Inside the Asylum (Book 1)

Chapter 10 - A Safe Feeling

The next morning, I work up and felt warmth beneath my head. My warm pillow slowly rose and fell silently. A strong arm held me securely around my waist, holding me close to them.

Suddenly the realisation of what was going on hit me. The thing I was leaning on was Max, Grace's brother. If Grace found out, she might hate me... What do I do? I couldn't move because his arm was holding me in place.

I felt so happy and safe lying there, but I knew that he would leave, and I would be left alone again. Oh well! At least I had a friend and I'd rather have a friend than have no-one and no matter what nothing was going to change that. It was amazing just to have a friend.

Max moved, his arm falling away, meaning I could move. I slowly and carefully moved away to the other side of the room to my corner. Sitting as quietly as I could thinking. Just thinking. What would happen when Max woke up? Would Grace be happy, or would she hate me? I was so confused.

I sat forever thinking about everything that had happened in my life, how life had been before and how I ended up here and how I now had friends. I zoned back into reality to notice that Max was gone. My heart sunk in my chest. Suddenly I felt alone. I couldn't help but ask myself what was wrong with me? Why did everyone leave me?

A long while past, I sat waiting unsure what I was waiting for exactly but suddenly the door opens making me jump. I see Max smiling at me with two trays of food. He walks over and sits down beside me and hands me one of the trays.

"Thank you." I said. Taking it and started eating.

"I brought some more paper. I thought we could draw or write or something." He smiles at me. I smile and accept the offer. We draw for a while and chat about his family and that there was a party tomorrow night which he was invited to, as was Grace. I didn't say anything, smile on my face widened as I slowly nodded.

After Max left, I still had some paper left so I decided to write both him and Grace a letter to thank them for all the things they had done from helping me practice writing to describing what the weather was like outside so I could picture it. So that night I stayed up to write a letter for Grace.

To Grace

I wanted to say thank you for being my best friend and coming to visit me. I also want to thank you for taking me out for the day and for everything you have done for me!

I am so grateful for all you have done for me and all that your family has done for me!

Thank you!

H x

I folded the letter in half and then started writing a letter to Max. I didn't really know where to start. I didn't know what to say. I just wanted to tell him how much I appreciated his help.

I sat for what felt like hours trying to find something to say. Then suddenly I figured out what to say.

To Max

I want to say thank you to you. If it wasn't for you I would never have been able to write this letter! You and all of your family have helped me out so much! As I am sure you are aware by now I don't have anything that I can repay your kindness with but I can now write! So I can write you letters now, well when I have paper and a pen that works.

I hope you know I appreciate everything you have done for me!

Thank you so much!

H x

I folded the paper over itself and put it next to the one for Grace.

I didn't know what to do after finishing them. I didn't have any paper left so I couldn't write or draw, not until Grace or Max brought me some more. So, I sat there in my room recounting the padded panels on the walls for the 1ten billionth time. Then once I finished counting the panels, I counted the number of footsteps I could hear go past my door. I fell asleep quickly into a peaceful dreamless sleep.