Flux

unwell.”
    “Why’s the door locked?”
    “That’s for your own safety I’m afraid.”
    “I feel dizzy.”
    “Yes, that’ll be the medication. It’ll be OK when your body gets used to it. The sedative we gave you is working its way out of your system as well.”
    “Sedative?” Why had he been given a sedative he wondered?
    “Yes, we had to keep you sedated while we ran some tests, to rule out an injury to the brain.”
    “Am I OK?”
    “Well, we couldn’t find any obvious physical damage. You do appear to be suffering from some kind of psychosis though.”
    “Psychosis?”
    “Yes, but we’ve started you on some medication now which should sort it out. I can’t see any reason you can’t eventually lead a normal life.”
    “I can’t think straight. I mean, it’s a lot to take in. Are you saying I’m crazy?”
    Doctor Jenkins gave a small laugh, “it’s not a term I’d use. You’ve been through a big ordeal; I’d say it’s just your brain trying to get used to the idea and I’m hopeful that with time, your symptoms will disappear altogether.”
    “Symptoms?”
    “I was hoping you could tell me that. Any voices or hallucinations?”
    Iain thought about things logically, it was time to be honest. “I think so.”
    “Can you describe them?”
    “Not really,” scraping his feet and looking at the floor; he felt a strange sense of embarrassment. “I’m tired.”
    “OK, well I think we’ve done really well for one day. I’ll send a nurse in later to talk you through your tablets.”
    “Can you leave the door unlocked?”
    He took a long hard look at Iain before nodding his head; “yes, OK.”
    “Thanks”
    “You won’t be able to leave the unit though.”
    “Yeah OK. I understand.”
    Iain felt too exhausted to go exploring anyway, so he clambered back into bed for a fitful slumber.

    The nurse knocked before entering, but Iain was asleep and didn’t respond. As promised, she carried a pill in a small tray and a plastic cup of water to wash it down with.
    “Sorry to disturb you,” she said quietly to wake him.
    “Ah, that’s OK,” yawning and starting to sit up.
    “Here, let me help.” She propped Iain up on his pillows and handed him the tablet. When he swallowed, she passed him the water; holding it to his lips first until he took it from her hand.
    “Thank you,” he said groggily.
    “You’re quite welcome,” she started. Then “Did the doctor explain when to take your tablets?”
    “No, not yet.”
    “Well, it’s one of these at the same time every day.”
    “What if I forget?”
    “Well, me or someone else will remind you when you’re in here. After that, you have to remember for yourself. It’s very important that you do.”
    “So I’m getting out soon?” he asked hopefully, looking up at her.
    “One step at a time. That’s for the doctor to decide.”
    “OK.”
    “Do you feel up to getting out of bed?” she asked. “It’s almost dinner time.”
    “Not really. I am hungry though.”
    “Well stay there then, and I’ll see what we can do.”
    He stayed propped up on his pillows while the nurse pulled the wheeled table over the bed. Then she disappeared. Iain waited and his belly grumbled until eventually a chubby lady wheeled in a trolley and set out a plastic knife and fork on the table. In between them she laid a plate of two sausages and mashed potatoes, all covered in thin yet lumpy, gravy.
    Iain looked at the meal and inwardly sighed; “Thank you.”
    “You’re welcome. Enjoy,” and then she too was gone, leaving Iain to eat his dinner on his own and in peace.
    Boredom finally drove him from bed and out of the small white room. Testing the door, he found it to be unlocked as promised. Opening it slowly, he peered round; more white walls, a nurses station and some other doors, all with keypads on the outside. To his left and a little down a corridor were some large double doors with glass in the windows; these also had a keypad mounted on the wall next to them. Feeling a little queasy and light-headed he stepped from his room. One of the other doors stood open and from inside he could hear a television. He walked over to have a look, the nurses at the station keeping a close eye on him.

    The communal lounge contained two sofas, a jumble of plastic chairs, a coffee table with magazines on the top and some board-games piled in the corner. He could see Connect Four, Buckaroo and Battleships amongst others. The boxes were battered and