It was tight and noisy in the military. I sat in line for a psychiatric examination. My predecessor came out of the office laughing. Pressing from the hook, he named my name. I walked and went in.
The psychiatrist was cool and quiet. At the table sat an elderly bald man with a tired and sad face.
Hi to you. I greeted him.
Hi and hello. He greeted me in response. Without wasting time, I asked. Are you drowning?
and no.
Are the thoughts strange? The vision?
and no.
Then all good. thank you.
I was confused.
And all that? I say. Is that all the examination?
Do you want to tell me something? The psychiatrist asked with great sadness.
Well, what if, suppose, purely hypothetically, I had a suicide attempt? I asked, showing hands covered with impressive fresh scratches. I got them when I hatched two days earlier. It was necessary to pull large, heavy wooden boxes with very sharp angles.
In this case, we will send you for an examination. And if it confirms suicidal tendencies, then I fear you will not be able to serve in the army.
“What a pity,” I said, trying not to smile.
Yes, you can’t learn. and work. and to marry. Twice a year you will have to go to the clinic. Taking powerful medications. Purely hypothetical.
I just asked. of curiosity.
Curiosity is good. Curiosity is a sign of a healthy young brain. Are there other questions?
and no.
Then all good. thank you.