One Way Ticket to the Cuckoo's Nest

Part 3_ Staple's institution for the troubled young

So I got in, the inside did not match the inside. At least the front gate, it had a lot of white and weird lighting that had this whole hospital vibe to it. I think it was the only part of the whole building that makes me nervous, still now. Hospitals give me the hibee gibees. At the desk there was this tall, slender woman with long fake black nails and blue eyeshadow. Now bad enough that she was tall I was pretty sure she was also wearing heels which made her tower over me. With her glasses in the tip of her nose she looked away from her gossip magazine to look me up and down.

"You have something for me? "

She pulled me out of my thoughts and I handed her the paperwork. It was nothing formal, I guess the institution had taken care of that part. It was just some corny form to fill out with my personal interest so I could adjust better or at least pretend they care about that.

She read it:

State your hobbies and interest:

I read and watch a lot of tv shows mostly about thrillers and stupied comedy. I play guitar and like to work out and run.

What is your favorite dish?

I don't know

What is your favorite movie?

I like John Wick

What can always calm you down when you are sad or upset?

Perfume, music, space and quiet.

...

Some more annoying questions just to lead you to the last one, that was honestly my favorite.

What makes you annoyed or uncomfortable?

Social norms, people and intrusive forms.

The woman laughed at my last answer and whispered a light "fair enough" before filling my answers in a folder with my name on it. Nice touch, making me feel observed right away. I waited around for her to say something but she seemed to be waiting as well. That uncomfortable process finished with the purple wom- I mean Ms Venable re-entered the building and walked straight to us.

"So honey, Ms Venable over here, is responsible for your group, every question, everything you feel you need to discuss, that's who you have to refer to. She will also be responsible for punishment if you screw up"

I looked at her and, as much as I would like to keep eye contact to show strength like she has been doing since I got here, I just had to look away slowly. That woman looked like she wanted to use me as a rest stool for her feet.

"This is Liz Taylor, she will show you around and give you the tour"

Liz took off her glasses and stared at Ms Venable for a second, she didn't seem to be nervous at all... respect...

"Dc Staple has asked me to remind you, Ms Venable, that group responsables should be the ones giving the tour with the introduction and rules for every patient that enters said group. It's a policy " she said, squirming her eyes.

I looked at Ms Venable, oh.... she was pissed... She tried not to show it but you can't do that and try to use a death stare at the same time. The little antisocial/outcast inside me didn't like to be in the middle of the cross fire in human interaction. Especially with two people I wasn't familiar with, but at least it wasn't boring. Should I say something? Or should I just yeet my shelf out of this place while I still can?

"As one of the administrators of this institution I have better and more productive things to do with my time, and you can be sure Dc Staple gets that message" she stood a step closer to Liz like a wolf asserting its dominance, the cane hit the floor and spoke with a patronizing undertone "since it is your job" and then just walked away. My eyes were glued to her while the sound of the cane hitting the ground kept getting lower until it completely vanished.