Honestly, I'm Fine (2026)

[bunniefuu]

HONESTLY, I'M FINE

EIGHT HOURS BEFORE

Napoleon. Come!

sh*t!

Come on!

f*ck. sh*t!

Vacation's gonna be great for me.

Little lord Butt-wiggle!

Dad, come on, please, wake up. Dad!

-Give me the car keys, please I wanna

-What?

Go to work for a while.

-At this time?

-Yes!

What's going on?

I'm gonna swing by the office,

thanks dad.

Is it your chicken book again?

There are more than three hundred

different species, you know?

-Why don't you just go to sleep?

-It's not that easy.

-Right.

-What now?

Now nothing, don't worry about it, just

something I wanna finish so I can go on

vacation without obsessing over it. Okay?

Thanks, good night!

Told you, d*ck. She should live on her

own again.

Stay!

Ni hao, it's Emma, are you guys

still open? Awesome! Can I please get

the Lucky House Chicken, black beans

and rice noodles? Great! Yeah that's

-it, thanks. Bye.

-We're open late.

It'll be ready in ten.

Come on, come on, come on. My lil'

chickadees. "Chickens are smarter

than people think. Recent studies have

shown that"

"The most common chicken parasites

proliferate around the cloaca" Gross!

No one wants to read that!

Oh, hey! Hello, hello, hello!

Hey! Babe! You good? Everything's

so awesome here! I've already talked to

A&R reps and producers! This time

it's really my time, I can feel it!

Yeah Nice.

Great, yeah, that's amazing.

Hey, why aren't you in bed?

You know, deadlines. No rest for

the wicked in publishing, and sleep is

overrated.

You're working too hard! Seriously,

what book is so important that you

had to stay there instead of coming with

me?

Hold on If it's your chicken

encyclopedia again, I swear I'm

gonna lose it!

What? No, are you kidding? Course not,

I'm working on um

"The Sky is Falling", by Marten Polak.

You know he's our star writer!

Well your star chose a super depressing

title!

Sorry babe, sorry, I have to go, now!

Make sure you don't miss the boat,

tomorrow, I really want you here with me!

Yeah, yeah, can't wait to see you

too, love ya.

Love you too!

Lucky House chicken with black beans and

rice noodles.

-That's me, thanks! Have a good night.

-Bye, thanks.

So, Marten, "The Sky is Falling"

THE SKY IS FALLING

Now, that's dumb. Goodbye!

So "The Sky is Falling", I'm gonna

start with the title

The book begins with a disaster

But he gives us no explanation,

so we can't relate

And finally, that ending feels so random.

Emma?

-Emma?

-Yeah Hey!

Hi. You pulled an all-nighter?

Hey, morning!

What did you do?

Oh, I noticed a few mistakes

But Polak isn't even on your roster. And

according to Leo, the manuscript

is perfect, we just need a cover and

I understand, but I found a ton of

issues. Good thing I did before it's

-sent to printing!

-What are you saying?

"STOP THE PRESS!

Morning, ladies!

Wait! Aren't you supposed to be on

vacation?

Yeah, I'm on my way out! Leo?

Anyone seen "The Sky is Falling"?

Yes! But it can't go to the printer's

like this! I read it twice, last night.

All five hundred and forty-eight pages?

Yes. And it's

"Vague? Hard to follow and pretentious?"

Yes! And more, and worse. Seriously,

by the end of chapter one, you

hate the hero! He doesn't do anything.

I read it, and to me the only thing we

needed to do was choose the cover

color: Azure blue or indigo

Well, in that case, you should definitely

choose indigo, it's much nicer! But

I find it a bit strange to worry about

the color of the cover when the book

itself has none to speak of!

What business of yours is it anyway?

This is one of our flagship writers!

Then this flagship might sink the whole

publishing company, because readers will

think we've lost our compass!

Why are you still here? Aren't you

off today?

Off? Off what?

A vacation would do you good!

A vacation? I need to finish the chicken

encyclopedia, I'm almost done, I'm

only missing the Tournaisis Bantam and

the Danish Landrace.

You really could use a vacation!

Okay Message received.

Are you okay?

What? Sure! Yeah, I'm doing amazing.

How 'bout you?

Good. I guess. Do you want a hug?

Oh, thank you.

So, I'll see you again in a few weeks,

all happy and well rested! Yay!

Hey, babe are you on your way?

See you in a bit!

Yeah no sh*t!

Hey Sergei Listen sorry, but I won't

be able to make it. We have a real

crisis on our hands. The book

is terrible, so my boss is angry at

the writer He said he really needs me

to fix it, so See you later, love you!

"See you later love you".

Hey

Come on

Okay

Tears of joy, all good!

Don't you start!

I'd just like to make you mine, all mine!

Sorry! Sorry!

-Good?

-Yes.

Can I go, now? I have a boat to catch.

Ah, yeah. Thank you!

Emma Nee Vah House.

That's my name too! Nice to meet you!

I have been examined already!

Yeah, yeah I can see that but

I still have a few questions to ask you.

Okay, sure. I was driving home from work

as an editor, at Vita Brevis publishing,

have you heard of it? Nevermind, so as I

was saying, I was driving home

from work, I must have been distracted

I missed a turn, splash, that's it!

I'm sorry. I should have introduced

myself, I'm Doctor Visser. I'm a

psychiatrist. Hi.

Emma Nee Vah House Editor! Nice to

meet you.

Sorry, I really have to get going, I'm

supposed to go on vacation.

On vacation?

Yeah, a nice, fun vacation with my

boyfriend.

First responders said you didn't want

to be saved. Why is that?

I was in shock?

That's possible. But I'm a little

worried. I think it would be good for

you to stay in the inpatient unit for a

while.

You mean the psych ward?

As I was discussing with Emma earlier

Thanks.

I think it might be a a good idea

to keep her under observation in our

inpatient unit.

Ding, ding, ding, ding! She means

the psych ward! I'd be in the psych ward

of the hospital for eval.

Do you know why I'm proposing this, Emma?

That was the whole point of the

conversation.

I knew this would happen one day.

d*ck, it was only a car accident!

Happens to everyone, right? I'm sure

it's just a big misunderstanding.

Of course it is! That's precisely what I

said, mom.

Right!

It's completely obvious there's nothing

seriously wrong with you. Right?

Right. I really don't know what I'm

doing here either!

