"5150" One Who Flew Into The Cuckoos Nest

Pages 60-61

By Kathi Stringer

Escape From Bedlam

It had been a long night laying there in that bed while in restraints. It was about six in the morning, and I was wired. I turned my attention toward the exit door. It was locked at all times. I noticed staff would usually check to see if any patients were near the exit before opening the door. Finally I had my break. A staffer had carelessly exited the door and let it fly wide open behind her. She tried to grab me but I was too quick. My heart was pounding. I must escape. I was terrified to be there any longer. This must work.

Progress Note: Notified the Riverside Police Department and filed a missing persons report. Patient AWOL from the unit, “Put clothes on and ran out door of ETS and into parking lot.”

I ran down the street in the coolness of the early morning. My feelings of depression seemed to be held in abeyance. I felt a serge of happiness to be free. I had done it, I had broken lose. I ran till I ran out of breath and then I slowed to a quick walk. I watched the traffic around me and everything seemed so normal for this not so normal situation. I walked several miles when a driver pulled over and asked me if I wanted a ride. The guy looked harmless enough and I was tired. I got in and let him know I was headed toward Corona. As the destination grew near I decided to go to the business and ask Cristina for a ride home. I didn’t have any keys to the house and I needed her to let me in. When I arrived, I invited the guy to come inside for the nickel tour. After we made the rounds, we walked into Cristina’s office. Cristina looked shocked. Something was about to come out of her mouth. Suddenly, this detour seemed like a bad idea.

Cristina: “What are you doing here?”

Kathi: “This guy gave me a ride.”

Cristina: “Did you know that she escaped from a mental hospital?”

Driver: “Yeah, she told me. But she looked okay and needed a ride.”

Cristina: “Well, she’s not okay!”

The guy could see it was time for him to leave. I walked him out to his car and thanked him. I expressed how much I appreciated the ride.

When I got back into the office, I could see that Cristina was very upset. She gave me a lecture and then the cops walked in.

Kathi: “Cristina, did you call the cops?” I asked shocked.

Cristina: “Yes I did. You are not ready to come home yet. Not after last night.”

Police: “Did you call and say that Kathi was here and escaped from the hospital this morning?”

Cristina: “Yes, she’s right there.”

Police: “Please place your hands behind your back.”

Kathi: “Do you have to use handcuffs here? It’s embarrassing, look at all the neighbors out there. I can’t let them see me like this. Please don’t use the handcuffs?”

Police: “Sorry, but I have too. You are a flight risk, obviously.

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