The Placebo Effect

5 - Northwall

I woke up hopelessly late, tangled in my bedsheets. My medical check and the whole induction thing was in two hours, and it was already 2pm. According to a quick google search, Northwall was 47 minute drive, accounting for traffic. I sprinted to the shower, sprinted back to my room for a towel, shampoo and conditioner, and sped off again.

I showered as quickly as possible, burning myself as I struggled to adjust the temperature. It was one of those controls that went from "South Pole" to "Devil's Sauna" by moving it 3 millimetres to the right. My skin was flushed and uncomfortable by the time I stepped out, having been pelted with what felt like fire and ice.

As soon as I came out of the shower room door, I remembered that it would be a good idea to check if Tanya and Kate were up - Kate had mentioned signing up a few days before us. A brief knock on Tanya's door resulted in a muffled "I'm getting up" and that chatter that meant that Kate was there too.

Tanya never asked me to stay over.
I was momentarily jealous, but she had only known me for a bit. She probably knew Kate better.

Knowing they were both awake, I rushed into my room, deciding to choose a more formal oufit than the plain jeans I usually wore. I decided on loose black trousers, high heeled black ankle boots, a white shirt and one of my smarter jackets, a navy trench coat I had brought with me for no reason. I decided to wear my hair down for once, and spent 10 minutes straightening out the rebellious waves. A quick look at the clock told me it was 2.53, and we ought to leave at about 5 past to allow for a few minutes of bad traffic.

I went out into the corridor in my outfit, knocking on Tanya's door. She opened the door dressed, but with her hair half soaked, having been in the process of blowdrying it. Kate was in the room too, applying mascara, in a solid black outfit that made her seem even paler and set off her ginger hair. Tanya herself was wearing a floral dress, which looked pretty but was clearly to spare the effort of coordinating an entire ensemble.

"We're nearly ready!", she said breathlessly, rushing to start the hairdryer again. "I'm almost finished!"

"How are we getting there?", Kate said silkily from the dressing table. "Does anyone have a car?"

You mentioned Violet - it was a four seater, small but with plenty of space for driving to Northwall and back. It was agreed that we would meet in the hallway in 5 minutes. I spent those 5 minutes waiting in the hallway. I was just checking my watch as the two of them burst out of the room, exploding down the corridor and practically carrying me with them.

The journey was tense.

Despite her laughter yesterday, Kate seemed sullen, shown by her outfit and expression.

Every time Tanya or I initiated conversation, it would trail off quietly. I was relieved when we finally arrived, as I had begun to feel uncomfortable.

Northwall Laboratory was beautiful, but terrifying. It was modern, glossy and elegant, but dark and indimitating. I felt a vaguely uncomfortable sensation, but snapped out of it.

The receptionist here was clinical looking, the kind of person that eventually becomes their job. She had a high, wavering voice despite her apparent familiarity with the job. She took our names and led us to a waiting room covered in medical posters and uncomfortable plastic chairs. I sat down immediately. I had never liked hospitals, and I could feel my throat getting tight and breathing shallow. Kate began pacing, adding to my anxiety. Tanya sat down next to me, slumped over, and promptly fell asleep.