Right!

Maybe, I can agree that I'm a

little stressed, just a little

bit But I'm sure my boss and most of

my colleagues are closer to burning out

-than I am, and I don't see them here!

-Right!

Just comes with the territory.

The writers are divas, the deadlines

are tight

Okay. And I read in your medical file

that you've never been admitted here

-before.

-No!

-Nope!

-No outpatient care?

What do you mean?

Have you ever been to a therapist's,

a psychiatrist's?

-No, none of that, never.

-Nope.

But, you never know, it could turn out to

be something very positive for you.

-A little time-out, you know?

-d*ck What do you mean?

But I'm just I was about to go on

vacation, dad!

-Where's the harm?

-What are you talking about?

What happens if I refuse to stay?

I have the power to commit you, if I need

to. But that would complicate

things more than necessary. So I'd

rather avoid it. But I also don't want

you to go home like this, you know?

Yeah, "like what"? I mean, there's

nothing wrong with her, right? So what

-do you mean "like that"? She's fine,

-Well, of course but if it really is

-my daughter is fine!

-better, then maybe I can stay for

just one night, right?

That seems smart.

Or two nights. If it's better

Please fill in these forms for me, if you

don't mind, dear.

-Sure.

-Picture!

Help yourself

Sorry, I'm gonna have to take this.

-I understand.

-And this brush.

My hairbrush? What am I gonna do with it?

Brush myself to death?

I'm sorry.

There! All done!

Great! Thank you Miss Emma Nee Vah

House. The editor! Deant's bed is free

Just have to go and make it.

Wow. You have a lot of meds.

Because I have a lot of headaches!

Well, it happens quite often so

better be prepared and have the meds you

need and not have to run to the

pharmacy. I packed those 'cause

I'm joining my boyfriend for a

vacation He left before me to go to an

open mic event in Terschelling. We'll go

camping, hike the mudflats, we're gonna

have fun.

Okay, Emma, if you have any questions,

feel free to ask Sandra or Jesse.

Great. Perfect.

We have a list of house rules, practical

information about the unit, you

should read that first thing. You'll

know how everything works. See it as our

"welcome package". Here you go.

It's pretty basic, really. At the

beginning, you can't stay in your

bedroom during the day, and there's no

smoking or eating in the rooms.

But I am allowed to sleep in my room?

Yes! And you'll get pills to help!

Welcome to your room! Maria, this

is Emma, Emma, this is Maria! Could you

please show Emma around?

Sure.

You know where to find me if you have

any questions.

Yes! Perfect, thanks.

-Hey.

-Hi.

This is your bed, next to it is your

nightstand, and this is your closet.

I don't plan on unpacking anything, I'm

leaving soon.

They don't open more than that.

sh*t! All my stuff is soaked. What?

Oh no! This is for work! This is

the chicken encyclopedia I'm editing.

I'm already done with A through D

but I still have D through Z to proof

and edit. I wanted to finish

before going on vacation with my

boyfriend in Terschelling. Yeah.

Come. I need my morning coffee.

Okay

He was sitting on the couch, coffee cup

in hand I said "Gus Gus, honey, are

you asleep? Old fool opened his eyes and

said "No I'm just thinking intensely"!

Hello.

Hey. Your hair looks really nice.

Thank you. Yours too.

Yuck. I should warn you, the coffee

here is gross. Jesse! I can't function

without caffeine. That's the best meds!

Not just for me, any normal person needs

their daily fix! Joyce drinks coffee,

-Dimitri drinks coffee Johan, how many

-Yes.

Cups do you drink per day?

Subtracting ten

Forty-four.

That seems a little bit excessive,

but okay

Everyone, this is Emma, Emma, everyone!

-Hi.

-Hello.

-Hello.

-Emma won't be staying very long.

Yeah, nah Bit of a mistake

Look! It's my super hot boyfriend!

-Good for you.

-Hey!

-Hey babe! Where are you?

-Emma?

-No phones at mealtime.

-Yeah?

-Oh.

-No! Sorry, mealtimes here are mandatory.

-Oh.

-Babe?

I'll call you back later!

-What? Emma, babe Where are

-Yeah.

sh*t, babe finally! I've been

calling you, like, a million times!

Where are you?

Hey, honey Sorry, something happened

What?

Um, yeah, I'm kind of in a hospital.

What? What happened?

Well, I'm in a psychiatric unit.

A psychiatric unit?

Yeah, so I had a bit of an accident,

the car fell in the canal,

but everything's fine

What? What are you talking about?

I'm coming to get you, where are you?

No, that's sweet, but you can't do that.

Please don't come.

Of course I'm coming!

No, I don't want you to drop everything

because of this, just focus on

your music, please, there's

nothing you can do anyway. And I'll

probably be back home tomorrow.

Babe, you could have died!

No, everything's fine now. Focus on

your music, drive them wild, okay?

-I love you, honey!

-Are you sure?

What? No, Emma! What the

-It's boring as hell. Gus loves fishing, I

-There you go.

Just sit there - It's not so bad

when the weather is nice, at least

-but when it's windy or gray, or cold,

-No, sorry, there's a mistake, I'm usually

-it's not that pleasant.

-getting two pills.

Here, Emma That's yours, a little

temazepam for miss Nee Va House,

fine by you?

I don't know What is that?

It's just to help you sleep, that's

all. Don't worry about it, everybody

takes it here.

It's not optional, you have to take it.

If you refuse treatment, I have to

tell the doctor. And we'll find a way

to make sure you take it, so let's

make it easy on everyone.

-As I was saying.

-Good job!

Fishing Not my favorite thing, but

Gus loves it.

Here is yours.

There you go, thank you, good job, Joyce!

Tasty!

-Now. Your turn, four pills, as usual.

-So we double the dose.

-Yes.

-We'll start tonight.

Hey, my head feels weird and heavy

That's the meds, just let them do

their job, don't fight it.

What's going on?

I'm meditating. It's either that or

spend all night googling which one of

my organs will fail first.

Not that. The noise! What was it?

You scared me to death!

I suppose you're Emma, the new girl?

Yes.

Okay. We do rounds every couple of

hours so you know you can get a good

night's sleep.

Thanks.

How can we get a good night's sleep

if they barge in every couple of hours?

Exactly. Hence the meditation.

Meditation?

I think I'd rather die.

