Asylum: the chilling horrors

Chapter 4: Dear Arcadia, my love

Julian

The next morning, he shot another glance at Arcadia and bit his lip. He was guilty about hurting her and she actually spoke. He wondered if it meant something or if she maybe spoke but just small words. It was driving him crazy. If he was alone, at least he could've talked to himself but since Julian wasn't alone, it would seem crazy.

Ironically even thought everyone was crazy in this asylum. He studied her, the way she carried herself. Arcadia was tall but she always sat in such a crumpled up way that made her seem shorter than normal. She always was hugging herself, as if the thought of letting go, meant losing herself. Julian didn't know how long he would be in here till they moved him to another room but in the meantime he needed to talk. Desperately.

"And those who were seen dancing were thought to be insane by those who could not hear the music" he muttered out loud and that was when Arcadia turned and looked at him. He stared at her.

"You weren't asleep? What are you, eavesdropping on me?" He asked her, not really wanting an answer. She pursued her lips and slowly got up, pulling out a pin.

"You know, I wanted to apologise for what I did to you yesterday. I'm sorry that I hurt you, I would never" he told her.

She glanced at him and slowly scratched another line on to what seemed as a bunch of tally marks.

"I- is that how long you've been here? Just nod, you don't need to talk, really" Julian said and Arcadia stood up, a small smile on her face as she walked over to the door.

"Shower time, lady." A voice said and the door opened, revealing a female and a male watch guard and she grabbed Arcadia's hands and walked away with her. The other one, looking annoyed pulled Julian on to his feet. "What you need a command to get up? Come on" He ordered and yanked his collar.

"Sorry-" He muttered and winced.