Elizabeth got up late. It seemed that the alarm clock did not ring this time. But as usual, She brushed her teeth and wore her clothes deliberately then went to the bath room to brush her teeth again. She repeated it at least three times until she became convinced that she had done it perfectly, not leaving one single tooth not cleaned. She closed the door and went out. As she was on the stairs , she doubted that the door was still open. She returned and checked the door again and again.
It was not the first time Elizabeth arrived her work late. Even though she got up early other days, she would not come on time because of her silly doubts. Each time, her boss asks her to provide him of detailed report which indicates the reason for arriving late and each time Elizabeth states the same excuse.
The other employees seemed to know about Elizabeth`s malady doubts. She would spend the whole day arranging her papers and cleaning her desk. She would put spaces between her and others so that no one would touch her unintentionally because in this case she needed to shower herself endlessly. Elizabeth led a poignant , tiresome life; her doubts devoured her.
One of her fellows at work , called "Mary" recommended Elizabeth to see a psychiatrist who can help her overcome her doubts and live normally. But the idea of psychotherapy was totally refused by Elizabeth.
As Elizabeth was walking home, she encountered her neighbor named, Sally. In Elizabeth`s view, Sally was the most filthiest woman she had ever known. She did not wash her hands before preparing food or after eating , her house smelled dirty. Elizabeth was totally nervous because the distance between them was close and there was no way to avoid greeting her.
Sally shook hand with Elizabeth and hugged her. Elizabeth was trembling and had a disgusting feeling towards Sally , herself , her hand and her whole body. Interestingly enough, Sally invited Elizabeth to have a coffee with her at her home. Elizabeth tried her best to put excuses , but Sally persisted .
Elizabeth surrendered and went with Sally. She was so disgusting of herself to the extent that she wished to get rid of her body and wear another one. When they arrived , the home was not clean enough in Elizabeth`s perception. There was dust everywhere, no arrangement, no cleanness. Elizabeth did not know how to escape sipping her cup of coffee. Each time she tried to drink , she felt like she was going to vomit. After many trials and with eyes close she took few quick sips and left immediately .
She went home quickly, quickly, entered the bathroom, vomited everything in her stomach and started to wash her hands hysterically hundred times , then took many showers, then put so many perfumes till she convinced that she became clean enough.
This obsessive – compulsive disorder was increasing day after day especially during holidays or when Elizabeth took vacation and spent her days at home because in such times she had nothing to do except thinking of her doubts and obeying them. Elizabeth knew that what was happening to her was a serious problem which demanded a solution. She knew that she had no control after her doubts and she was forced to follow them. But still, she was not able to see herself as a sick person who needed to visit a psychiatrist.
One day a young man called, Henry invited Elizabeth to have dinner with him. He was one of the prominent clients at the company which Elizabeth worked at. He wanted to tell her that he admires her a lot and wants to get acquainted with her more. It seemed that Elizabeth too was fond of him. So, she agreed instantly.
At the restaurant, Elizabeth sat opposite to Henry. Of course, she had certain habits before starting to eat. She had to rearrange the napkin of table, clean the knife, frock and the dish served to her, make sure that everything put on the table was in its suitable precise place , not leaning a little from its line. Henry was surprised at Elizabeth`s questionable conduct. He though that she was a little nervous because of their first dating. So, he offered her a glass of juice. Elizabeth took the glass but as usual , she had to smell it before drinking. When the waiter brought the order and started to put it on the table, he coughed and tried to prevent it by putting his hand on his mouth politely. Elizabeth at this scene behaved madly. She started to scold the waiter, took the hygiene out of her bag and emptied it on her hands. Then cleaned her bag by her own handkerchief so many times. Elizabeth was behaving hysterically as a mad person. Henry was so shocked of her act. He thought that she is abnormal ; therefore, he left immediately.
After few days, Elizabeth knew from her fellow at work that Henry had come to the company and asked about her behavior and they told him about her strange acts and doubts at work. Elizabeth realized that she had lost Henry forever.
Elizabeth was so sad. She recognized that the situation is aggravating and demands a solution. At last, She went to a psychiatrist to help her live normally, comfortably.