"Chickens are smarter than people think"

Wait! I've already said that! "The most

common chicken parasites proliferate

around the cloaca Gross! No one wants

to read that!"

Oh sh*t.

-Hey!

-Hi!

-Hi

-Hey, so uh I'm back!

What? You're back already?

Yeah! Turn around, look behind you!

Surprise!

Hey!

I thought I'd give you a call first.

Can you open the door, please?

Surprise! Thanks, man!

Hey honey!

-How did it go?

-How are you, babe?

You look great, like just normal.

Yeah, I feel good too. Come on!

Oh.

Hello.

No running, Mister D'Brawn.

Do you think Gus would like it if we sold

everything except the camper and

traveled the world in it?

Sorry, Joyce, I can't say, I've never met

Gus.

No one's ever met Gus anyway!

Hi! I'm Sergei I'm Emma's boyfriend.

Very handsome! Lucky you!

Come.

I'm happy to see a normal person

for a change.

Yeah, bet you are!

Where is my tray? I need my puzzle tray.

So what are you doing here?

No. First, tell me about you, how was it?

Yeah. You know

Really? Sorry, but I told you, you should

play your own music. It's so good.

We'll see. But babe, seriously

Why are you here?

I'm just staying for a bit, to rest.

What? Why? What for?

I just told you, a bit of rest would

do me good, I've worked too hard.

Yes yes, I understand

I do, but why in here? You could

come rest at my place!

Don't worry, honey, if something

was wrong you would have noticed

-it right?

-Sure! I guess.

There!

So, all good!

'K. Well Here. He's not very talkative

But his attitude is always positive!

That's cute. Thanks a lot. Thank you.

I'm always very anxious at what my

next thought is gonna be. You can't

predict that, just like you can't see the

back of your own head. I don't

know about you, but it drives me crazy.

If you have those kinds of thoughts,

I believe you're already "mad as a

hatter" as they say.

Joyce. Anyone else would like to say

something to Maria? No? Keep going.

Doctor says I'm going home soon.

That's wonderful! What, it's good news,

right?

Yeah, good news, everything's been going

great my whole life. Until the

police had to drag me out of my

neighbor's kitchen naked and screaming.

I punched my son in the face and broke

his nose.

Why were you in your neighbor's kitchen?

You don't like yours?

But going home, that's the best news you

can get! Right now, I would k*ll to go

back home!

Oh I agree, I think Gus would be

thrilled if I told him I was coming

-home soon!

-Yeah. Nobody wants to stay here, right?

-Emma?

-Yep!

Is there something you'd like to share

with the group? About yourself?

No. Uh no, I'm totally fine, thanks!

What?

-Emma?

-No worries! I'm fine! Honestly, I'm fine.

Check if that looks good?

Mister D'Brawn is in a hurry.

You're almost there!

So, perching is the preferred way

for chickens to sleep. Prevents their

feathers getting soiled when pooping

during the night.

-You okay?

-Yeah.

Hi!

-Hey.

-Oh, sweetie.

-Hi dad.

-Hi darling

It's nice. It's cheerful

So How are you guys?

Well, these are special circumstances.

Yeah, I know, I'm sorry.

It's not easy for us either, but

we're here. Burnouts, that kind of

thing happens, it's just a temporary

setback. Just got to take a little

time off, that's all.

Yeah.

Did you bring them?

Yes!

There.

-What are you doing?

-She asked for them.

-Okay, but is it allowed? What?

-d*ck! Emma wants this.

So you're just gonna keep working

in here?

No running, Mister D'Bron.

This isn't technically "working", it's a

therapeutic way to keep in touch with

reality It's like microdosing work! It's

a common approach now All therapists

love it

Yes. And it feels normal. That's good!

Did the doctors actually say that?

I need to stay connected to my normal,

healthy, productive self, if I want

-to get better.

-See!

That is a great attitude!

I'm so happy that you're already feeling

better. Do you take walks every day?

Yes, in my head, mom!

Lots of exercise and a good

night's sleep, these are the best

remedies!

Yeah. Sure.

Sometimes, it's better to disappear

for a while, you know? Rather than being

-overwhelmed.

-Hi.

Dientie!

No! You're back already?

I missed you guys too much!

-Well

-Sweetie. Come here. You okay?

Yeah.

Damn it, didn't I tell you it

was too soon for her? Take a seat, baby.

Thank you.

So what happened, sweetie?

Well I bought a rope. Took a train

-to a village, near a forest.

-Then I took a train to a nearby forest.

Chose a beautiful tree And

Well the rope was too long!

Yeah.

Yeah.

Apparently the universe had other

plans for me!

Universe is stupid.

You see yourself in this?

Emma Have you ever felt that way too?

Sorry I guess I don't really understand

what I'm doing here. You know?

I shouldn't be here, there's

nothing wrong with me, I just wanna go

home.

From what the therapist says, you're

still not sleeping, you're not sharing

your feelings in group therapy and

you keep everything bottled up.

Duly noted, I'll keep working on

all of that from home. Scout's honor!

I'll be honest with you. I'm a bit

worried about what might happen if

you go home too early.

No need to worry, I'm fine, doctor.

Do you ever think about taking your own

life?

Well, not more than the average person,

do you?

The average person never thinks about

taking their own life, Emma.

Okay, so I may have multiple ways

of ending my life, but that doesn't

mean I'll do it! Come on! These are

just thoughts, you know? No need

to commit me to a psych ward!

Isn't it?

No, having thoughts is totally normal!

What does it mean to you? "Being normal"?

I don't think I'm only talking

about myself, 'cause I believe everyone

wants to die, sometimes.

Some more than others, that's all.

And you can have a thought but not act

upon it That's okay, right?

Yes, everyone has dark thoughts,

-sometimes And it's okay if we

-Right!

Rein them in, but you had that accident.

And you have all those pills -

that's what I'm worried about.

These two things have nothing to do

with one another

I'd like to believe it. However, I do

think that you are suicidal, Emma.

Probably because of depression.

No, sorry, depression? Really?

Hang on If I was If I was depressed,

I wouldn't be laughing, right?

That tells you all you need to know.

No. It's not that clear cut.

No f*cking way! Sorry don't

read anything into this, I'm just a

little overwhelmed Hormones, I think.

Our protocol suggests you stay as an

inpatient, for now.

"For now" meaning what, exactly? Am I

staying another day, or A week, a month?

