Emily and Zara's Journey

    By Mohammed Khaled

    Emily and Zara's Journey cover image

    15 May, 2024

    a girl in a room with a rug and a bookcase with books on it and a lamp on the floor, color field, a storybook illustration, Diego Gisbert Llorens, rossdraws global illumination

    Emily was a spirited girl with a vivid imagination. She was always seen talking to her imaginary friend Zara, who was her constant companion.

    a girl and a girl sitting on the floor in a room with toys and books on the floor and a window, photorealism, a storybook illustration, Diego Gisbert Llorens, art station

    Zara was Emily's special friend. She would tell Emily funny stories and encourage her to explore her imagination. They had lots of fun together.

    a girl in a dress standing in a room with a door open and a window in the background with a man in a suit, context art, a comic book panel, Drew Struzan, graphic novel

    As Emily grew, Zara began to change. She started saying things that made Emily feel sad and scared. This change greatly disturbed Emily.

    a woman in a dress standing in front of a wall with portraits of people on it and a desk with a computer, context art, a comic book panel, Clarice Beckett, graphic novel

    Zara's voice became louder and harder to ignore. Emily found it difficult to concentrate on anything else. She was confused and scared by Zara's change.

    a painting of a mother and daughter sitting on a couch together, smiling at the camera, with a window in the background, photorealism, a storybook illustration, Alejandro Burdisio, ultra realistic illustration

    Emily's mom noticed something was wrong. Seeing Emily unhappy and distracted, she decided to talk to her daughter.

    a woman and a child are standing in a room with a picture on the wall behind them and a clock on the wall, serial art, a comic book panel, Anne Said, ultra realistic illustration

    Emily hesitantly told her mom about Zara and the strange things she had been saying. Her mom listened carefully, her heart filled with worry for her daughter.

    a woman sitting on a couch next to a little girl in a dress on her lap and a window, private press, a comic book panel, Elizabeth Forbes, high detail illustration

    Emily's mom explained that what Emily was experiencing was called schizophrenia. She assured Emily that it was not her fault and that she could get help.

    a girl sitting on a couch in front of a book shelf with books on it and a lamp on the side, academic art, a comic book panel, Colin Middleton, high detail illustration

    With the help of doctors and medication, Emily's mom said, they could make Zara's voice quieter. Emily felt a glimmer of hope amidst her confusion.

    a woman and a girl are standing in the street together, with a city in the background and a cartoon of them, serial art, a storybook illustration, Florence Engelbach, comic cover art

    Emily began her journey of managing schizophrenia. Zara's voice became less frequent, and Emily learned to enjoy her imagination without fear.

    two girls walking down a path holding hands in a park with flowers and trees on either side of the path, private press, a storybook illustration, Elinor Proby Adams, comic cover art

    With the right support, Emily was able to keep Zara from interfering with her life. She learned that schizophrenia was just a condition, not something to be ashamed of.

    a woman and a child are standing in front of a house and trees and flowers, with a house in the background, lyco art, a storybook illustration, Artgerm, comic cover art

    Emily made sure to talk to her family and doctors whenever Zara's voice came back. She focused on the real world around her, filled with loving friends and family.

    a painting of two girls in a field of flowers and balloons with a sky background and a tree and flowers, lyco art, a storybook illustration, Artgerm, highly detailed digital painting

    Emily's journey taught her that with the right help, people with schizophrenia can live happy and fulfilling lives. She became a symbol of strength and hope.