Them

Chapter 8

I awoke to an unfamililiar voice

"Daniel, Daniel you need to wake up".

I blinked my eyes blearily, then snapped them open as the unfamiliar lime green registered in my brain. My mind span as I tried to piece together what had happened and where I was. I remembered the meeting and the fear and a slight twinge in my butt alerted me to the fact I had been drugged in some way. I shuddered wondering what they had put into my body... sedatives? Perhaps. More likely that was a cover for a microchip or some kind of mind control drug. Were they monitoring my thoughts right now?

//Fuck. Stop letting them in. They're gonna hurt you.//

The voice spoke again, drawing me out of my swirling thoughts. A guy in a blue t-shirt also with an ID badge

//don't trust.//

was crouched a small distance away from me.

"Daniel, or do you prefer Dan?" He paused for an answer but I stayed silent "Daniel I'm paddy, I'm the nurse in charge of your care whilst you're here. Your doctor Nick, you met him yesterday, would like to speak with you soon ok?"

He paused, letting me comprehend the information he had just given me before continuing.

"I can probably guess the answer to this but would you be able to try and have some breakfast before we go see him? We have cereal.."

//don't. Trust.//

"...or toast and tea or coffee"

//anything. They. Offer. You.//

I shook my head slowly, avoiding eye contact.

"Alright mate, you can have something after ok? Are you alright getting up?"

I nodded, not wanting him to get any closer, as I fumbled for a hold on the squishy walls, suddenly becoming aware of just how stiff my limbs were. My jeans hung low around my hips and I pulled them up self consciously, hoping Paddy hadn't noticed the waist band of my boxers peaking out.

"b-belt?" I muttered quietly, half hoping he wouldn't hear.

"We can discuss things like that in the meeting ok Daniel" he gave me a brief smile which I fleetingly believed before I remembered that he was one of them.

//don't fall for it they're gonna get you you idiot.//

I followed him, stumbling a little, out of the room, glad to be rid of those horrific lime green walls, and down a corridor, through a series of double doors to a small room. Tiredman was sat waiting in an arm chair, wearing another equally creased shirt. Paddy indicated that I should sit in another chair before taking a seat himself. I hesitated, too tired to run but terrified of what would happen if I sat down. Noting that my chair was closest to the door I risked it

//not. Safe.//

and perched lightly on the edge of the plasticy cushion.

"Hi Daniel, I'm Nick, I'm your doctor. How are you feeling?"

I stared hard at the thin grey carpet tiles. He scribbled something on a sheet and then continued.

"Daniel, I know that this is very scary and challenging for you but, I need to talk through some things about your care with you ok?"

I focused on a small stain on one of the squares of carpet.

"Following your assessment yesterday my colleagues and I have agreed that it is in your best interests to detain you for medical treatment under Section 2 of the Mental Health Act of 1983."

My brain screamed. My vision was white. My ears rang.

//IT'S ALL A LIE//

"We have the legal right to administer treatments in your best interests for a period of up to 28 days, in which time we have the right to reassess you for extended treatment under Section 3 of the Mental Health Act."

I was shaking visibly now.

//YOU'RE GONNA BE HERE FOREVER//

"You have the right to appeal this via a tribunal and you of course have the right to speak with an attorney. I have some leaflets on those processes here."

I was vaguely aware of some coloured pamphlets being slid in my direction.

"I'm going to give you some time to process that but I will be right outside if you have any questions."

He got up quietly and left, closing the door. Paddy shuffled slightly in his seat and said gently "Im here if you need to talk or anything ok?"

I struggled to control my breathing.