On the eve of the New Year, everyone is happy - everyone but me, that is. Everyone is out to get me, and I know it. When Tobias asked me to help him, I got mad at him; of course, I never meant it, nor did I mean to yell at Chas last week. Maybe that's why he left today, why he ditched us is the midst of a quarrel. So what if I'm a schizophrenic? I'm fine with it.

"Asher!" Mama beckons from the parlor. "Could you help me... uh... stoke the fireplace?" By the tone of her voice I know it is not what she wants. As soon as I descend the stairs, she shoos the other three away and motions for me to sit down on the sofa. As soon as I sit, she does too, while simultaneously wrapping her arms around my shoulders. "Asher... is there something that I'm doing wrong as a mother? Perhaps you were raised wrong by either your father or myself?"

I shake my head in respnose. "No, Mama; you're doing fine. I'm just not feeling well, is all..." She stares at the fire for a while before saying "We talked with Cyrus, a doctor; he diagnosed you with schizophrenia, which would explain the 'these people are out to get me' persona you've been radiating, the yelling, and the fact that you could see and hear things that the six of us couldn't. Before you call me a bitch, which wouldn't entirely affect me as I am female, and part canine, let me just say that I love you no matter what, my son; that I will always support your decisions..."

Without warning, Dad steps in and asks "Chandria, are you ready to- oh... am I interrupting a prenominal mother-son sex talk?" after which Mama replies "No, I was talking with him about how we will always support him, no matter what." She gets up, pats Dad on the shoulder, and says "The sex talk is your job, love."

That night, I can still hear them talking; something about... treatment, and my name tacked somewhere within the conversation. Without their or the others' knowledge, I sneak out of bed and into the treehouse, to hear the conversation better. While I hide in a far corner, my parents quarrel.

"I don't know, Gildren...maybe we should just leave him be... he seemed well enough to me..."

"Chandria... are you daft, love? He deserves to be institutionalized!"

"In case you didn't know, Gildren, there is nothing that you can do or say to bring Chas back! Nothing!" After she yells this, I sneeze; quite loudly, too. This causes Mama to come to the window and look into the treehouse. "Children; are you out there?"

"Just me" I reply as I look out of the treehouse window. "I couldn't sleep, Mama."

"Oh, my baby... Come here..." Being the clumsy young boy that I am, I nearly fall off the branch as I crawl onto the window ledge. Mama places her hands on my ribs to stabilize me, though; Dad would have let me fall and tell me to grow some skin. I am glad she cares about me, because at least someone does; all Dad is really worried about is shoving me into some mental hospital in the middle of nowhere. How does one get out of such a situation? They get better, that's how. Maybe if I stopped acting like a lunatic, my parents (and siblings) would think I am healing on my own. Mama brings me back to the bedroom I share with my brother and sisters and tucks me in. this causes Tobias to stir and mumble "Well, where have you been, Asher?" I look to Mama for comfort; sh replies "He's been with me, Tobias; now get some rest, love." She calls us all that; it helps us know that that is how she feels.