The Touch

the long version

The core of the Depriver Syndrome is touch, the sense that forms our surest anchor in physical reality. Touch heals or hurts, soothes or arouses and conveys the entire emotional spectrum from love to hatred. Evidence states that skin to skin contact is known to be a powerful antidote for depression. However, for people affected by the Depriver Syndrome life becomes a traumatic death sentence. In the story of "The Penitent", dance teacher, Donna Kate, unknowingly transmits the disease to her pupil Lisa. Lisa realizes her loss of senses when she breaks her leg but feels no pain. In a tearful recollection, Donna narrates that the worst part was when Lisa could not even feel the bed she lay on and depression finally drives her to suicide. This story among others thus leaves readers speechless with the thought that life is indeed so precious, so unpredictable and so short!