"It never had to be this way," Lydia murmured, tears streaming down her face. She was sitting alone in a lecture hall. "I had a loving boyfriend. I was just about to start my dream job. Seven years of medical school before you decided to ruin everything!"
"It was—
"Bullshit! That's what it was!"
"You were never going to make it out there. Women never truly succeed outside of waitressing or being housewives," a disembodied voice stated.
"Oh, fuck off with that. What decade are we in?!"
"And to think: all that money your parents spent to keep you in a good college. Tsk. Lots of pressure. It's easier to just give up. I did you a favor by—
"A favor?!"
"By showing up when I did. Let's be honest with ourselves. Lydia. You're worthless." She whimpered. "Unattractive. At least compared to the other women in the program. When was the last time a guy showed even a semblance of interest in you?"
"I've been busy studying."
"Ha!"
"It's true!"
"Remind me. What grades did your last couple of papers get?"
"I'm not listening."
"Couple of D's in there. Ooh! And one F. Yikes."
"Stop."
"And I'm sure you'll want to blame me for that, too. Try taking responsibility. Accept that some people in this world are just... broken." Lydia started to sob. "We can't all be famous. Successful. Good-looking. Smart. Or doctors."
"I—
"Let's talk about Amber."
"Please, no."
"Very pretty. Top of her class. Married with two precious sons."
"I'm not listening to this." She covered her ears, nearly shaking.
"Runs a successful veterinary clinic. Always had friends. Mom and dad favored her more, don't you think? What is it they'd always ask? Ah, yes. Why can't you be more like your sister?"
"I DON'T KNOW! Just STOP!"
"When was the last time you even talked to her? You were inseparable as kids. Teens. But. She started a family. Doesn't have time for Lydia anymore. Who does, really?"
"Guess I just... fell through the cracks."
"Bingo!"
"Maybe... you're right. It might be pointless to continue."
"The time we could save if you'd just listen to me from the start."
"My life has taken an absolute turn for the worst. I don't know why this happened. And there will probably be days that I want to end it."
"Might as well. What have you got to live for?"
"But that's the thing about humanity. When there's a natural disaster? We rebuild. Make it better than before. Mourn those who didn't survive."
"You'll never survive."
"It won't be pretty. But one step, as hard as it may seem, can only lead to more. Before you know it, you're walking. Then running."
"Where do you come up with—
"We are so much more than our struggles."
"I don't know. Remember when this all started? Everything seemed fine. You had just sat down for a very important exam?”
"Of course I—
"All those eyes, Lyd. Fixed upon the woman suddenly screaming, 'Don't hurt me! Get away!'"
"It was stress."
"Stress?! Try delusion. Everyone laughed. Even your so-called friends."
"Ashlyn. ...Davonte?" For the first time, she could recall the moment of her breakdown.
"Yep. The love of your life."
"...you're wrong. What am I thinking?"
"Good question."
"Whatever this is, I will beat it. My boyfriend will still be there. So will my girlfriends. My parents. They were worried. Why am I listening to you?" She stood up in a moment of realization.
"Because you're weak."
"Weakness is trying to bring someone down. We all face adversity."
"Just gag me already."
"Weakness is running from your problems. I am broken. But I will be whole again. And just think. When I'm on the other side, there isn't anything I won't be able to do."
"And who is that person waiting on the other side? Ever think about that? Because the old you is gone."
"I can't wait to meet her. She'll still be kind. Smart. Stronger than a bull. And just maybe the best damn doctor there is."
"Right! No one's gonna wanna listen to some crazy bitch."
"Some days, the gray will win out. Others? I'll be soaring higher than ever before."
"Doubt it."
"I have you to thank for that. Along with those who did laugh on my worst day. And anyone that's ever doubted me."
"Let's be real. What do you think's gonna happen here? Huh? What does tomorrow look like? See the front of the room? That's you." She saw herself laying in a hospital bed in place of the instructor's desk, arms restrained, heavily sedated. "Helpless. Terrified of— hey! Are you even listening to me?"
"Everyone's waiting on the other side." Lydia walked off, now grabbing her hand. "I know you can't hear me. Ignore that voice in your head. Easier said than done. But, still. I'm right here. Don't forget that I'm still inside. Nothing can change that. We got this. I got this."