Run For Your Life

Sedative

Song: In a Black Out by Hamilton Leithauser & Rostam

May 6

Stanley's eyes drift open to a world that spins around him. He's dizzy, though there should be no reason for that. The boy isn't sure where he is or why he's here, but what he does know is that he's alone. Completely and utterly alone. Trapped within these spinning, white walls. It's never a good thing to be so isolated. Not for him.

The boy tries to stand, but his head is throbbing and the sudden movements only make it worse. Not to mention the pain that lingers in his shoulder. A shoulder, which is now covered in bandages. This only leaves him more curious as he tries to replay his last memories. What event took place for him to end up here?

Stanley studies the white walls more, growing more and more familiar with the environment. It looks to be a mental institution. Could it be the same? Had it all been a dream? Suddenly there's a name and face that comes to mind and now it's all he can think about. Bill.

Where had Bill gone? Is he close by? There's so many, too many, questions sprouting in his brain. But the worst one being that what if Bill is just a figment of his imagination too. He wonders if there's a way to test the theory. For him, it's not so simple. Stanley has never been the one to whip out his powers in a matter of seconds. It takes time and concentration and something to spark it.

Bill.

That's enough to spark something within the boy as he forces himself up, despite the ache in his entire body. Still, he pushes through. And once he's stood, he turns in circles, looking for any clue or way out. But there is no door or clue. There's nothing but the mattress he just woke on.

Stanley stumbles to a wall. Eventually he gets there and leans on it for support. Next he walks along, pushing and touching for any sort of hint at a secret way out. But there's nothing and so he grows frustrated. However, frustration for him isn't always a bad thing. Sometimes it's the final push, which will help him release it all.

The boy grunts as the anger builds up. He needs Bill. He needs out. Stanley balls his fists before letting out a scream. A scream that does nothing at all. Not even a small shake to the ground. The boy huffs before trying again. And again. And again. Until finally the screams turn to sobs as he falls to the ground with a thud.

"Unfortunately your powers won't work at this moment in time. We had to sedate you for the safety of others." The voice is loud and clear as it rings through the room. Though there's no one in sight.

"Where am I?" Stanley looks around with glossy eyes.

"Federal prison, though don't get too comfortable. You'll be transferred soon."

"To where?" The panic grows and builds inside of him.

"That's not for you to worry about."

"And my friends?"

It takes a moment for the voice to respond. "You're the only one."

"The only one that what?" Stanley questions, but never receives an answer. "What does that mean?" He tries again, but still no answer. Now he stands, traveling over to the walls, beating them with only his fists. "Tell me!" His voice grows raspy, but he doesn't stop. "Tell me!" There's still no one there.

The boy scratches his arms raw as he spins in a circle, muttering incoherent phrases and words. Eventually his hands travel to his head, which begin to beat at it. The voices are back.

You can do it, you know?

Sedation means nothing.

You're more powerful than the others.

Don't hold back.

Let us help.

Maybe they can help. Maybe they are right. But before he lets them in, he needs to try it one last time. He's different and powerful and a simple sedative can't hold him back. How could it?

So he screams and screams and somehow and in someway, the ground begins to move, the world gets a little less dizzy, and the walls around him start to crumble. He laughs at the destruction he's caused, but even more at the fact that's he's done it. He's gone against nature and science and every sane thing.

Unfortunately the boy's excitement distracts him from the man sneaking up behind him with a needle and a new sedative in hand. Then the boy is out cold once again. At least it was fun while it lasted.