After the last needle, my nurse lets the sedatives wear off to see how I’m doing. My affect is devoid of emotion. The nurse tells me they are starting me on a medication called Paxil, giving me the first pill with a bit of water. My mouth feels like it was full of cotton from being so dry and I’m desperate for a shower. My hair is matted and grungy.

“Can I take a shower?”

“Sure, it's down the hall. Towels are on a cart right next to the shower room.

Are you hungry, dear?” the nurse asks genuinely concerned. “No, I’m not yet.” I hadn’t even thought of food....