It’s true. Natasha did end up here. Bina takes in the sea of faces coming in and out, the pamphlet on depression Dr. Chan left on the table, the smell of sickness lingering everywhere. She’ll be damned if Natasha thinks she’s going through this alone. That’s the worst part of reaching a place so low—the corrosive sense of isolation—and there’s no way she’ll allow Natasha to be submerged in that.

“Are you sure you’re not mad at me?” Natasha hiccups and gazes at Bina.

“Mad? I’m not mad at all, betu. All we”—she points to the rest of the family—“want is for you to be okay.”

“And I want to go home.” Natasha faces Suhani. “Can you get them to hurry up and discharge me?”

“Beta, we should talk to you about that.” Bina keeps Natasha in her firm grip. She’s exhausted and wired at the same time.

“About what?” Natasha asks.

Silence stretches across them. Suhani gives Bina a look that says, I’m going to tell her now. Bina is compelled to stop her. They can tell Natasha later. Or maybe they can find a way to get her home.

But she takes another look at Natasha’s sunken eyes. This has to happen even if the thought of Natasha being on a psychiatric ward terrifies Bina to her core. She has to push that aside and keep Natasha safe. Sometimes the best thing you can do for your child is protect them from your own fears.

“You’re going to have to stay here,” Suhani says. “For multiple days.”

“What? Why?!” Natasha’s eyes widen. “I don’t want to be here!”

“I know. We don’t want that for you, either. But it’s what you need,” Suhani says. Deepak nods in agreement behind her.

“So you’re keeping me here against my will? Even though I could go home with two doctors? Two psychiatrists?”

“I’m sorry but this is what’s best for you. And, yes, if you’re not going to go willingly, it’s technically an involuntary admission.” Suhani squeezes her eyes shut and takes a deep breath, as if to force herself to stay calm. Underneath her sadness, Bina senses a newfound pride for Suhani being able to deliver such emotionally charged news with compassion. Her daughter has grown up to be an empathetic doctor and sister.

“NO!” Natasha jumps off the bed. “YOU ARE NOT LOCKING ME UP!”

Two security guards rush in.

Deepak holds up his hands. “We’re fine in here. Thank you.”

“Wait, what’s going on?” Bina asks. “Why are they here?”

“If Natasha refuses to go, they might have to medicate her.” Deepak is composed as he explains the horrifying protocol the hospital has for patients who resist admission.

How are you saying this so calmly? Bina thinks.