Well

I'm not sure, we'll have to wait and see.

In the meantime, I would advise you to

keep a journal.

I have no time for that!

Sorry, but you have all the time

you need.

I think journaling would really help you

get a better perspective on things.

Thanks.

You okay?

Yeah I told you. Yeah, just now. I'm

leaving the office. I know, I'm

sorry. I'm sorry I was with a patient,

that's why Yeah, I'm on my way!

Chickens are descended from dinosaurs.

They're actually very closely related to

T-Rexes, which are terrifying monsters!

They used to hound you until you were

completely weak, then go in

for the k*ll, mercilessly.

Focus on the origins: the first

examples of domestication go back to

Egypt Where are you, where are you?

When chickens are in danger, they may

either play dead or scatter quickly.

When chickens are in danger, they may

either play dead or scatter quickly.

That's kinda funny, I should write it

down for later. On the contrary,

I've been only pretending to be alive.

-Can you cut the noise, please?

-I cut pictures!

-Do it quietly!

-Okay.

Now that's a hard one!

Yeah, I need another vowel. We have

B, C, D, E I should try an O. No! Or

an A?

I don't know.

I can't decide what to do, Oh my god

I'm out of time.

Hey!

Jesus! You scared me! You can't sleep

either?

No, I don't sleep much.

Me neither, never have.

Oh, score!

And so my dad he wants me to take over

the hair salon, you know Once

I get outa here. But I can't! 'Cause I'm

afraid to touch people or anything

that hasn't been thoroughly disinfected.

Maybe you could train, one step

at a time?

No.

I'll help you.

Here. Touch my hair.

Okay.

Okay.

Okay. Okay.

Okay Thank you.

So What gets you out of bed in the

morning? Emma Nee-Vah-house?

Hi.

-Hey!

-Hey! Great to see you!

-You too!

-Hey!

Emma! How are you? Your parents told me

where to find you, you know

Cool, happy they did.

Yeah! These are for you.

From the company, all of us.

GET WELL SOON

Great!

So, is it, like serious?

Oh. No!

That's a relief!

-Nothing serious at all They just think

-Great.

The accident was caused by exhaustion,

something like that.

-So they want me to rest, here.

-Oh, okay.

Yeah, yeah. Makes sense. Yeah.

Wanna see my room?

Cool, right? The text is mostly

done, I just need to make sure the

pictures are perfect, and we'll be good!

Oh jeez Sorry, Emma. It's already at the

printer's I finished it myself.

Okay!

Great news, yeah, I'm happy it's done.

Saves me lots of time, thank you!

If the book's good, then great!

So, I'm gonna have to say goodbye, I have

therapy, now.

Are you sure you're okay?

No, but I bet they have a pill for that!

Get well soon.

-I am, already!

-I'm great!

Great Okay. See you soon.

Yeah! See you!

Bye.

Are you okay?

Yeah, all good. I'm just meditating.

Does this one fit? I'm not sure.

-The color seems right

-Emma? Hey!

Hey babe!

So? How are you? Hi.

Hi

How you doing?

-Super!

-Really?

Yeah.

Are you cold? You're shaking. Take this!

Wait All good!

Listen So I-I made something for you.

I was hoping I could cheer you up.

It's not finished yet but You'll get

the idea You can see it as a first

draft. I wrote it for you.

I see you sitting there Beautiful

eyes full of tears

You run your hand through your hair.

My love, I swear

I will quiet all your fears

Just trust me, babe

I'll be your sun, up in the air

I will be the light you seek

I will be strong when you are weak.

I will be strong when you are weak.

Just trust me trust me babe.

And that's all I've got so far.

If you feel

It's great.

-For real?

-Yeah.

I know it's not done, it needs much more

work But it's coming along! I'll have

more next time.

Yeah, I think next time would be better,

I have a bit of a headache. Sorry.

-Oh no, really?

-Yeah.

Hey babe? Are you okay, Emma?

What a stupid question.

-Bye now.

-Cramps!

I'm here, it's okay. Do you wanna sit

down?

Take a breath, you're okay You're okay

Emma!

You want to take the bus, or what?

Not particularly.

There's two nut-jobs at the bus station.

One says to the other: "So, you

wanna take the bus"? The other one says

"No I think I'll do it with pills."

-Maria?

-Yeah?

Do you ever wanna die?

No. No. It's more that I'm scared to

live.

-That's pretty shitty too.

-It is.

-Come on.

-Yeah.

Okay. Here goes.

I'm Emma. A woman, and successful. Junior

editor. Perfect life, with her perfect

boyfriend, the perfect Sergei.

All around perfection.

But I'm apparently a threat. Not to

others, but to myself, at least,

so here I am. I'm in this hospital.

Stuck in my own thoughts.

In some way, I kind of understand.

I often feel completely empty. Do you

know what that's like? It feels like I

always have to keep moving, because if

I stop for even a second, everything

will catch up to me!

-Five.

-Seven!

-What?

-Oh I know, Johan, counting is real hard!

-Gotta start again.

-Why did you do that?

I'm trying to help him. He needs to

be prepared for the real world.

Oh right, and I'm sure you're super well

adjusted!

I never said that. But if you wanna do

something gotta do it right.

Right.

Are you a writer?

Nope. I'm an editor.

I see. So your job is to try to improve

things that were already good enough.

No my job is to actually improve things

that people think are good enough.

My name is Boudewijn.

-Emma.

-Chef.

What kinf of a chef?

The kind with a funny hat. Not kidding,

I'm the head chef at Hotel Up.

Really? They have a star, right?

You're talking to a real celebrity chef.

Your star stopped shining the minute you

started punching customers.

Details Maria. Remind me how long

you've been here?

Long enough to see you go in and out.

Boudewijn.

Why are you here?

-Why are you here?

-Nah, you first.

I have delusions of grandeur.

Oh, really?

Yesterday, they caught me trying to

invade Belgium on a hobby horse!

Let me guess They won again.

They did, but I'll do much better

next time! How 'bout you?

Trauma. I was five when I saw my mother

devoured by vultures at the zoo

Hey! Look! I got a smile!

Nah, just a chuckle.

Oh yeah, of course, not even.

You're very annoying, you know?

I'm sure you'll do great, Maria!

Thank you.

That's it. You're leaving me here?

If they'd only let me, I'd move in here

permanently, you know it as well as I do.

