The Evil Inside

12. Summer Love

     When John moved into his new apartment, while it was really quiet he loved the fact that he has his own television. At the mental facility, what channels they go to watch were highly restricted by the staff. They obviously didn't want them to view programs that might upset them and cause fighting among the patients. Despite his new found freedom, John always seemed to drift back to the same channels and shows he used to watch at the hospital. It must have been a comfort to him, at least help him get used to the new place before trying new things, and even new shows on the television. The first week was unsettling for John, as he had no one to answer to. There were no orderlies telling when to eat or when it was time to sleep; he was no in charge when any of that happened.

     Like the television, John found himself falling into old habits, eating and sleeping at the same times he did at the hospital. It wasn't until a month after he moved into his new apartment that John slowly start so change the time he did some things. His new job slowly helped him with that as well. Max had secured him employment with a local grocery store, stocking shelves and even helping at the cash when line got really long. He didn't mind a little labour to keep him busy, and the distraction was welcome because he didn't want to sit around and just watch the same shows like he did at the hospital. It was nice to see and speak to new people as well. For the sake of not sounding weird, the Feds and Max also forged up some new papers, much like they would for someone who was in witness protection. To make things easy for him, his first name was still John, which was a common name. It was his surname that needed to chance since Doe was not as common. His new surname was much more common, as he would be John Smith at least for the time being. Max had assured him if he ever needed to move again to a new town, he'd have more input in choosing his next identity. He didn't mind as the name was so common, no one would bat an eye. I helped him blend into the new town, which was all John really wanted.

     Every few weeks, Max would stop in to visit. He would often bring some groceries with him, just to help out. John didn't really need the help but appreciated the fact that Max cared enough to try. He was a good friend, one that he hoped to keep for some time. He knew the best way to keep Max happy would be to stay out of trouble, which he worked very hard to do. One week some of his co-workers asked him to hit a bar with them on payday and have a good time. As tempting as it was to socialize after hours, John aired on the side of caution. He knew Max would be proud of him but he never brought it up, and just talked to the lawyer about normal stuff. Max and his wife were both doing well in their new community. His wife was excelling in her new position and Max's law firm had steady work that kept the lights on. John even learnt that he wasn't the only pro-bono case Max was working on. The public defender in him had a hard time saying no to people in need of help. It was the thing John admired most about Max, his eagerness to help those who are incapable of helping themselves. John hoped that one day he would be able to return the kindness that Max had given to him without wanting anything in return. Maybe one day he could, but for the time being the lawyer would have to settle for his gratitude.

     When he was out in public, John didn't try to avoid people but often didn't try to interact with other when he didn't have to. He had only been out of the hospital for a few months and was determined to stay out of trouble. Yet when people took the time to say hello or hold a door open for him, he would be nice to respond in kind or thank them.

     One day John was in line to get some coffee before heading to work when a lady walked up to him and spoke to him first.

     "Excuse me," the lady asked, "But I'm late for work. Do you mind if I cut in line so I don't get in trouble with my boss?"

     "I don't mind," John replied, "but what the people behind me?"

     "They know me," she informed him, "I often cut in line this time of day and they don't mind."