Touch: a Survival Story.

Prologue: David.

Prologue: David.

Doctor's notes, Subject #24170. Alias: David. Session 1.

Notes and recommendations of attendant therapist, Natalie Sharpe:

David (Pseudonym provided by parental request, to be removed if deviation abilities are confirmed) has displayed mild to moderate behavioural change since occurrence of primary event: sexual assault by an unnamed individual. Behavioural changes are concerning, but within expectations. Parents report that David has been angry, withdrawn and largely non-communicative since the event, frequently displaying signs of recent crying, but never doing so in their presence. Subject discharged from hospital three days previously, no signs reported of physiological or metaphysical manifestations: weight, body temperature and brain activity all normal for a child of his age. Mild decrease in muscular strength flagged as concerning, possible sign of type two manifestation, but no corresponding change in bodily density. Listing shock and physical trauma as probable cause, overall risk graded as low.

Behavioural changes are cause for possible concern, if antisocial patterns develop, could lead to greater risk of harm in the event of deviance.

Personal note from attendant therapist: 'While I am aware that the social and emotional wellbeing of the child is not the concern of this examination, I still feel a moral obligation to point out the need for sensitive treatment of this issue for the sake of his development into the future.'

Be advised, David has been noticeably skittish with all adults besides his parents since the event, more so with males than females.

Transcript of audio-visual session recording taken down by supervisor Sullivan is as follows:

David enters, standing by the doorway for several seconds. Notably, his marks of purity and pain, obtained during the sexual assault in question, seem to have been covered, presumably with makeup. He lifts a hand to the side of his face, apparently reassuring himself that the marks are still covered.

Doctor Sharpe: "Hello, my name is Doctor Sharpe, Natalie, if you prefer. What's your name?"

David: "Don't you already know my name?"

Doctor Sharpe: "Yes, but I feel it helps if you have a chance to introduce yourself to me, rather than me just knowing these things."

Both David and Doctor Sharpe are silent for a short period of time.

David: "...David."

Doctor Sharpe: "It's a pleasure to meet you, David. Have a seat if you like."

A pause.

David: "Do I have to?"

Doctor Sharpe: "No, you don't have to. If it makes you feel more comfortable to remain close to the door, that's perfectly understandable."

A pause.

David: "Is this the part where you ask me where on the doll the bad man touched me?"

A pause.

Doctor Sharpe: "I take it your parents let you watch Law and Order then?"

David laughs.

David: "Sometimes."

Doctor Sharpe laughs as well.