Xander watched his cell door with wide eyes, entire body tensed, and ready to strike.
Every morning, it was the same. He'd wake in the early hours of the morning, tired and confused, frightened by something he didn't recognise and couldn't see. It was there... and yet it wasn't. A malignant presence that stalked his senses, existing where it could not be perceived, and treading where it was not welcome. A memory that he couldn't recall? A delusion brought about by his decaying mind?
He glanced at the clock.
Any moment now, nurse Watkins would open his door. Any moment now, he'd be free from the confines of his room, free to breath fresh air, free to walk wherever he wanted, free from the unseen enemy all around him. Freedom. Nothing else mattered.
Footsteps, just outside the door. His fists clenched. He heard a key in the lock, and then nurse Watkins was in, smiling gently.
"Morning!" she said cheerfully.
Xander exhaled loudly, his entire body relaxing, safe at last in the presence of a friendly soul.
"You have a good night then?"
Every morning, the same question. His response never differed; a quick shake of the head, and then he slowly slid out from under his sheets, bloodshot eyes darting around the room and examining every corner.
"Manage to get any sleep?" asked Watkins, eyes filled with concern. "Are the pills Dr. Hamish gave you working?"
He shook his head again, eyes blank and unfocused.
"Poor Xander..." she sighed, biting her lip. "Come and get some breakfast at least. You're far too thin as it is."
He followed her out the door and down the corridor outside, towards the mess hall.
Upon entering the cafeteria he noticed an unfamiliar face, that of a bearded middle-aged man he'd never seen before, standing beside the northern entrance and flanked by two orderlies. He watched intently as they removed a pair of handcuffs, studying the man's face, his clothes, the manner in which he carried himself. A pressed suit? Expensive reading glasses? A leather-bound book? What kind of man was he? And more importantly, why was he in the asylum, alongside all the psychopaths and crazies that inhabited its hallways?
Xander frowned. Something wasn't right.
Without further ado, he lined up with all the others, grabbing a plastic tray and cutlery. The queue was moving slowly today, but eventually he ended up in front of the chef, and with hot food on his plate he began to search for a seat.