Chapter Text
Casey Krinsky was on her way to psychology class one rainy day. The sky was grey and heavy drops of rain fell from the clouds.
Most classes are all the same, Casey felt. Teachers babbling on about lame stuff that she likely won’t remember. But Casey didn’t mind. She’s come to realize that being bored has its perks. She gets to daydream and think about things.
Psychology, however, was the one class that Casey found fun and engaging. And that was thanks to her psychology teacher Ms. Wilma. She wasn’t an ordinary teacher; she was stubborn, sassy, eccentric and no-nonsense, but also understanding and kind.
Casey also found the stuff she learned from Ms. Wilma very enlightening, especially as someone who struggled with self-hatred and desperation. Ms Wilma taught her class about the disorders that many people suffer from, how self-validation and acceptance was crucial and why it’s important to take care of one’s own mental health.
Casey figured she could take Ms. Wilma’s teachings and use that knowledge for a mental health club she wants to open. On her little trip to Gotham City, she realized that she has the power to make a difference, not just for herself, but for everyone around her.
“Hello, class. Let’s go; another day, another life-changing lesson,” Ms. Wilma greeted fast. “Now, can anyone tell me what a sociopath is?”
The whole class sat in silence, then one boy spoke up to ask, “Don’t you mean psychopath?”
“No, Jason. Sociopath,” Ms. Wilma sassed. “A sociopath is a person who’s got ASPD. Anyone know what that stands for?”
“A Sad Pathetic Dumdum?” Jason quipped. The classroom filled with laughter. Casey was the only one who didn’t laugh.
“Go to Mr. Chapin’s office, Stevenson,” Ms. Wilma ordered.
“Whatever, you just don’t understand comedy!” Jason talked back as he begrudgingly walked out of the classroom.
“A sociopath is someone who has an antisocial personality disorder. This disorder is characterized by the inability to have any regard for anyone who isn’t yourself,” Ms. Wilma explained.
The class stared in confusion.
Ms. Wilma said and gave them a dumbed down explanation, “It means you are completely selfish and unable to care about anyone else.”
“It means, you’ll struggle to sympathize with other people. It means, you lack humility and empathy. It means, you have shallow, negative emotions that twist your moral compass, poison your soul and turn you into an unstable, dangerous monster!” Ms. Wilma continued.
“Short-tempered, reckless, remorseless, ruthless, dangerous, entitled, detached, opportunistic. These are but a few of the terms that describe a sociopath. They can’t be reasoned with. They can’t be humbled. They can’t care for anyone but themselves. If you ever meet one, cut ‘em off forever!”
This new information concerned Casey. Those descriptions of a sociopath wasn’t far off from describing how Casey used to be. Angry, self-loathing, desperate, selfish, unwilling to listen to reason.
Is she a sociopath? Is she incapable of change?
No, she was not. Ever since Zee Zatara came into her life, she was inspired to change for the better and accept herself as she was, in spite of how lonely and unnoticeable she was. Now, she was happier, she had friends and people bumped into her less often.
Casey was conflicted, so she raised her hand.
“Yes, Casey?” Ms. Wilma called on her.
“Um.. Miss? Uh.. hypothetically, if a sociopath made a friend and that friend helped them become a better person, would that sociopath not be a sociopath anymore?” Casey asked timidly.
“No, sweetie. That sociopath would have to not be a sociopath for any kind-hearted saint to get through that corrupted, twisted, dark mind of their’s.” Ms. Wilma replied as she resumed her lesson.
Casey sat there in overwhelming fear. She reflected on herself. There were times when she still questioned if she deserved love and friendship; if she could get more love if she wasn’t herself. The same thoughts she had back then.
I’m still a monster, she thought.
It doesn’t matter how much I change. I’m a psychopath!
Casey started to panic. She hyperventilated. She couldn’t breathe.
“Excuse me, Miss. I have to use the bathroom!” Casey called out as she walked quickly towards the exit and grabbed the hall pass.
“Okay, Casey,” Ms. Wilma replied kindly.
Casey started to run as soon as she was out of the classroom. She headed towards the girls bathroom and burst right in.
She ran towards the sink, opened it and splashed some water on her face. She breathed in and out, just as Ms. Wilma told her class to do whenever they were overwhelmed.
After a minute, Casey was calm. She looked at the mirror was facing her. She saw a very scared and distraught little girl. The same face she got tired of seeing everyday and drove her to try to get rid of it.
Maybe she was overreacting. Maybe her negative thoughts just got the better of her. Then again, she has done some awful things in the past. Trying to steal the life of a popular girl, in this very bathroom. That wasn’t all. She then stole superpowers to become a monstrous, beautiful, powerful super being. Where would she be if Zee didn’t stop her? She has done things that anyone would call crazy and psychotic.
Maybe she just needs some advice from the school counselor.