Asylum (Steve Rogers AU) 18+

6

She had found solace in the library, scanning the shelves, some thick with dust, in order to find something to read. Some of the books looked like they hadn't been touched in years.
Once again, under the watchful eye of the nurse who had accompanied her, she plucked the titles from the shelves that seemed the most appealing, some familiar and some not, before turning and making for the door. "I think this will keep me occupied for some time".

The nurse nodded in agreement. "Sometimes it is best to have your mind find its focus elsewhere, especially if it's something challenging".

She didn't need her mind to focus, but she needed to focus on getting out of here - which she had come to realise now was highly unlikely. After all - you heard of people being admitted to asylum's, but never any being discharged.

The only way of taking it from the horror that was this place was immersing herself in the writings of others. Doctor Rogers had commented just the night before about how she always seemed to have her head in a book every time he would make his rounds. It wasn't a bad thing, and with the therapy she had been undertaking daily with him, she would forget about John and his betrayal for a time, but it would always manifest back into her thoughts before bed.

Still, she had survived a month in this gods forsaken pit of despair, what was the rest of her lifetime?

Returning to her room, she took one of the books and left the rest before she went outside to settle herself upon one of the crumbling stone benches. Even though it was dismal outside, it was lighter than being in the asylum itself.

Delicate hands turned the pages and skimmed over the words, occasionally she would look up to see whether anyone else was outside with her but apart from the nurse who was under instruction to watch her? She was well and truly alone, even if the building held more people than she had known in her lifetime so far.

The presence of Doctor Rogers sitting down beside her did not make her look up. Instead she continued to focus on the book in her lap.

"What are you reading today Dinah?" He asked, taking his pen and ready to write down her thoughts like he usually did.

"I did not realise our session was this morning Doctor". She said, finally looking up at him.

"It's not, this is just general interest". He stated with a smile.

She turned back to the page, unable to focus now but pretending to read all the same. "Mary Shelley" she confirmed. "However I cannot say that the book is an uplifting one".

Taking it from her hands, he studied the title being careful to not lose her page. "Frankenstein, should've guessed".

"Have you read it?" She asked curiously.

He shook his head. "I rarely have time to read, and when I do? It's either patient notes or medical journals".

"I could've said the same if you'd have asked me a few weeks ago. I'd have told you I had no time for reading, that I was busy running my household and keeping it in order for my husband. I guess that now I should not have to worry about the trivial life of a wealthy housewife. For I am neither wealthy, a wife, or apparently sane".

Steve passed the book back to her. "Whether I believe you to be sane or not? It does not garuntee a chance of leaving. Sometimes my word can be overlooked by a higher council".

"That council being Superintendent Ross...he has already expressed I shall not be leaving anytime soon".

"When?" Steve frowned, wondering when Ross has spoke to her.

She sighed. "I overheard him the other afternoon talking to a nurse. He had received word from my husband. Of course I am to stay, it is John's decision after all, and even Ross agreed".

Steve nodded and checked his watch. "We have our therapy appointment in an hour. There is also a treatment that I have been putting off so far, however with this news? I think it could be beneficial to you rather than medicine itself".

Dinah looked a little defeated. "Whatever you suggest doctor..."

He smiled lightly. "Trust me, you'll feel the benefits".

Her eyes went to his. "You're not taking me to the Red Room are you?" There was some fear in her eyes, and Steve had wondered whether Natasha had finally confided in someone as to what went on behind those doors.

"No". He assured her and got up. "A nurse will bring you to the treatment room later, but for now I have to finish some paperwork". Then glancing to her book. "Enjoy your novel".

Dinah watched him cross the grass and take the steps to the terrace before disappearing within the asylum's walls.

Despite Doctor Rogers good intentions - no treatment would work on her, but if it was something that would make her forget where she was and why for a time? Then she would gladly welcome it.