"Max" Chapter 3

“Electroconvulsive therapy has been used for many years” Dr. Roberts told Mom and Dad. “It has worked for decades, curing patience of everything from dementia to depression.”

“I don’t think Max is depressed” Mom said. “He is just a normal kid.” Max looked at the doctor and smiled. The smile was not returned. “I’m not sure if shock therapy is good for him.”

“Electroconvulsive therapy” the doctor corrected Mom. “And it will be good for him. Now if you would just sign here…” he said as he slid a sheet of paper across the desk. Dad picked it up and began reading it. “I assure you that everything is in order.”

“’Risk of death’?” Dad asked. “Max could be killed from this?”

“There is a slight risk” Dr. Roberts said. “Very slight. It almost never happens.”

“Hmm…” Mom hummed as she read the contract with Dad. Dad shrugged and signed the paper and gave it back to the doctor.

For three weeks Max was subjected to electroconvulsive therapy. The nurses were amazed that he did not scream. Every day it was the same routine. Max would awaken at 6am. Eat his breakfast at 6:55am just before it was removed from his room. At 11am his first treatment began. Lunch at 2pm. Eaten at 2:55pm. Next session of therapy at 4pm. Dinner at 7pm. Eaten by Max at 7:55pm. Sleep at 9pm. Repeat.

One day Mom and Dad paid Max a visit. Dad pat Max on the head while Mom removed a book from her purse and began reading it. Max stared straight ahead watching his parents.

“You look good, Max” Dad said as he checked his watch. Max stared.

“How are they treating you?” Mom asked while licking her thumb to turn the page. Max stared.

“Meet any new friends?” Dad asked. Max stared.

“Have they told you when you’ll come home?” Mom asked. Max stared.

“This was nice, being together again like this” Dad said as he stood, pat Max on the head, and left. Max stared.

“It was” Mom said as she placed her book back into her purse and left as well. Max stared.

“I hate the both of you” Max said.