“How you doing today, Ms. Wagner?” A man came into the navy blue room wearing a crisp suit and designer shoes.

The woman sitting on the leather couch fidgeted. The dark circles under her eyes explained how she was “doing”.

“You still can’t sleep?” He asked with a frown.

“They won’t let me.” She whispered hoarsely.

“They would let you if you would stop your foolishness.” He said with a sympathetic smile.

“It’s not foolishness. It’s the only thing I have to remember my grandmother.”

He shook his head and said slowly, “Repeat after me. My abnormal addiction to this raggedy, ugly sweater is foolishness.”

Tears welled in her bloodshot eyes as she fingered the worn orange wool of her sweater, “No.”

The man sighed in disappointment, “We’ll try again in a week. From now on, I think your shoe privleges will be suspended.”

She stifled a sob as the man walked out. She brought up her knees and hugged herself. She barely noticed the nurse come in and take her Converse.