I would drill a pair of holes into her skull, on both sides, one side first and then the other.Once the holes are drilled, I’ll push a sharp instrument—a leucotome—into her brain.Then, I’ll sweep the instrument from side to side to cut the connections between the frontal lobes and the rest of the brain.
“It’s a five-minute procedure,” I explained.“Very quickly done.”
She looked green in color, as though she might be sick at any moment.I motioned toward the wastebasket at her feet.“This is what we do when the medication is no longer working.And in your case, I’m afraid we’re out of options.”
She appeared to understand my assessment of her condition, accepting it as fact, which is the best that any physician can hope for.
Next, I held up the instrument for her to look at.I find this makes patients feel more at ease prior to the procedure.“The leucotome contains a retractable loop of wire that, when rotated, cuts a circular lesion in the brain tissue.”
I paused to make sure she was following along.Most people without a medical background have trouble seeing how non-invasive and advanced the surgery actually is.“Do you understand what this means?”
I did not give her time to respond, on purpose.“The nerve pathways between lobes in your brain will be severed.Once those connections are damaged, it will stop the undesirable behaviors.This will lead to great improvements for you overall.”
I smiled, offering her comfort and understanding.“This means a better quality of life.And a brighter future.”
Mrs.Solomon seemed momentarily skeptical, which made me understand she was merely looking for reassurance.“You are very lucky to have been selected to receive this treatment.You’re young and healthy, which makes you a perfect fit to undergo the procedure.”
I picked up the wastepaper basket and held it out to her.“There are a lot of patients who would kill to be in your position.”
Her facial expression suggested that I had chosen my words poorly, so I did my best to backtrack.“I am going to leave my mark as a pioneer of psychiatry, and you are going to be a part of that.”
She took the wastebasket, balancing it on her lap.“Together,” I said.“We are going to ease your suffering.Together, we are going to show what’s possible.”
I gathered from her body language that Mrs.Solomon understood what a big deal the procedure is and how it will improve her life.“We’ve done some great work together so far, Grace.This will only aid in and continue that.It’ll provide a great foundation upon which we can build.”
“I’d like to talk about Elizabeth,” she said, and not completely unexpectedly.
“This is your session, Grace.”
“You’re in love with her, and you’re using me to prove a point.”
“I’m afraid these are your delusions talking.Your delusions are not you, Grace.This is why—”
The patient cut me off.“You’re wasting your breath.”
“Ms.Yarring is a con artist, Grace.She’s poison.”
“And yet, you’re in love with her.”
“Elizabeth goes out into the world and commits her cons and then she comes back here to lay low.She’s a common swindler.There is nothing lovable about that.”
“Speaking of scams… I have seen what your ‘advanced medical procedure’ does to its recipients, and I want no part of it.”
“I’m sure you’re aware, you lost your third appeal yesterday.”
She placed the basket on the ground and looked toward the calendar on my wall.
“The wheels of justice grind slow but grind fine,” I said.“The Art of War.”
She looked back at me with a blank stare.
“You may have noticed Charles has not come.”
“I don’t want this,” she said.“I do not consent.”
I leaned forward and patted her knee gently.Then I told her the truth.“Soon, you will see.It was for your own good.”