I know I'm never getting out.

Of course, you will. Give it a chance to

work.

So, it works? That's actually good to

know!

Take good care of yourself.

That's a huge responsibility, but you

know my track record!

"Donut worry."

Wanna do a puzzle? Or do you prefer a

therapeutic walk in the garden?

How about Ping-pong later?

That's a good name for it!

Welcome to your room. Emma, this is Kim,

Kim, this is Emma. Could you please show

Kim around? You know where to find me if

you have any questions.

Yes. Hello. I'm Kim, I'm new.

I'm Emma. Old hand. Well, this

one is your bed. And that's your closet.

Oh, I won't need to unpack, I'm leaving

tomorrow. I have my thesis to hand in.

You have a work board, if you need it.

I drank a bottle of bleach, because

I was hoping my dad might notice me

He didn't. And I hear voices sometimes.

They don't tell me anything scary

or bad it's more like a shopping list!

'K. Come.

What's my deepest wish?

Yes! What does your innermost self really

want?

I could just say "death", but that's

kind of a clich

No, wanting to die, that's the pathology.

What you're suffering from. But you're

more than the pain in your stubbed toe,

or your broken tooth. What does

-Emma really want?

-Yeah! What does Emma really want?

I have no idea. Apparently, I'm not my

pain, and I'm not my moods, but

the pills supposedly change my moods and

ease the pain So who am I and what

do I want, now?

-Yes, go ahead.

-It's interesting, what you just said.

About what?

The pills.

It's true though

Okay, but what did you want before you

started wanting to die? Tell me.

Emma has always wanted to die.

Haven't you?

And she thinks we all want that too.

I don't!

-Neither do I!

-I don't either!

Me neither.

I gotta confess something. I'm officially

f*cked up. That sounds way too dramatic.

The people here are actually pretty much

okay. At least, most of them.

Ow! Aw sh*t, I fell out of bed,

I'm sorry.

In here, everyone's a bit broken.

I need some gross coffee.

Ew.

-Hey.

-Hi.

Ready for ping-pong?

Not now. Don't want trouble with

the nurse.

Of course! Just need to get dressed.

Come as you are!

Hold up! Gotta get low.

'K

Hurry.

Come on! Look, you can see it from here!

What?

-Look!

-Where?

That's where I work!

I mean not right now, but Some customer

was complaining his swordfish

wasn't properly cooked. I came out to the

restaurant area to tell him it was

perfect!

Then I punched him in the nose.

And my boss, who's also my ex wife and

mother of my child Ollie wasn't happy

about that. Didn't help that I also

headbutted the guy.

Or dragged his a*s across three

other tables.

So I got to choose. Charges for

as*ault or this. And honestly, I

wasn't really happy with myself.

That's why I came back to the hospital.

Okay. You ready?

Bring it on!

-That's one for me!

-Oh sh*t!

Hey Fun!

Hey!

Bam! Bam! Yes! Sorry!

Bam! Bam!

-Point for Emma!

-Thanks.

-Focus, Bodewin!

-Yeah.

Fancy!

Bam!

Point for Emma!

Focus!

Come on, Bodewin, come on!

Hey. There's a party going!

Yeah!

Take that!

-Shush! Quiet.

-They're good!

Please! Yes! A point for Bodewin!

Well done, man!

-That was good!

-Come on!

Yeah!

-sh*t!

-One more point and you're toast!

Who taught you how to count? Uh?

-His count is good

-I did.

Boudewijn. Stop it.

-Okay, match point!

-Yeah, match point!

-Come on! Woo!

-Come on, guys! Woo!

Okay! Ready?

Yes! Bam!

Great game!Yeah!

Twenty-one-nineteen, Emma wins!

You idiot! You made a mistake!

You're pathetic Johan, You're a loser!

Baldwin, stop! Don't yell at poor Johan!

He just wanted to help by keeping

score in our game! He's not a sous-chef

you can boss around! And talk

about pathetic: throwing a tantrum in

your bathrobe!

Just shut up!

-Hey Calm down.

-Stop it, all of you!

What's all this, then?

-Busted.

-Was this your idea, Bodewin?

sh*t, I

No no.

It was my idea.

Back to your beds, now.

Thanks.

Come on.

Yeah yeah, my turn my turn!

So I'm the horsey? Hold on tight,

cow-boy! Yee-ha! Where are we going?

-Hold on Ollie!

-No, faster!

-Okay!

-Maybe stop shaking him around

-We'll stop But not now!

-No, more horsey!

He just had a snack.

There. You, mama's boy!

Go again! Go again!

Alright, one more time. But be careful!

Day "whatever". I don't know, I've

lost track. But I'm still in the psych

unit. Another day Another patient

leaving.

See you soon!

Yes

See you at the salon!

-Bye.

-Meanwhile, my pill intake increases.

It's supposed to get better and better

starting when? I don't even know

what "better" looks like.

They say we need to have a routine, so

breakfast, group therapy, lunch, more

therapy The only thing I'm sure of

is that I'm not sure of anything,

anymore. I'm not even sure what I want.

All I know is that I don't want to live

like this.

-Thank you, Lars.

-Yeah, thanks.

-Thanks everyone.

-You did good.

-Great sharing, today.

-Thanks, that means a lot.

You're all welcome.

But this could be enough, maybe?

Carrying on, without understanding

everything. Maybe that's what "better"

looks like.

I wanna stop thinking And stop

thinking that I wanna stop thinking.

-Emma?

-Yes?

-Do you have a minute to chat?

-Yeah, I have all day.

So how are you?

Uh well, you tell me, you're the shrink!

Am I making progress?

How do you think it's going?

Awesome! Yeah!

However, I think we should try a

different approach. Therapeutically.

We should stop the antidepressants.

It's clear they're not helping like

-we hoped.

-So we stop?

Yes. Stop. And then

Then, let me guess:

Um new pills, right?

Yes. There are meds that could help you.

I understand this can be frustrating.

But you have to take it seriously.

Give it a real chance, try working

with it instead of against it.

Yeah. Right. So you're giving me

some pills because you believe I'm

depressed but I have to be more

positive if I want them to work!

I'm trying hard to help you.

Yeah, maybe too hard.

You could even wonder whether pills

will ever solve your problems.

What do you mean?

Maybe this place is the issue.

It could be stopping your progress.

