Its really quite beautiful isnt it?

Shes still here. GO AWAY.

I ignore her. Im too enthralled in the bird, and I dont want her to see how much it has actually affected me, how its pure simplicity has brought home the true basics of freedom and has me wondering why Im in here trapped and broken, and the stupid thing is out there flying its stupid heart out just because it can.

Isnt it beautiful? She repeats. Beautiful.

I shrug, like I couldnt care less what she thinks.

I suppose it is. I say flatly.

You look so far away. She says, edging nearer to me. What are you thinking?

I want to tell her to mind her own ***** business and leave me in peace. But I find myself saying.

What am I thinking about? Im thinking, that bird out there got so high, and guess what, it never took drugs.

Is that why you are in here? Because you took drugs?

I am grudgingly drawn in to a conversation with this woman. I tell her that Im a drug addict and Im going through detoxification. Yes I have finally admitted to myself that I am a drug addict.

But youre so young. She says. You dont look well. Im really sorry.

I look at her properly for the first time. The woman is pale and thin, her hair is grey, and she has fine lines around her eyes and her mouth. I bet she was pretty when she was younger I think to myself. She looks like she hasnt slept in a while. I can relate to that. Sleep has not been a refuge for me either. I ask her what it is she is in here for.

A nervous breakdown. She says. Not the first one.

Before shes even managed to get the words out of her mouth properly I have already lost interest in the answer she gave me. More lies. I am so sick of lies. It makes me so ***** angry.

Thats a load of *****. I tell her. Youre a drug addict like me. Youre no different than me, I can tell a mile off. Who are you kidding?