// THE LABORATORY //


I pass the day in my cell trying to glance at the clock only intermittently. It will only display at the press of a button, but it is good practice to try to avoid obsessively staring at, and trusting, those red letters.

The television is my only companion in that place. My eyes are glued to its glow to the exclusion of the impassive steel walls.

The Doctor Trelaine did not join me for dinner that night. His assistant, Nurse Autumn, came to my cell when dinner was dispatched.

AUTUMN

I’M SORRY THE DOCTOR WON’T BE ABLE TO JOIN YOU FOR DINNER TONIGHT.

HE’S CAUGHT UP WITH A MEETING.


At least there’s something more pressing than impressing upon my solitude.

I dared to make the picture box my only confidante.

KEVIN

CAN I GO TO THE LIBRARY?

AUTUMN

YES, YOU MAY.

I’LL TAKE YOU THERE.


The walk down the hallway is wordless.

AUTUMN

YOU MAY STAY FOR AN HOUR.


She leaves, pursing her lips as the hydraulic door whirrs shut.