Die, Die My Darling

1: Friendly Introduction

     Lillian walked down the white halls of the sanitarium, her footsteps hardly made a sound. The small female is starting her first day here as her uncle's apprentice and nervousness was clear with her rigid body language. Her flats padded across the seemingly endless hallway until she was met with the door that read 'Cafeteria.' With one small hand, she gingerly pushed open the door and was greeted by her uncle.

"Lillian, you're finally here! I was just talking to Michael about you." His smile never failed to calm her.

"Hello uncle, it's so good to see you!" Their overly excited greeting ended with a sweet hug and Dr. Loomis patted a chair next to him.

"Lillian, this is Michael, he has been my patient for many years. He doesn't communicate very often so don't be offended when he doesn't reply." He said softly.

The first thing she noticed about Michael was just how large he is. Glancing at the chains around him, the girl could tell just how easy it would be for him to break out of them. The chains and his size weren't the only things she noticed, however. He wore a blue mask made from paper, and behind that mask laid the darkest eyes Lillian had ever seen.

Before she even realized how much she was gawking at the man, she gave a bright smile that showcased her white teeth. "Well Michael, I'm very pleased to meet you."

His head tilted as he leaned forward ever so slightly. Michael observed the small girl, looking at just how bright her eyes were, and then to her hair. He could see the intimidation in her face. The way she tensed and gripped her sweater gave him a sense of power. She looked as if she would break with a single touch. The guards watched Michael like hawks until he leaned back into his seat, giving an almost unnoticeable nod in her direction.

Dr. Loomis noticed his small reply. A nod from Michael was almost unheard of. Usually, he would sit and only stare as if he were in a trance. The man's thoughts were all over the place. Michael had shown some sort of interaction, as if he was listening to someone except for himself. This was a great start for Lillian. Her smile returned when Michael nodded, a soft breath of relief escaped her mouth as Loomis clapped his hands together and stood up abruptly.

"Alright Lillian, I have to talk to you before we begin with today's session. Come with me outside, darling." Loomis rushed her, Michael watched her as she left the room.

"Lillian, this man is the living epitome of pure evil. I am so very sorry that you have to endure this for the sake of your future job here, but I assure you that we will allow nothing to happen to you. Michael will sometimes act out, as will any patient. I don't see him leaving this sanitarium any time soon so please be cautious with what you do and for now only sit and take notes." He oozed as he looked at Lillian with seriousness.

"I promise you I will not do anything to put myself at risk. I don't want you to worry." She replied, a look of sadness washed over her face as she realized this meant she couldn't interact with Michael until later.

The pair made their way back into the room only to be met with guards putting heavier restraints on Michael. Hearing the doors open, the large man looked up and caught Lillian in his gaze. His dark eyes swept over her small frame in a possessive manner as he wiggles slightly to test out the new chains. This did not go unnoticed by Loomis. Being the protective uncle he is, he brought a chair several feet away from Michael and motioned for her to sit. He then placed her notebook in her hands and their session began.

Michael remained unresponsive to any question or gesture made by Loomis. The only movements Michael would make were to stare at Lillian, which made the girl feel smaller than she already was. By the time the session was over, guards removed the restraints from the chair to move Michael back to his cell. As he stood, Lillian couldn't help the gasp that escaped her. Michael stood taller than any male she had ever laid eyes on. Not only did he tower over her, he was also very built.

Loomis softly grabbed Lillian's arm and guided her out of the cafeteria. They trailed a safe distance behind Michael and the guards while they returned to his cell. The walk was short, but to Lillian it felt infinite. As they finally reached Michael's door, Lillian couldn't help but take a peek inside once it was open. Masks decorated the walls. It seemed to her as if it was an endless amount. Mesmerized by all the colors and art around her, she didn't notice her uncle trying to pry her away from the door as Michael was unchained.

Michael, now free, turned slowly to take one more look at Lillian before she disappeared. She made him feel some kind of way, and he wasn't sure what it was. He hasn't felt a drop of remorse or happiness since the day he got to Smith's Grove. The man couldn't tell if he wanted to strangle her or take care of her. The two contradicting feelings felt like a huge mess inside of his head as the effects of stupor made his brain fog.

The door closed and Michael was once again left in silence. He worked on a new mask, one that was orange. It resembled a pumpkin. His thoughts distracted him from his work as he stared down at his hands. Lillian flashed through his mind. The frail girl had made him feel powerful and he wanted nothing more than to take her. Her eyes looked as if they could swallow you whole in their deep blue. His large hands curled into a fist as he heard the night guard's accent ring through the hallway. It was going to be a long night.