Kamp Korrection

4: Mind Games

Thursday morning, reveille, get dressed and meet for breakfast - that was the routine. It was looking like this day was the same as any other; how boring was that?

During the announcements about the day's programme, Bruce and Felicity were singled out to remain behind when activities start. Bruce looked at Felicity; Felicity looked at Bruce; both with confusion on their faces.

Bruce whispered, "Do you think we've been rumbled?"

"So what if we have?", replied Felicity, "There weren't any camp clothing rules."

"Not that we know of anyway!"

As the rest of the inmates, headed of for their pointless and dreary activities, Bruce and Felicity were led up to the the main building. Following their guide they were shown individually into adjacent rooms. Just before they entered the rooms they wished each other luck, for what was going to happen next was totally unknown.

The rooms were identical, but they couldn't know that. There was a couch, a couple of armchairs, a desk, and some strange machines with lots of wires dangling from them.

They were invited to sit where they wanted - total relaxation was the order of the day. In their respective rooms, their respective doctors tried to put them ease.

In Bruce's room the doctor introduced himself as Dr Herman. Bruce plucked up the courage to ask, "Are you going brainwash us?"

"No Bruce, today and tomorrow is about exploring your minds; your deepest thoughts, wishes, fears, what excites you; what doesn't, and so on."

Bruce: "I noticed you said 'minds'! Is Felicity getting the same?"

Doctor: "Yes – exactly the same."

Bruce: "Why have you singled us out?"

Doctor: "It's nothing sinister – we couldn't miss how close you two have become and we had to start somewhere. Everyone in camp is going to be analysed one way or another – this is how we determine the right course of action for each of you."

This didn't fill Bruce with confidence, as he asked, "But what if I don't want to be corrected?"

Doctor Herman: "Don't worry – I promise you that you will return home at the end of summer, happy and contented. That's what we do here!"

At that Dr Herman wheeled one of the machines over and started to fix sensors all over Bruce's head, with a few elsewhere on his body, before he said, "Just lie back and relax. We'll have a chat and I'll ask you some questions. Always give me the first answer that comes into your head – it's important that you don't overthink it. It's a simple as that!"

At first he asked very open question like, "What do you dream about at night?"

To that Bruce described that in his dreams, he was almost always a girl and in his dreams he was always happier. When he woke up, the reality was a big disappointment.

They continued talking throughout the morning, with Bruce answering the questions as honestly as he could. It was one o'clock and he was starting to feel his stomach grumble. There was a knock at the door and someone brought a tray of sandwiches, sausage rolls and dessert.

The doctor explained that with all the wires connected to his head that it wouldn't be possible the have lunch with everyone else.

"But I need to pee!", exclaimed Bruce.

"No problem. Wheel the recorder in to the toilet with you "

Bruce returned from the toilet and they shared the food, before continuing the analysis session.