Road to Recovery
Beyond a wall of glass are people sitting in a circle of chairs, a couple gesturing wildly and laughing as they relate a story to the group. One leans back, grinning and nodding, scribbling in a notebook. The room is decorated with warmth, welcoming, arrangements of colorful plants set by windows to amplify the sunlight and inspirational posters lining the walls. A place for growth, for introspection, for purifying the spirit.
Pulling back, our host steps into frame, dapper in a navy three-piece suit, hailing us with a smile. A placard shimmers into view as he pauses in place, steepling his fingers, view fixated on us with a practiced mode.
Julian Bathory,
Executive Director, MESSIAH International
Julian Bathory: I’m incredibly pleased that our family is growing quickly around the globe. It feels as if in whatever state, whatever country, that I step foot in across my travels as an ambassador for MESSIAH, I’m seeing our sponsored community centers springing up to welcome new aspirants into the fold. The human being is truly a social creature that desires kinship with others, and we’re here to facilitate those connections using our core teachings. The state of MESSIAH is strong, and our footprint grows larger by the day.
He snaps his fingers, the background instantly shifting from the ringed therapy session to a clinic lounge, similarly adorned in the warm hues of the therapy center, a place of comfort and sanctuary. With a wink, he beckons us to follow down a corridor. Individuals in white coats meander about, glancing at clipboards and conversing. He peeks into a couple rooms as he walks. The shadow of some untied cables waver…
THEKINGCOMESPRAYFORDEATH—
I saw the flicker too, just a green screen malfunction. No, I definitely didn’t see a gaunt figure dragged in tattered yellow robes. Are you feeling alright?
Julian Bathory: Today I’m excited to announce that MESSIAH is preparing to launch our long-planned mental health and counseling program. It is the hope that our focused and communal approach, tethered with proven medical practices and the advice of respected, experienced industry professionals, will usher in a new level of serenity and clarity for our converts. I’m told that early enrollees in our program are reporting extraordinary revelations as they hone their minds and cleanse themselves of material pains and hindrances. It is a spectacular process that is already producing equally incredible results. All you have to do…is believe.
DWELLINMADNESSMORTALS—
Green screen flickered again. Nothing to it. And I don’t see this obsession of yours with crowned figures in yellow. Experiencing the nightmares again, I fear?
A return to the original scene, the group session behind the soundproof glass. The therapist continues to feverishly draft notes as the patients continue through their counseling, apparently immersed in his techniques. One appears to be clutching her head and trembling, screaming at the ceiling, with another nestled in a far corner, raking her nails against the wall. Others sit in stark silence, seemingly catatonic yet obviously just in meditation as they pursue the holy grail of transcendence and universal communion. I see you worrying, but I can assure you that this is normal, and you’re jumping to conclusions like you tend to do.
Director Bathory gestures to the scene beyond the glass, his expression placid and proud. I told you nothing was amiss.
Julian Bathory: To the untrained and skeptical eye, the means employed in our program seem unconventional, and may appear alarming to the unfamiliar layman. Rest assured that everything is under control and our unique system of psychoanalysis will provide unparalleled lucidity for our patients. They are wholly invested in what we do here and are reaping the benefits. The question is…when will you follow them, and peer into what the universe has in store for you?
A lingering, disarming smile from the New World Savior. A patient within races across the room, careening into the glass, face pressed against it in a cast of joy. Yes, joy, I don’t see a hint of the maniacal horror you’re whispering about. You really need to unwind and stop chasing ghosts.
Unite. Commune. Transcend. MESSIAH International can guide you to a better you. Join the waiting list today to experience our groundbreaking path to spiritual awakening. Embrace clarity.
The logo of MESSIAH, the silvered crown atop the stylized M. Tsk, tsk, you’re still hung up on the notion of burning, phantom eyes. Take your pills and breathe.