He Suffers

Day 14- Standing Ovation

It was a new morning, and more importantly, the last day of the counseling program. The time was 7:30 AM. That was precisely when Arthur received his morning meds. A nurse stopped by his room to deliver the pills. According to his schedule, Meredith was supposed to arrive in half an hour. It was almost time to see her.

But today, he had other plans.

It wasn't like he didn't want to see her one last time—quite the opposite, actually. Meeting Meredith turned out to be such a positive thing in his life for a change. In his eyes, she was a breath of fresh air. But he knew all too well that after she left, he would be a lonesome wreck again. It wasn't fair that the only support he had would be taken away. 

From Arthur's perspective, it would be pointless to stay in the mental hospital. He wasn't gaining anything from being trapped within the same four walls for 24 hours a day, especially with no one to help him work through his pain. He felt stir-crazy and couldn't stand it any longer. He didn't expect to ever recover or get any better because the damage had already been done.

This could be his big break. Arthur was ready to run free and be someone special, even if it wasn't a world-famous comedian like he originally planned. Deep down he knew he was still a clown, because clowns were funny. Clowns brought joy and laughter to everyone.

His mind suddenly flashed back to the street riot from when he killed Murray.  He remembered the utmost bliss he felt as he stood on top of that police car. It was like being on a stage with thousands of fans calling his name. He desperately craved that feeling again.

This was it. All the methods of escape he'd been writing in his journal were about to go according to plan.

He tucked the book into the side of his pants. The elastic band of his boxers kept it securely bound to his hip. He tucked the pen into his other side.

He peered through the barred window of his door. The same guard who stood by it every day was still there with his back turned. Arthur was used to constantly seeing the back of the man's head.

It was time to start the show.

"Hello?" Arthur called out to him, hoping to gain his attention.

The guard slightly twisted his head in response to Arthur's call, but turned back around and ignored him.

"Hello?" he called out again. "I need to go to the bathroom. I feel sick," he groaned.

"You're sick?" the guard asked. "I'll call a nurse over to check your vitals."

"N-no, no. I'm about to throw up. Food poisoning... I just need to use the toilet please." He clutched at his stomach. "Ugh! Oh God, I think I have diarrhea too."

"...Just a second."

He heard the door unlock and click open. The security guard stepped into the room.

"Hold your arms out to the sides. Gotta do a quick pat-down before you can go."

The guard began patting Arthur's shoulders and arms. "Oh fuck, I'm gonna throw up," Arthur groaned. He followed up with some sporadic gagging and dry-heaving. He needed to act convincing for this to work.

The guard inspected Arthur's waist. He discovered the outline of the book at Arthur's side. Puzzled, he tilted his head and went to grab for the book.

Arthur quickly swiped the pen from his right side and stabbed the guard in the eye.

The stunned man screamed out in agony. Arthur snatched a flashlight from the guard's belt and proceeded to beat him with it. He swung at the man's head several times until blood splattered everywhere.