Freddy's Back

Chapter 4: erratic behavior

Nancy hurried down the psychiatric hospital's sterile corridor, having been urgently summoned by the staff supervisor. As she walked, the distant shrieks and banging emanating from behind closed doors caused her gut to clench anxiously.

Entering the supervisor's office, Nancy was met with three stony faces staring back at her. The supervisor broke the tense silence first, his expression grave.

"Please, have a seat, Dr. Thompson," he said wearily, gesturing to a chair before his desk. "We asked you here because we have...concerns about your resident patients' increasingly erratic behavior."

Nancy perched on the edge of the seat as the supervisor continued. "Specifically, we've noticed violent outbursts, vivid night terrors, and incidents of self-harm. We fear your unconventional therapy methods may be exacerbating their issues."

Taking a deep breath, Nancy responded evenly. "Their traumatic experiences stem from forces beyond normal psychology. I'm the only one equipped to guide them through this."

The three staff members glanced at each other skeptically. The supervisor leaned forward, hands folded. "While we admire your dedication, we cannot ignore the deterioration in their conditions. We believe it may be time for a change in treatment approach."

Nancy gripped the chair arms, struggling to contain her rising frustration. "With all due respect, you know nothing of what these teens are facing," she replied, her voice low but firm.

"Whatever the cause, we have a duty to protect our vulnerable patients from harm, including self-inflicted," the supervisor said. "We hope you understand..."

Nancy stood abruptly, jaw clenched. "I understand that your clinical distance will cost them their lives and souls," she interjected harshly. Seeing their shocked expressions, Nancy took a steadying breath.

"Please...let me continue working with them my way. They trust me. I'm the only one who knows what they're up against and how to combat it. Give me a chance to pull them back from the brink."

The staff members murmured uncertainly to each other. Finally the supervisor sat back with a weary sigh. "Very well. We'll reevaluate in two weeks time. But there must be marked improvement or we'll need to revisit next steps."

Nancy exhaled in relief. "You have my word. I won't let you down." She turned quickly before the supervisors could change their minds, determined to prove herself to them. More importantly, she would prove to her struggling teens that she could guide them through the darkness.

Late that night, Nancy tossed restlessly, thoughts consumed with Freddy's most recent victims. She knew the staff meant well with their talk of changes. But they were utterly oblivious to the true scope of the danger.

Only Nancy understood what was required to free the teens from Freddy's control. It would take diving even deeper into their torment - facilitating a confrontation on his nightmarish terrain. She shivered considering the risk, but knew there was no other way. Either the teens would find the strength to defeat Freddy together, or their last shreds of sanity would be stripped away, leaving them utterly lost.

At their next group session, Nancy steeled herself before addressing them gravely. "I want to try something, but it will require absolute trust and courage." The teens glanced at each other uneasily but nodded. They were out of options.

Nancy had to believe she could guide them through this. Failure would mean not only their demise, but countless others once Freddy regained enough power. She looked at their gaunt, haunted faces now watching her intently. Nancy gave a confident smile she didn't quite feel.

"Tell me about your most recent dreams. We're going in."

The point of no return was fast approaching. But turning back had never been in Nancy's nature. She had sworn to protect these teens and others like them. That meant leading them directly into the bowels of their own worst nightmares.