The test

"Sorry to wake you up, but its soon time for your checkup," a soft, gentle voice woke Irena up.. However, she brushed it off, choosing to grab the blanket from Issac, covering her head with it instead. In an instant, the blanket was pulled down again, and Irena finally flashed her eyes open.

"Don't you know its rude to disturb my sleep! Such rude manners, not even Mr Fer-" Irena paused in her words as she realised it was Issac staring innocently back at her, with the blanket in his arms.

"Sister, you're awake! You have to take a test soon, so I'm sorry you have to wake up. You can continue with a nap after!" Issac smilled.

"Test? Its been years since I took it..." Irena chuckled half heartedly.

"Don't worry, its a hospital examination! Not a school test so you don't have to worry! Although, the school has sent word of your expulsion if you miss or fail the test the next semester..." Issac replied innocently.

"Fail?! Since when have I, Irena Heathens, ever failed a single test?!" Irena asked loudly in surprise. It was surreal for her to ever hear she scored short of anything lower than ninety.

"B-but... Sister... y-your name is Irene!" Issac began to tear up once more.

"No, I'm Irena. Irene is your sister you mistook me for. Since you are a child, I'll be more lenient this time, but I'm quickly losing my patience. The truth is hard, and you need to accept it. I. Am. Not. Your. Sister," Irena said firmly.

The nurse watching by the sidelines the entire time finally spoke up. "Miss, your name is Irene Hamilton. It appears you are confused. We will resume with the tests and questions later, but for now, please have your breakfast."

The nurse guided Issac out of the door, giving Irena some time to calm down.

"Why does my sister seem so different?! Has she changed or is it only temporary?" Issac asked, trying to keep himself calm.

"I will bring this up to the doctor. She will be able to run tests and make a more accurate diagnosis." The nurse replied, while Issac stood outside the room.

Irena soon finished her breakfast, which was, in her opinion, mostly tasteless and unfit for human consumption. It was not the taste that was the worst part, but rather, its texture. It felt slimy, yet with a hint of fishiness as its only flavour. Irena hated the feel it gave when it slipped down her throat, and how none of the ingredients paired well with it. She was about to return to sleep, when the door clicked and Issac returned.

"Sister, I'll let you go to sleep, but you have to take the test first!" Issac smiled happily, as though nothing ever happened.

"Fine," Irena agreed in resignation before she followed Issac out of her ward and toward the examination room.

The door knob clicked open as Irena and Issac entered. A woman dressed smartly stood beside the doctor, who Irena saw in her haze previously. The room was clean with white tiles on the floor, and white plaster on the walls.

"Take a seat," Issac gestured to Irena. Cautiously, Irena took a seat next to the doctor.

"Hello, Irene. Do you remember me?" The woman behind asked. She had blonde hair like the sun, and pale blue eyes resembling the oceans.

In response, Irena simply looked that woman up and down, not saying anything. Seeing this, Issac quickly intervened to resolve the slightly awkard situation, "She is Miss Felicia! The nice lady that always visits us every friday!"

"Hello, Irene. If by any chance you do not remember me, I'm Miss Felicia Johnson. You may call me Miss Felicia like Issac if you feel more comfortable." The doctor smiled as she presented her hand for Irena to shake. Irena simply stared at the hand, before she questioned, "What do you do at our house?"

"Umm, she talks to our parents, and talks to us sometimes!" Issac replied.

"What do we talk about?" Irena pressed on.

"Umm..." Issac hesitated.

"Why don't you answer?" Irena looked at Felicia.

"I ask about your well-being," Felicia calmly replied with a smile.

"Hmm..." Irena pondered. Issac refused to answer although it seemed like he would talk about anything, and Miss Felicia frequented their house like she was Issac's friend. To add on, her parents never once visited this hospital or looked for her when she had apparently 'attempted suicide'.

"Issac, leave," Irena commanded. Issac appeared confused, and by his expression, felt that Irena was chasing him away.

"We can talk later," Irena said. Issac felt relief wash over him as he headed outside the room.

"Now tell me. What is your business with us," Irena said coldly, as her eyes met Felicia's blue ones.

"You never did ask this question before. I thought you knew since you were older and more mature," Felicia said knowingly before she continued, "If by any chance you have forgotten again, I'm your social worker, or rather your family's."

"What is a social worker?" Irena asked, much to the surprise of the two women.

"It is an occupation. People from low socio economic status come to me for help, and if required, I guide them to the respective specialists they need. Basically, it is general councilling for mental well being."

Irena nodded, showing that she understood. She was also glad she sent Issac away, since he would probably be sad if he found out his friend was only being one because it was part of her job.

"Now you are more aware, please take the test." The doctor said, as she gave a pencil and paper to Irena for her to complete.

An hour passed by, before Irena submitted the papers for evaluation. She was also told to lie in a machine that made whirling sounds. At the end of all her scheduled test, she was told she would receive the results by evening.

Irena exited the room, only to see Issac waiting outside patiently. Like an adorable puppy, his eyes lit up in excitment when he saw her.

"The results will be revealed in the evening," Irena said, before she walked away. Isaac hurried after her, and tried to start a conversation by asking where she was headed.

"Lavatory," was all Irena answered before she continued back to her room where she remebered seeing one.

Issac sat on the bed as Irena closed the toilet door. Irena observed the mechanism on the door, and clicked the bolt shut.

"This must to prevent intrusion," she thought. She looked at the white basin with a rectangular tank on top of it. "These toilets are luxurious," was all that she could think off. Back when she was still scrambling around the streets, the best toilets she could find were cracks at the bottom of stalls that led to a bucket situated underground. Such a luxurious toilet, in her eyes, could only be found in places where the rich resided, as well as the university she was in.

As Irena's eyes darted around, she finally looked into the mirror. Her image was exactly the same as she remembered, except there was now a firm beauty mark under her left eye. Her ears also had piercings now, although there weren't any earrings.

"What the..." Irena mumbled in shock, before a strange feeling began to spread through her head. It was quickly followed by severe pain, making her light headed. Eventually, Irena lost consciousness, collapsing onto the cold, hard floor.