Abe's Rabbit

"Abe's Rabbit" is a fascinating novelette by Benjamin Brashear about life during psychiatric hospitalization. The narrator, who has bipolar disorder, was admitted after a suicide attempt. His roommate is Abe, the only patient who is listed as a "Code 4," meaning he requires constant supervision because he is considered a danger to himself or others.

We learn that living in a psychiatric ward include such rules as "No talk shows - especially Jerry Springer" in the TV viewing area. The details of daily life - group meetings, restricted cigarette breaks, carpet on the walls and ceiling of each room - give an intimate view of what it's like, yet the story is never depressing. From being someone the storyteller fears, Abe gradually becomes a hero.

We are delighted that we were allowed to publish Abe's Rabbit, and hope you will enjoy it as much as we do.