[felixmhong]

“That’s lovely. What department did you say you worked in again? Do you like it here? I know a lot of people move around hospitals if they’re not into it. Have you worked at any others?” They smiled politely. “It’s nice knowing there are other trans people here. I mean, not to be rude to anyone but I usually prefer to spend my time with queer and trans people. There’s just more to relate to.”

[felixmhong]

“Oh, you should call me Fe! You’re such a sweetheart. I know it’s not the biggest thing going on today and I’m sure you’re busy. If you’ve got anything important going on don’t feel pressured to stick around any longer than you can.” Felix nodded. “Yes, that’s correct. I don’t mean to be rude but I really do expect people to keep up with that. It’s a respect thing. What pronouns do you use? It’s interesting meeting someone so on top of things”

[felixmhong]

 Written from the perspective of Michael Blackwell, Felix’s most recent arrangement.

Who is it that you know in Serenity, and what’s your relationship to them? 

Felix and I’d relationship was somewhat professional. We helped each other out in different ways. They were there for me emotionally and attended work events with me as my date. I’d help them financially and support them living on their own. We had this going for around a year and a half before they got themselves into whatever they’re into now. I care about their wellbeing but I’m not sure if they want to be anywhere near me at the moment.

Who are you, how long have you known them, what’s the story of you meeting?

As I said, we’ve been together for around a year and a half. We met at a company party. They were attending as the guest of a girl my coworker was seeing. She introduced us and we connected immediately. They were so interested in what I had to say, it felt like a dream. No one has reacted so fondly to me in nearly thirty years. There are a lot of names for what I am to them, but we refer to ourselves as partners. Partners in business, mainly, but still partners.

You’ve been told why they’re in Serenity; do you think they deserve/need to be here?

Well of course, I’m the one who called the police. I know they need to be here for their own safety. They need time to find themselves again. The whole situation seems to be a little out of proportion on their end, but I know how they are. They want everyone to love them. Hopefully during their stay they’ll be able to learn how to rely on their own self love so this sort of thing won’t happen again.

When was the last time you heard from them?

The last time I spoke to them was the night they were planning to kill themselves. Since then they’ve been here. They haven’t set up any availability for visitation. I think they resent me for putting a stop to their plans. But ending things like that just wasn’t right. They deserve more than that.

What were they like before coming to Serenity? Is it a surprise they’re here now?

They were a star, stood out in every room they walked into. Obviously they aren’t a celebrity, but that’s what they’re aiming for. I believe in them. Their social skills are sharp and so is their image. They’ve been trying to build a social empire. But no, I’m not surprised they’re here. They’re very unstable. Fe is very fragile. They need a lot of attention and care of they’ll shatter. Sometimes it’s hard to watch, you know. They look so strong but the moment they show vulnerability it’s like their world is falling apart around them and they become a child again.

What’s your favourite memory of them? What’s your least favourite?

My favorite memory would have to be when I took them to Taiwan. They’d studied the area because good portion of their family lives there. Fe was so excited. They took me all over the place to eat different foods and look at different landmarks. Their aunt is a successful interior designer in Taipei. We stayed in one of her renovated apartments and the view over the city was beautiful. I never understood why they chose to learn the Taiwanese dialect of Mandarin until then. Everything about that trip was beautiful.

My least favorite memory, though, besides their suicide attempt would have to be a panic attack they had several months ago. One night I came to their apartment to find them on the floor nearly catatonic. There was blood all over the sink and they had scratched deep wounds up and down their legs. When they could speak again they told me they’d found out they had tonsil stones. That sort of imperfection didn’t set well with them at all. For the next month they spent an hour a day in the mirror picking at their tonsils. They bled over the counter and cried after eating. When I realized it wasn’t going to stop, I paid to have them removed.

What do you think will happen to them once they leave Serenity?

I’m sure they’ll go back to their blogging. It’s everything to them. I’ll continue to pay for their rent unless they ask me to stop. I’m sure they’ll try to make up for lost time and go out as much as possible to get good photos and make new connections. We’ll see what happens when they find out how many followers they’ve lost or gained after this little scandal they’ve found themselves in. A few popular blogs online have picked up the story, but I don’t pay much attention to it. I don’t want to know how the story is being warped. I’m sure they’ll be back and better than ever, though. They’ll make sure of it.

What do you think your relationship with them be post-Serenity? What would you like it to be?

I couldn’t tell you. I hope things will return to normal, but I honestly couldn’t say. Next question, please.

If you could say anything to them or give them one piece of advice, what would it be?

Fe, I hope you find stability in yourself while you’re here. You deserve the world. I know you know that. You need to know that you’re strong enough on your own to get it. You don’t need to rely on others opinions. You can work through this and find yourself again. I know we aren’t supposed to say this because it’s in our agreement, but I love you. You deserve to thrive. Good luck.

[felixmhong]

“It’s no problem. I get cold easily so I always try to get peoples jackets or coats back to them because I know I’d appreciate if someone did the same for me. By the way, what’s your name?” Felix cocked their head to the side slightly and swept their hair to the side. They reminded themselves to stand tall and keep good posture. “Oh, you know, like when I came here I signed myself in. Legally I’m a voluntary patient. Sometimes people have others come in and try to get out, they’re involuntary. I was just wondering because I don’t want to be here any longer than I have to be. I’ve got a lot to attend to outside of the hospital. Do you know how long some people have been in?”

