Rosy was an enigma, a delightful mystery to all.

Each of her petals held a secret that was more wonderful than the next. She was vibrant and effervescent and I loved her dearly(I still do!).

Our first meeting was strange, to say the least. She inadvertently bumped into me from behind and when we both turned and saw each other, we spontaneously embraced. It was as if I had found a long-lost twin sister.

But her free spirit was a thorn in the eye of society and one day someone, whom I shall not mention by name, decided to take it upon himself to have her sequestered in an asylum, to cure her of her sinful ways.

For a long time I did not see her again. When she showed up next, I was struck dumb by the sight of her. I almost did not recognise her! The psychiatrists had given her a clean bill of health and pronounced her fit to take up her rightful place in our oh-so-loving society.

I salute you, Messrs Psychiatrists, for realising what I thought could not be done. Where Rosy had formerly been a force of nature that was impossible to tame, a life force ready to love anyone and everyone, you have succeeded in breaking her steel-springed spirit.

You have managed  to reduce her to a shadow of her former self. She sits there now bleak and quiet, with eyes that are almost dead and a nervous tic in her left cheek. She jumps at every sound and movement, for fear of upsetting someone, anyone!? For fear of being taken back by you, her saviours?

She used to be a true artist: a wonderful painter and an person, who knew how to live life to the fullest, and now? She has learned to behave, as you think she should, no longer herself, twisted and broken. She no longer paints. What a cruel waste of humanity and of sisterhood of man!

Shame on you for your administering of pills and for your shock treatment! Shame on me for allowing it to happen. I should have fought to the death for her, but the law stood in my way and I was too cowardly… Maybe you can forgive me Rosy, but I will never forgive myself!

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