"Eric, what's going on?" his mother asked. "Why do you have all your stuff in stacks on the floor? Why are there names on the stacks? What are you doing?" Mrs. Styles was very frightened. She had talked to Dr. Anderson for a long time that morning. Dr. Anderson had known Eric since he was born. Mrs. Styles was very worried about Eric. Some of the things Dr. Anderson had said scared her. Now it looked like Eric was doing some of the things Dr. Anderson had talked about.
"Slow down, Mom," Eric said. "It's okay. I know what I am doing. I feel better. I'm just sorting out my stuff. Some things I don't need any more. I may give them to some people. I don't know. Maybe I will keep them."
Mrs. Styles felt a little better, but she was still worried. She remembered what Dr. Anderson had told her. She knew Eric had not been sleeping or eating well. And now he was talking about giving away his things.
"Eric," she said slowly, "I called Dr. Anderson today. I told him that you hadn't been feeling well. He said he could see you tomorrow morning at 9:00."
"Mom, you know I have school tomorrow," Eric said. "I don't need to see Dr. Anderson. I'm okay."
"I want you to go see him tomorrow. It will make me feel better. It might help you, too. I already talked to Ms. Allen. She will excuse your absence."
"Mom, can't it wait? I really want to get rid of some of this stuff. The sooner, the better."
"No, Eric, I want you to see Dr. Anderson tomorrow. Would you like for me to go with you?"