Mercury

"How long did you say he's been in here for?" Through the glass I couldn't make out their faces. Were they staring at me?

The doctor rubbed his chin with one hand as he looked over his notes.

"Says here that he's been contained in this ward for about two months at the moment, should be going back to evaluation in the coming week." He brought out a biro from his jacket and made a quick few notes on the page.

I cast a look back through the small screen at them. Then back at the small puddle below me.

Did he really do it? Would it even been possible for a boy his age to even do such a thing?

The doctor cleared his throat. "You're welcome to stay for a while, but we can't let into the room. If you need anything just click this button'- he gestured to a small yellow button inlaid into the wall beside the door that they came through-' and armed personnel should be here in seconds. Well, good luck."

"Yeah, thanks." They both nodded.

My mouth felt gluey and I shivered. It was suddenly very cold so I pulled my coat around me.

The room was well lit but his small face was wreathed in shadow, he moved his head up by a few inches and looked right at me.

A sudden chill ran through me, prickling down my spine in a terrible feeling of pure fear.

Where was his eye? Was that his cheek? What happened to his nose?

A small tear brimmed in my eye as I stared at his mutilated face as it stared right back through the reflection.

Someone spat at the door.

"Fucking monster." They spat once more and walked away.

How could I disagree?