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Episodes

"Episodes" is a slice-of-life micro story about mental health, written by Scottish writer Russell Cavanagh.

I follow him into his kitchen, then through to his bathroom. Wherever he makes a noise.

    "REAP!" 

    What did he just shout?

    Once, he told me there should be thirteen equal months in a year, as dictated by the Moon. That would mean five spare days that are totally out of time. He said, Hidden men are manipulating our calendar to alter reality and change our experience of this world. Imagine!

    I kind of get that. He does seem clever.

    Now then, did I rinse this bowl? It’s my sacred duty to make sure. Let's clean it all again, my old friend the blue basin, just to be on the safe side. Germs breed so fast, don't they?

    He turns on the radio in his front room. I'll go through and catch what he's listening to.

    But that would mean I must leave the tap running in the kitchen - which will be OK, so long as I'm not away too long, so long as I don't sin. And nothing must spill over onto the floor, or else I will be punished again.

     Yes, I know the world won't come to an end, certainly not if that corner stays dry. Experience tells me this. But I will be punished from on high if there's any mishap. Mustn't have that ...

    On the spectrum, they said. I'm not mad. Just different.

    OK, I'll count beyond thirteen three times - thirteen is a Holy number - then I can turn the tap off. Just hope it doesn't run over before I get back. Doing one count past thirty-nine would of course be easier. Only, that isn't allowed.

    SHIT!

     Just kicked over the ...

     "CREEP!!!" 

    Creep? Did he just call me a creep? Oh, I do hope my friend isn't having another one of his episodes.




CC BY-ND 4.0 Russell Cavanagh

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