Lynne McKay, an introverted college student and a prolific essayist, is woefully unaware that she's a recluse in the making. Having experienced life vicariously-only through the books she has read and overanalyzed- she is unprepared when her life is interrupted with the diagnosis of Crohn's disease. After being admitted to the hospital, Lynne must shed her introverted shell in order to survive. With an IV pole in hand and a VIP pass to the marble throne at the ready, she reaches out to an unexpected and insistent comrade, Peter, who suffers from the same disease but has penchants for mischief and empathy. During their time in the hospital together, Lynne must consider: is this diagnosis a second chance at life or is it her death sentence? The Directive gives a face and personality to a disorder that is often misunderstood. It exposes the world of Crohn's disease and its prognosis, treatments, and concerns through humor, science, and the deep insights of its youthful characters.