Background: Annie is a sophomore with a psychiatric history dating to age 12. She has had multiple depressive episodes and was hospitalized at 16 after a suicide attempt by overdose. She has been in some form of treatment off and on since she started high school. Annie engages in cutting but that is a coping measure and not suicidal in intent, though she frequently thinks about suicide.

Scene: Annie answers questions in class which alarm her instructor and classmates.

Dr. Hokumba: So, can you recall an experience in your life which is evoked by your reading this week? Yes, Annie?

Annie: (Raising her hand) Well, when I was sixteen I was sent to a hospital after I tried to kill myself. Let me tell ya, it was exactly like what Kafka said.

(Other students quickly turn around to look at Annie.)

Dr. Hokumba: I see. In what way?

Annie: (Holding up both wrists, which reveal very red marks on the wrists.) See? People freak out over this but I went because I overdosed. The hospital was like a maze just like Kafka spoke about. I never did figure out what was supposed to happen or what I was supposed to do. It just seemed like whatever I did was the wrong thing, but when I tried to do what they wanted it just made it worse, ya know?

(There is obvious discomfort among the students.)

Dr. Hokumba: (nervously) Anyone else?

Annie: But I’m used to it. I still think the way I used to. After all, suicide would have solved Kafka’s problem. My shrink says I am stubborn that way.

Dr. Hokumba: Annie, let’s talk more about that after class, OK?

(After class, Annie approaches Dr. Hokumba.)