I can't go home before I feel safe.

Then maybe you'd be better off somewhere

else. Sometimes you can't just wait

to get better. You must try something

new.

I see.

Awesome! Let me know if you have some

more great ideas!

COFFEE

Emma? Emma! Hey, Calm down, calm down!

Okay! I'm calm, okay!

That's against the rules!

Could you please mind your own business?

That's against the rules too.

My ex won't let me see my son anymore.

Cause I'm dangerous. So she says.

Well, so her new boyfriend says,

actually. as*h*le.

Probably for the best, anyway.

Always been a disappointment as a

brother, as a son And now, as a dad,

as well.

My folks used to say I was too sensitive,

that I never really belonged.

Until I got a star! Then, suddenly,

they were proud! However I never

felt like I belonged. Anywhere, actually!

Not even with my own son.

Ever wish you could fall asleep and never

wake up?

Yeah, I feel that way too Always have -

I don't even remember not feeling that

way. Just thinking of it is comforting,

thinking that it could happen.

Cause it's always an option?

Exactly! If things are bad, there's a

back-up plan!

Yeah. Last resort.

Hey, why don't we just do it?

What? Now?

Yeah. You and me.

But not here.

Come on.

Have you seen doctor Moore? He was

supposed to sign a release form.

This way!

No, I don't think so. I haven't seen him

today. Who's it for? Maybe I can

sign it for him, if it's urgent. We don't

have any beds.

I know we never have enough beds

Look!

Act normal.

-Come on, run!

-Hey! Stop! Give those balloons back!

Come on, come on!

Stop! Hey, stop, please!

-Yay!

-Thanks man!

Yes!

We're out!

So what do we do, now?

-We gotta eat, first. Can't die

-Yes.

On an empty stomach, right? Any

particular cravings after all that

delicious hospital food?

-Yes! Lucky House!

-Lucky House!

I've never been here.

-Ni Hao!

-Ni Hao!

-Welcome.

-Ni Hao!

That one!

-Oh! That one too!

-Okay.

Okay.

Two of these And the Lucky House

chicken, please!

-Can I get a vodka?

-Sure.

Bring the whole bottle, actually.

That's on the publishing house's

usual tab.

You're starving!

I am peckish!

Hello Mister crab. How's it going?

Do you believe in life after death?

f*ck no! I hope there's nothing after!

Dont wanna have to k*ll myself twice!

I wanted to come back as a butterfly!

They look so happy and free.

For real?

Yeah But now I'm thinking there's a

good chance they get just as

depressed as people.

What makes you think that?

Now I know you can look happy and be

really sad inside.

Why have you never written a book of

your own? Instead of polishing other

people's stuff?

I can't.

How 'bout a fairytale about a beautiful,

almost normal girl who lives in a

psych unit? I'd love to read that!

Really?

If it touches even one person's heart

It's worth it.

You know what I think? Dying together is

the most intimate thing ever.

Yeah.

And so it is an honor to meet my

death with you.

Well, the honor is all mine.

Tomorrow morning. At sunrise. We do it.

-And what should we do until then?

-Live, of course!

Hold this!

I'm really impressed! Incognito!

I have an idea.

Okay.

Not gonna work.

Let me try!

Death by a thousand balloons! Okay

This way!

Hey!

S'cuse me, dad Hey! Stop, you lunatics!

Hey!

Come on in! We're just closing!

Come in, please come in!

-Hello!

-Hi.

Hey Dimitri!

What a surprise! Welcome to our salon!

What are you guys doing here?

Well we've been given a bit

more freedom!

-Complete freedom!

-Yes!

Emma! No! No, no, no, girl! No, no, no,

Your hair feels lifeless

Can't have that.

Really? Sorry about my hair!

No! You can't have that! You helped

me get my life back, so I'm gonna bring

some color into yours!

Color?

I promise you're gonna look amazing!

You're gonna be more "you"! Oh yeah!

You won't believe it!

Your life seems good, now. I'm so happy

for you!

It is! Thanks!

How about you, Emma?

I'm sorry. Things will get better.

It won't always be this hard.

Ta-daa!

Easy lies the head that wears the pink

crown!

Love it!

sh*t!

-Go!

-Yeah! Bye, Dimitri!

Bye!

-Wait!

-Jump!

On your back, then!!

Can't believe it's the last sunset we'll

ever see!

I hope you enjoyed it, then.

I did. I hope others did too.

We made a huge cake! A heart! Where am

I going? Steady Here, put your hands

against mine!

It could go Nova right now!

And it's a full moon. That's the

way to go.

I want to show you something.

Is that you, Bodewin?

I'm his twin brother James.

How do you do?

Come on.

Come on.

This is what I wanted you to see.

My kingdom.

Perfect!

Let's see what we got No Yes!

This is delicious!!

Yeah? What else do we have? Great!

Palate cleanser.

Bodewin.

Why are you here?

I wanted to show her our pride and joy!

It's not yours anymore.

What the f*ck? What's he doing here

anyway? What? So I just turn around

and this guy steals you and my kitchen at

the same time?

Come on, Bodewin, you've had issues for a

very long time and you know it as

-well as I do!

-Did you escape from the nuthouse?

I know it was your idea to prevent me

from seeing Ollie.

You can't say you've been dad

of the year. Can you? You should

be f*cking ashamed of yourself!

If it were up to me, you'd never

see that kid again!

That's enough, Felix, please!

Why are you doing this again? Bodewin,

can you please just leave? I love you,

but I can't take this anymore, I just

can't!

Please, think of Ollie.

Nice to meet you

Sorry.

Don't be, I get it.

Stay right here.

Come on!

Nice!

Right?

-You like it?

-Yeah!

What are you doing?

Making a wish.

I thought you had nothing left

to wish for.

Yeah! Nice!

Just like to make you

Cheers!

Groovy! Oh yeah! Go on!

Sorry! Hello Hi!

-Hi!

-Nice to see you!

You too!

Sorry

-Did you?

-No.

But I enjoyed every second!

And how about you?

Sure! Best ever!

Thank you, happy pills!

It's time.

You afraid?

I'm not afraid.

But, Bodewin

I think this is the first time I've

ever felt alive.

What, now?