[felixmhong]

“Of course! That sounds so wonderful. I’m sure there are some hardships but the job seems so rewarding.” Their face lit up and they blushed lightly. “Oh yeah, Fe stands for Iron, I think. It’s not got much to do with my personality but I guess it is a little ironic because I get anemic easily. My diet usually lacks meat and dairy so that’s a thing I’ve got to keep up with. God, that’s probably boring. I didn’t mean to go on about that. So how long have you worked here?”

[felixmhong]

Fe blushed, smiling wider. “Well I mean you can call me whatever you’d like, but I guess it just might not be as fun if you didn’t.” They nodded, “I’m here because I’m too great for my own good. This oldie I used to get with turned me in. He didn’t like that I was successful without him. I don’t want to make assumptions but you seem too sweet to be struggling with deep things like that. I mean, that wasn’t supposed to invalidate your experiences. I mean’t to say you seem really kind.”

[felixmhong]

Felix tucked their hair behind their ear and looked up to the taller boy. “I love that name. I’m Felix, but you should call me Fe. So what brings you around here? If you don’t mind me asking. I haven’t really talked about any of that with anyone yet so I’m not sure if it’s appropriate. But if you’re comfortable sharing I’d love to know.”

[felixmhong]

[salutitsmarguerite-blog]

Marguerite had been walking down the corridors of Serenity, minding her own business when she heard footsteps behind her. Her heart sunk in her chest and fear filled her, and skeptically she turned around, making eye contact with the person who was running after her. “Oh, can I help you?”

[felixmhong]

Fe came to a stop and smiled. “I’m sorry if I scared you. I found this jacket down the hall on the ground and I didn’t know if it was yours. I know I lose them when I’ve got them tied around myself sometimes.” They held out the jacket and smiled. “I’ve also got a question. I don't know if you’ll be able to answer, but how long are Rescue patients normally here for? I was sort of shoved in here without too much of an explanation. I mean, I’m legally voluntary, but still.”

[oceansdarling]

“Here- I got it. Don’t hurt yourself.”

[felixmhong]

“Oh, thank you! Always forget how short I am until I’m met with mountains.” Felix got off their toes and turned to Noah, surprised. “I’m sorry if we’ve met before, but I don't think I know your name.”

[felixmhong]

“Oh, no no. The fact that you’re even taking time out of your day to talk to me helps. Do you like working with children? I think it sounds wonderful but I don’t have any sort of patience for that.” They smiled widely. “I’m Felix. If you’d like you could call me Fe. It’s nice to meet you, too.”

[felixmhong]

“Wow, that sounds like a lot to go through. Would you mind telling me more about it? The story sounds so interesting.” Felix pushed their hands further in their sleeves and got more comfortable. Good posture was important in most occasions, but not so necessary at the moment. “I mean to be stuck for several months... So much could have happened. I’m glad I only spent short periods of time in the places I was at, though.” They laughed. “I mean you can only handle gross old men for so long before you need a break. Would have like to stay in Taiwan someday, though. My family there is kind and the area is lovely.”

[carrot-carlen-deactivated201612]

Carlen sighed as they looked over at whomever was speaking. Everyone had been running around, doing all their jobs and more, and some how things still managed to slip through the cracks. “Hey.” They said, walking over. “I’m not sure when you’ll get your actual room assignment but I can find an empty room for you to camp out in until then?” 

[felixmhong]

Felix shot up and turned around. “Oh, thank you. That would mean the world to me. I know everyone on staff has been busy. You work here?” They smiled, pushing their hair back and adjusting the shawl. “My name is Felix, it’s so nice to meet you.” They paid studied Carlen’s hair, clothes, and posture. They knew. “What’s your name, if you don't mind me asking?”

[felixmhong]

“Oh, I know that. Some places don’t give me a roommate because of some medical things I’ve got going on. I’ve got no problem with a roommate, though. I love being around people, I really do, and I’m not afraid of anyone.” They pushed their hair behind their ear and tilted their head. “I’ve been all over on trips. France, India, Spain, Brazil, everywhere. Never for more than a week, but I’ve been all over.” They leaned back into their chair and sighed. “I hate staying in one place. It’s so suffocating... The island sounds like it could be nice, though. How long were you there?”

“I’m in rescue. by the way. How ‘bout yourself?”

[felixmhong]

Felix looked up and nodded. “I wonder if I’ll have a roommate? I’m never sure where people will put me in spaces like this. I know in prison they don’t pay much attention to which way’s up, but these places are more political.” They turned to Talula and smiled. “Oh, I’ve lived in several different places. My father travels for work. I’m from America, though. His mother is Korean and his fathers family is indigenous to Taiwan. It’s in my blood to want to be in warmer climates. Oh, if you don’t mind me asking, what’s your name? I’m Felix. You can call me Fe if you’d like.”

[felixmhong]

Felix turned around with a look of soccer mom lost in a store level aggressive urgency on their face at first, then a warm smile. “Oh! Thank you so much. It’s not a big deal, I’d just like to get settled in. May I ask your name? I’ve been so flustered since I arrived earlier.”

[littlemissjacfoster-blog]

“Do I fucking look like a staff member? You’ll get a room when you get a room. There are worse things than it being cold.”

[felixmhong]

Felix paused for a moment. “You’re right. I can should handle this like an adult.” They looked the patient up and down then smiled. “Hi there. I’m Felix. What’s your name?”