SCREAM - THE GHOST OF LONDON

CHAPTER SIXTEEN

Charlie groaned as his eyes fluttered open. He rolled his head to the side and looked across the room. Asleep in a chair in the corner, wrapped in a thin blanket, was Doctor Dengate. Charlie rubbed his exposed skin, taking in the small, sterile room. For a moment, he felt safe, but he knew he couldn't stay here forever. He needed to play along with whatever game Doctor Dengate had in mind to be released. It was a default 72-hour hold, and he had 48 hours left.

He glanced down at his chest and saw the small wound, no bigger than a coin. He frowned, then shifted his gaze to Doctor Dengate. The keys were likely within reach, and he could easily get them and escape if he wanted to. But escaping would mean being hunted down by the hospital staff as well as Ghostface. Charlie sighed, feeling the weight of his situation pressing down on him. He had to find a way out of this nightmare, but he had to be smart about it. Rash decisions could make things even worse. For now, he needed to play along and bide his time.

"Doctor Dengate?" Charlie asked softly, his voice barely above a whisper.

The doctor stirred, his eyes fluttering open. He looked over at Charlie, blinking away the remnants of sleep. "Oh, Charlie. You're awake. I thought you'd sleep for longer," he said, stretching slightly in his chair.

Charlie managed a small smile. "So did I," he replied truthfully, rubbing his eyes and glancing around the room.

Doctor Dengate pushed the blanket off and stood up, walking over to Charlie's bedside. "How are you feeling?"

Charlie shrugged, looking down at the small wound on his chest. "I've been better," he admitted, his voice tinged with fatigue.

Doctor Dengate nodded, a look of sympathy in his eyes. "It's been a rough few days for you. But we're going to get through this together, okay?" Charlie nodded, appreciating the doctor's reassurance even though his mind was racing with thoughts of how to escape this situation. He had to play along, but he couldn't shake the feeling that time was running out. "Let's get out and get some fresh air, okay? Being inside all day won't do you any good," Doctor Dengate suggested.

Charlie nodded, grateful for the chance to clear his head. "Yeah, that sounds good," he said, slowly getting up from the bed.

Doctor Dengate gave Charlie a reassuring smile. "I'll go fetch you some clean clothes. I'll be right back, okay?"

Charlie nodded, watching as the doctor walked to the door. "Thanks, Doctor," he said softly.

Doctor Dengate glanced back with a nod before stepping out of the room, leaving Charlie alone with his thoughts. The door clicked shut behind him, and Charlie took a deep breath, trying to steady himself.

Charlie walked over to the window above the bed, the small square panes offering a limited view of the outside world. He stepped up onto the bed, his hands gripping the metal bars as he leaned closer to the glass. For once, the sun was out, casting a warm glow that managed to reach even this confined space. Though the bars obstructed much of his view, he could see enough to feel a sense of excitement. The promise of sunlight on his skin was a rare and welcome change.

The door creaked open, and Doctor Dengate walked back in, a set of clean clothes draped over his arm. He paused for a moment, taking in the sight of Charlie perched on the bed, his face illuminated by the sunlight.

"Are you okay?" Doctor Dengate asked, placing the clothes down on a nearby chair.

Charlie nodded, his eyes still fixed on the patch of sky visible through the window. "I'm actually excited to feel the sun on my body today."

Doctor Dengate smiled warmly. "I'm glad to hear that. I'll arrange for your friends to come visit you as well."

Charlie turned to look at the doctor, a genuine smile forming on his lips. "Thanks, Doctor. That would mean a lot."