Maybe it's because of last night,

or just you, I don't know

I think it's just actually because of

everything at once. Because of all the

conversations with the patients, and the

late-night ping-pong, the puzzles,

the food from Lucky House Because of

everyone and everything in the psych

unit, even that stupid machine and

its yucky coffee I don't know, I

just suddenly feel It's like I'm

finding the way back.

No, no, no! Everything we did led us

to this moment, and to what we're

supposed to do together

Yes It's just

It's just what? What is it?

You decided that you wanna go back? To

the perfect life you had?

No. I don't really know what I wanna

go back to.

But I just know I'm not done yet.

You have something to go back to,

you're very lucky.

-I just wanna

-You wanna live.

At least I don't wanna die.

Sorry.

Open the door!

Open or we're coming in!

Hey! No!

Let me go! Let me go!

Hey May I come in?

You know You gave us quite a scare.

Did you wanna die?

Apparently not.

This time, I didn't, not like before.

In the car?

Okay. Get some rest. You look like you

need it. We'll talk later.

Looks great.

Have you seen my voice recorder?

Nope.

f*ck!

-Are you hurt?

-Yes!

No running in the hallways, Emma.

Sorry, but Kim fell out of her bed,

and she's in pain!

You got us so worried!

I don't even wanna think about how it

could have ended.

-Right

-You don't have to, because nothing

happened. Yes, but

Are they feeding you enough, here?

Sure!

I used to get one sleeping pill and now

I'm getting three. Plus other stuff!

What have you guys been up to?

Your mother's affair with emperor

Hadrian is still going on. Sometimes,

I think she might not want to finish that

thesis! And I've decided to take up

beekeeping as a hobby.

You're doing what?

Beekeeping. To make honey.

Yeah, what would be the point without the

honey? Bees don't make great pets.

You can't play fetch

Well I'm sure you'll be all better soon.

But you have to really want it It's

important you do your part.

Yeah mom, of course I really want to.

Why wouldn't I?

No, of course, I don't doubt it.

Hey Where are you? Where's my old Emma?

Hey I'm right here But I'm not

the old Emma, she's not coming back.

I'll never be the perfect daughter you

wanted.

Just act normal, could you? Please.

We support you, you know that, right?

Flossie.

-"Act Normal"?

-Yes!

I'm done with acting normal, mom!

Flossie.

Emma. Sweetie

I need to be alone, now for a while.

I must do this myself.

Yeah. Sorry, but goodbye.

Emma

Flossie.

And honestly, I think you really will!

And that you

Bodewin?

Gotta get the door. Probably one of these

nutcases! Bu-byyye!

-Hey!

-Hi.

Hundred and nineteen Hundred and twenty

Hundred and twenty-one

Are we okay?

Are we okay? Yeah, we're great!

Is there anything else?

You won't leave me, will you?

I'll try my best.

See you.

-How are you?

-Good.

Here we go There! Great! You'll be safe.

Pretend you're camping! The Japanese

sleep on mats on the floor and they live

to be one-hundred-three! So there!

I don't know if I'm ready for

one-hundred-three!

Please Step away from the window

It's Bodewin

Please, now Step away from the window,

come on.

The f*ck is going on? Hospitals are

supposed to prevent that kinda sh*t!

Not let people jump from the roof!

f*ck! f*ck!

Hey.

-Hey Emma.

-Hi.

Preparing for the next?

Yeah. Yeah, I know it seems cold. But we

never forget anyone.

No.

Hi Emma! Do we have an appointment?

You sleeping in your office?

Help me, please

Okay.

Hey! Lucky House chicken, black beans

and noodles!

Yeah, it's a mess Sorry about

that., I'm-

Here.

I was worried about what I could end up

doing with it.

How do you feel?

Like sh*t.

Wanna talk about it?

Okay.

So How about you just give me one

of your pills to make me numb again?

Because, now, I'm scared. I'm scared

of my own thoughts, I'm scared that they

might not remain thoughts. That I might

act on them.

What if you stopped thinking for

a second? What would that feel like?

Bad, I think Like grief and pain.

Yeah. Maybe you're not suicidal.

You might just be grieving.

Yes.

Yes.

Wait.

That's a relief.

Yeah?

Yes!

I feel as usual.

What do you mean by that? We already

know you often fall out of bed,

and that's pretty unusual.

Might be unusual, but it's become

a habit. When I was young, I thought:

"If I fall really hard, they'll see

me, right?" It began when I was

five, well, spoiler alert: they didn't

see a thing. By "they", I mean "dad".

Mom hasn't been around for years, anyway.

So now, I'm just background noise for

him. A nuisance but easy to ignore.

Has anyone felt the same way?

The opposite, actually.

I didn't want to be seen. I always

wanted to be invisible. Began as

a kid too. My parents had enough on their

plate, so I didn't wanna burden them.

I learned how to blend in the background.

And to be perfect for them.

I can totally relate to that: wanting to

be the perfect daughter.

There were high expectations?

Yes. My father says nothing

is impossible. But that's what I do

every day. Just nothing.

What about you, Emma? Wanna keep going?

Well, actually, all of a sudden I don't

really wanna die anymore, you know?

Isn't it weird?

I think it's great, actually!

Yeah. So I've been told!

It's always so stuffy in here, and I

understand why we can't open the

windows, but they could install a

sturdy screen, or at least a good AC

unit!

Are you okay?

I'm meditating.

Oh, badass.

Eight thirty?

It's eight thirty am, I overslept!

Emma! Congratulations!

-Well done!

-Yes! Yes!

-Hey!

-Hey!

Just wanted to wish you happy holidays

So "happy holidays".

You too. Happy holidays.

See you!

Miss Nee-vah-house? Have a nice day!

You too, thanks!

Still waiting for Gus?

Hey!

Busted!

Aren't you supposed to be at a Christmas

dinner somewhere, with family

and friends, and stuff? Trying to

make awkward conversation with the help

of good food and wine? Hey! Are you okay?

My ex girlfriend thought Christmas eve

was the perfect time to come pick

her stuff up.

Wow. So you were dating the actual grinch?

That's why I'm here. Home doesn't

really feel like home, right now.

It hasn't felt like home for a while.

My fault: I chose my work over her, and

she chose herself.

We're quite the pair of festive elves!

You got dumped And I got

Depression?

Yeah.

You hungry?

Emma?

-Hi!

-Hi!

Hey! Little lord Butt-wiggle!

How are you? I missed you! How are you

doing? I thought you were the guy from

Lucky House!

