Ollie is a 12-year-old boy who lives in Boston with his mother and father. Some of Ollie's favorite things are otters, the ocean, and his cat named Oreo. Ollie's friends are Olivia and Owen. He has a normal life and enjoys going to school. 

Hi! I am Ollie

I am Ollie's mother. I am a nurse.

I am ollie's Father. I am a teacher.

Ollie's friends and parents seem to think he has been enjoying his life lately. He has friends, a loving family, and all of his needs are met. However, this is not the case. Ollie has been dealing with thoughts lately that he is embarrassed to talk about.

Hey Olivia and Owen. How are you guys?

We are great! I love 7th grade so far!

Some of these thoughts make Ollie do things. For example, before he goes to bed every night, he has to turn the light switch on and off 7 times, or he thinks his friends will die. When he is at school, every hour he must wash his hands at least once, or he thinks he will get sick. Ollie must eat the same breakfast every morning, or he thinks he will get in a car crash on his way to school.

What is wrong with me? Am I going crazy?

Ollie was too scared to tell anyone. He didn't want his friends or parents to think he was weird or crazy. Ollie didn't know what these thoughts meant either. His loved ones noticed Ollie doing these odd behaviors. They asked him about it, but Ollie refused to say anything about them. He just wanted to hide.

Why did you turn the lamp on and off a bunch of times, sweetie?

I don't know what you are talking about, mom.

Ollie began faking being sick so he could miss school and sleep. Ollie was so tired of the annoying and confusing thoughts that made him do weird things. He just wanted to sleep all of the time, so he did not have to deal with the thoughts anymore. His teachers, family, and friends began to feel concerned. 

Has anyone heard from Ollie lately? He has missed quite a bit of school.

He has been sick I guess.

Ollie's parents became concerned since he was sick so often. Because Ollie's mother was a nurse, she took him to the hospital she worked at to get him checked out. Ollie was scared the truth might come out.

Let's hope we find out what is wrong so you can go back to school.

Okay... Sure...

Ollie felt like he was being interrogated about his fake sickness by the doctor. He couldn't hold back the truth anymore. He finally told the doctor and his mother about his thoughts and behaviors. This took a lot of bravery from Ollie.

Thank you for telling me, Ollie. We are here to help. 

I wish you told me sooner, Ollie. I am a nurse and could have helped you.