Twisted Asylum

Reclusive

"Okay... I'm afraid I'm gonna have to ask you to stay out here" I say apologetically to Elijah, who raises his eyebrow at me. We were standing outside of my only patient room in the Ignihyde wing.

"May I ask why?" He sounds genuinely curious, opening his book as if to write a note.

"Well, the patient in here, Idia Shroud," I hand him the file to look through. "Is not only incredibly reclusive, he practically shuts down around people he doesn't know. So, unfortunately, you'll have to wait out here."

Elijah sighs softly, before nodding. "I suppose if it cannot be helped. Thankyou for explaining, doctor."

I smile, before turning to Idia's door and knocking, like usual. Ortho opens the door, and smiles up at me. "Ah, Doctor Yuu! Right on time!"

Elijah's eyes are wide as he looks at Ortho. He quickly skims Idia's file to see if there was any mention of a robot boy.

He turns to Elijah, a soft hum emanating from Ortho as he scans him. "... Elijah Viéto. Nice to meet you! You're new here, yes? I'm Ortho!"

Elijah slowly nods, looking even more confused. He looks to me for clarification.

"I'll explain after the interview."

"Fine."

And with that, Ortho leads me in and closes the door. As usual, Idia is sat on the floor next to his bed, wedging his body between the wall and the bed.

"... H- hello... Yuu-shi..." He whispers, face still slightly nervous. He'd only just started talking to me a week ago, I was extremely proud...

... It almost reminded me of Fern.

"Hey Idia." I say as I sit in the floor a few feet away from him. He's obviously much more comfortable compared to the first time we met.
"How have you been feeling?"

"... Pr- pretty much the S- same... Shitty..." He mumbles, as Ortho stands behind me like a sentinel.

"Have you been taking your meds?" I ask, tilting my head.

Idia freezes like a deer caught in headlights. "Y- yeah-"

"The last time he took them was Friday last week!" Ortho chimed in, causing Idia to flare up in frustration. "O- Ortho..."

I turn to the android. "Could you fetch them from the Physician, please?"

"Of course!" He says cheerily, before zipping away.

Idia shuffles anxiously.

"He'll be back soon, I won't do anything too extreme without him here." I try to comfort him as best I can.

"... Th- that's reassuring..." He murmurs sarcastically, causing me to chuckle dryly.

I asked him all the usual questions, the same ones I'd asked all the others.

As Ortho gets back with Idia's medication, and he's calmed down a bit,I decide to ask about the missing equipment... Despite him not leaving his room, Ortho might know something. It's worth it to ask.

"Last question. Have either of you seen any stray medical equipment around the halls? Like, scissors, even some bandages maybe?"

Ortho thinks for a moment, as Idia shakes his head. "No... I- I don't re- remember at least..."

"Unfortunately, Neither have I. There have been no reports to me either." Ortho eventually says, sitting next to Idia.

I sigh softly, standing up slowly as to not startle Idia.

"Leaving..?" Idia asks softly, watching me with sharp eyes.

"Yeah, I have one more meeting today, then I'll probably bein my office if you need me."

He nods, as Ortho waves goodbye as I leave. I smile at the two, before stepping out and closing the door.

Elijah is waiting there for me, handing back Idia's file. "Thankyou for this. It was most informative."

"Of course, it's the least I could do when he barely tolerates anyone." I chuckle lightheartedly, causing Elijah to smile as we walk to the last wing together.

"... Now, about the robot boy?"