No, we're the Nee-vah-house catering

company, at your service!

-That's us!

-The new foodie sensation!

We just brought your Christmas dinner

We know you need your space. There.

Well today's not just any day.

So how about you both join us?

-Of course!

-Really?

-Great!

-We'd love to! Thanks!

Let me help you with that.

-Hold on.

-How many are we?

We have more plates.

Very nice!

-This is wonderful!

-Yes! Just like home.

What else do we need?

We have glasses over here.

Glasses! Yes!

Uh my car accident? It's true that I

didn't want

I didn't want them to help, I wanted

I wanted them to just leave me where

I was.

Emma

And it wasn't an accident.

I didn't really know what was wrong, but

I did feel that there was something

not normal going on. And I I'm sorry,

'cause now I feel so stupid!

And I think I was just too ashamed to

talk about it. About all the things

I said, and the things I thought, and

the worst was the idea that at some

point, I'd have to explain the problem to

you - I'm sorry, I just couldn't

face that. With you, or Sergei,

or anyone

And so At the time, I thought

that it might actually be easier if I

disappeared. That if I died it would be

better for all of us.

Hallmarks of depression.

It's been going on for a while. A lot

longer than I'd like to acknowledge.

Baby Baby, I'm sorry I didn't see it.

I didn't know either. It's a complicated

situation.

Yeah.

I'll go open the door.

Take this.

Oh, thank you.

-Good night!

-You too!

Sorry, but I don't think Gus is coming.

Here we go! Good?

There!

This is festive!

Gus can suck a bag of dicks!

Johan. This is yours.

-Really?

-Yeah!

This is for you.

-Nice surprise, isn't it, Mister D'Brown?

-Here we go.

-Now

-That looks nice!

-This one is for you.

-What? For me?

Yes!

That reminds me that I have something for

you too! I had forgotten because of Gus!

Here!

-My recorder?

-It's from Bodewin.

From Bodewin?

Hey Emma. Just wanted to give you a quick

shout out from the other side. I really,

really don't want you to feel guilty.

So please don't! That's MY deepest

wish! And please know that without

those damn pills, I'd have come in ten

seconds! Maybe even six! That's how

special you are! Okay, Nee vah

house, have a nice life! And honestly,

I think you really will! And that you

Bodewin?

Someone's knocking. Gotta get the door.

Probably one of these nutcases! Bu-byyye!

-Hey!

-Hi.

Are we okay?

Wow.

-To my friend Bodewin!

-To Bodewin!

Yes! Cheers!

To Bodewin.

And thank you Emma for the gifts.

I love the blue.

This was a lovely idea, Emma.

Thank you.

-You're gonna look great in it.

-I'm so proud of you.

This is wonderful.

-Yeah!

-So handsome!

I love it! Let me try it for real!

Looks great

Okay, here goes.

I'm Emma. A woman and successful.

Junior editor It feels like I

always have to keep moving, because if

I stop for even a second, everything

will catch up to me! I'm not even sure

what I want. All I know is that I

don't want to live like this. It's

supposed to get better and better

starting when? I don't even know what

At first glance, the psych unit is

not that different from any other units

in the hospital. You come in with

an issue, and then you leave,

whether you're cured or not. Like, if

you break your arm, you go to the ER.

You tell the doctors what happened

where it hurts And you wait for them to

help you.

Here. I hope you get to leave soon too.

Yeah, who knows? But for now, I'm happy

for you.

-Good luck, Emma.

-Yeah, See you Emma!

-Thanks.

-Don't say that!

Bye!

Outside!

Bye!

How are you feeling?

I feel okay. I think. I'm not

really sure. I'm a little bit nervous.

I have very low energy. Before, I

was frantic. When I came in, I felt I

could take on the world! At least

that's what I thought then.

Yeah. You'll find a middle ground.

Your "ups" won't be too high

your "downs" won't be too low. Just give

it some time.

This "middle ground" thing sounds

boring as hell!

Maybe, but you're still yourself!

Which is actually really nice!

Right.

What are YOU gonna do?

Take a vacation.

Cool! My room is free!

No, thanks.

Okay!

So can I hug you goodbye?

That's unprofessional, doctor!

Yeah!

Goodbye!

Bye, Emma.

A doctor. Yeah this is your copy.

Yeah you're actually in the book.

Yeah

You know, I read it in one sitting,

-I couldn't put it down. And our

-That's so nice!

Boss felt the same!

So you're saying straight ahead, is that

right? How far are we?

Next one over, you can park right there.

-We really were close.

-Here is good?

Yeah!

Everyone out, let's go!

-Okay, guest of honor first, now, come

-We're here for moral support! Come on:

-on, girl!

-Emma! Emma! Go, go!

Thank you Gus! That was great.

-Come on! Hurry! They're waiting!

-We're here?

Look at that, it's packed in here!

There's a huge picture of you!

Look!

Hey, hi! Nice to see you!

-Don't mind if I do. Thanks a lot!

-Hey!

-Hey baby, how are you?

-I'm a bit tense

-This coffee is great!

-You look fantastic.

Emma! Emma Nee vah house!

I remember when she came in for

her interview, she gave me a big smile

and a handshake And she immediately

proceeded to list everything that was

wrong with our website! She had a

whole bunch of notes!

And now, I'm publishing the book you've

written.

The only manuscript ever submitted

without a single spelling mistake or

typo. Emma!

Your book is absolutely great!

Thank you!

-Emma!

-Thank you!

-That's my girl

-Congrats!

She was so good.

Okay

Hello.

I always thought that being broken

meant you could never be made

whole again. But I was wrong. When you're

broken, all it actually means is

that you get to rebuild differently.

There's no "guide to life". No

instruction manual to put yourself

back together if you need it. But I did

manage to learn one thing.

You don't need to have everything

figured out. You only need to

keep going. Step by step

day after day.

I might not have become the person I

wish I were. But I am who I am, now.

And that's enough.

Thanks. These are tears of joy! I swear.

Emma!

Sweetie

You were amazing!

-I'm so glad we're all here.

-Yes! So am I!

Thank you.

-Congratulations!

-Hey! Hi!

-Congrats!

-Thanks! Grab a copy, I'll sign it!

-Yeah, yes please!

-Everybody came, I can't believe it,

-I'm so happy!

-Hello.

THINKING ABOUT SUICIDE?

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