Day 49: Intercom, Dusk
As the dinners got colder, so did the weather, acquiring a chill that only night could truly bring to the air. The rain increased too, as did the sounds accompanying it: although the patients couldn't see the lightning streaking across the sky, they could perhaps hear the muffled rumblings of thunder, far closer to the Institute than it had been before. Louder still, however, was the sound of the intercom's jingle.
"Hello again, everyone, and I hope you enjoyed the meal! I believe we've integrated nearly everyone new into our roster, mmm? Mmm, a few stragglers... well, we'll make sure to have them in here in no time!
In any case, a minor scheduling change in our nighttime treatments: instead of Special Counseling, we'll be instead having selected patients participate in our CM-US Trials - routine sleep studies, to any newcomers who might not already know. Nurses will be coming to escort those patients upstairs shortly; to everyone else, I wish a good night and-"
Some mumbling in the background.
"...Oh, oh right, thank you for reminding me, Lydia. Indeed - we regret to announce that we'll be undergoing some emergency reconstruction tonight due to leaking and drainage problems earlier today - er, nothing to worry about, certainly, but given all the talk I often hear around this place about creaking and scratching at night, it seemed that warning you would be the best choice."
"I believe that is all! Good night, everyone!"
The intercom clicked off.
"Hello again, everyone, and I hope you enjoyed the meal! I believe we've integrated nearly everyone new into our roster, mmm? Mmm, a few stragglers... well, we'll make sure to have them in here in no time!
In any case, a minor scheduling change in our nighttime treatments: instead of Special Counseling, we'll be instead having selected patients participate in our CM-US Trials - routine sleep studies, to any newcomers who might not already know. Nurses will be coming to escort those patients upstairs shortly; to everyone else, I wish a good night and-"
Some mumbling in the background.
"...Oh, oh right, thank you for reminding me, Lydia. Indeed - we regret to announce that we'll be undergoing some emergency reconstruction tonight due to leaking and drainage problems earlier today - er, nothing to worry about, certainly, but given all the talk I often hear around this place about creaking and scratching at night, it seemed that warning you would be the best choice."
"I believe that is all! Good night, everyone!"
The intercom clicked off.