There was only one room on the upper floors that could be properly adapted to suit Victor's special lights and the renovation made it even 'nicer', by his own standards, but even with a blackout curtain over his window, and safe, insulated and hidden access for the power cables, the orderlies seemed a little worried putting him in there. He'd
(
Read more... )
He'd been at the viewing window when the move had occurred, leaning flat against the door and peering subtly, so the guards wouldn't fuss at him for watching. The angle wasn't ideal, so he hadn't seen much, but what he did catch was certainly unconventional. Those strange light fixtures. What for? If only he had been able to glimpse the patient himself-the wheels in his head would really be turning, then.
The humming wriggles its way into his ear and stays there, familiar, writhing, until his throat is thick with the compulsion to join in. He works his jaw from side to side, in silence. Stares at the vent, up there near the ceiling. Licks his teeth, pops his lips quietly.
Right, then.
He makes short work of it, yes, but still the legs of the lousy asylum bed grate against the floor as he shoves it from one side of the room to the other. If he gets in trouble for it, oh well.
Reply
Straining his hearing for sound, he tries to decide on a suitable course of action. Should he call out and end the waiting quickly? Or would it be better to politely introduce himself. He's still not comfortable in this new room and doesn't know how he'll react to his neighbour.
Not being a man of action, Victor decides that the best idea is to simply stand near his vent and wait to see what his new neighbour does.
Reply
"Check, one, two."
Reply
Reply
Whoever he is, the man on the other side sounds genial-casual, certainly, perhaps a bit sleepy.
Reply
"I'm sorry you were caught in the crossfire." He takes requests? Although, if you ask for 'Freebird', he'll probably have to shank you, Bill.
Reply
"Just another saaad casualty in the war on tedium, that's me." Woe and alas. "So, what're you in for? If it's boring, I encourage you to make up something good."
Reply
"And you?"
Reply
It's as good an analogy as any. He's not going to use a proper monologue when it serves no purpose whatsoever-well, not today, anyway. Perhaps he will when they've become a little more acquainted, if such a time ever occurs. Oh, and eye contact is a must. Can't forget that.
"Twenty years, total? Or twenty years and counting?"
Reply
"I had Sea Monkeys for while, but they didn't do well in the dark and I couldn't have a light. I think one of the orderlies kept them for his kid." This connects with ant farms and other mail order pets. "I'm supposed to say that it's not bad and getting better since Crane left, but...."
Reply
"Why no light for your monkeys?" This is possibly the best thing he has said all day. "Did they take it away because you were baaad?"
Reply
"I've tried asking for nocturnal fish, but I think it's a step too far. At least they let me have my books and a laptop." There's a pause as he fusses with a bit of thread on his uniform, "I'm Victor."
Reply
"Hi, Victor." He should give a name in return, now, shouldn't he? Probably, yes, but Victor has not earned his exemption from the twisty fun-house of being jerked around that is conversing with this man. "I'm willing to bet Isolation isn't any prettier than whatever glorified dog kennel they've been keeping you in for the last twenty years... so..." There is a pause, but it's not significant; he's only licking his lips, smacking his tongue on the roof of his mouth, swallowing. "Why today?"
Reply
Disembodied voices are the greatest thing ever. It's so much easier to talk to people when you don't have to look at them.
Reply
"Harvey?" There's a sort of slow caution to his tone. Really, how many people in the city are named Harvey? Many. It couldn't possibly be that Harvey. Could it? It could, couldn't it? Oh, that would be utterly fabulous. Good ol' Harvey, still alive and kicking it crazy style on the funny farm. Oh boy, oh boy. Hey, wait- shut up, brain, don't get overexcited. You're listening for an answer, here.
Reply
"He's a very nice man and likes papercrafts."
Reply
Leave a comment