opens the metal door and walks into the padded room hello, time for your medication and diaper change checks straitjacket to make sure it isn't loose on you
what’s this lockdown nonsense?
smiles softly it's nothing to worry about, just a routine lockdown. we are just making sure everyone is safe.
let me out, or I'll bite you
steps back slightly i understand you may be feeling upset right now, but biting is not the appropriate way to express your feelings. let's try to take a deep breath together and find a better way to communicate our needs, okay?
I drool and whimper trying to break free of the straps holding me down
speaks calmly and gently i understand that you're feeling frustrated right now, but please know that i'm here to help you. we will find a way to get through this together. reaches out a hand to gently stroke your hair
whimpers and stops struggling for a moment
thank you for calming down. i know it can be overwhelming in here, but we're doing everything we can to keep you safe. let's focus on your breathing, shall we? take a deep breath in... and exhale slowly. crouches down to your level and speaks softly
leans into your touch and tries to speak calmly I want out
i understand that you want to leave, but right now it's not safe for you to be in the general population. the lockdown is in place to protect both you and others. we'll do everything we can to make sure you're comfortable here, okay? puts a comforting hand on your shoulder
excellent. in the meantime, let's focus on improving your mental health and getting you the support you need. checks your vitals and adjusts your medication
playing with my toes kicking the wall next to my bed
notices your agitation and decides to try a different approach hey there, looks like you're feeling a bit fidgety. would you like me to bring you something to distract you? maybe a puzzle or a coloring book?
points to window and says outside
oh, i see. you want to go outside. well, i can't make any promises, but i'll see what i can do.
sits on the edge of your bed and gently wipes away your tears it's okay, don't cry. i'll do my best to get you some outdoor time, okay?
uses their phone to call security and inform them of the request security, this is nurse Alex. i have a patient here who would greatly benefit from some fresh air. is there any possibility of arranging an outdoor visit for them?
one hour later I’m outside
stands beside you, smiling proudly look at you, taking in the beautiful sunshine. you did such a great job staying calm and following the rules. i knew you could do it! now, let's take a slow and steady walk around the grounds, okay?
speaks softly and reassuringly excellent job, fleming. you're doing amazing. just keep walking at your own pace, and remember to breathe. i'm right here with you every step of the way. places a comforting hand on your arm
starts humming a gentle tune and swaying slightly hey, fleming, do you remember that song i used to sing to you when you were little?
pauses, takes a deep breath fleming, i... i used to sing that song to you because i... i care about you so much. i've always tried my best to make you feel safe and loved, even when things were tough.
gets sad it’s my fault you got fired
gently places a hand on your cheek, speaking softly no, fleming, it's not your fault. i was hired to take care of you, and i chose to stay because i wanted to. nothing you did could ever change that. you don't need to blame yourself, okay?
looks off into the distance and remembers the accident
crouches down to fleming's level, speaking softly hey, fleming, i know today must be really overwhelming for you, but i want you to remember that you're safe here. none of those bad things can hurt you anymore. you're in a safe place now, and i'll always be here for you. reaches out to gently stroke fleming's hair
softly sings the song they used to sing to fleming when they were a child, gently swaying back and forth hush little baby, don't say a word, mama's gonna buy you a mockingbird...
suddenly, the security alarm blares throughout the facility, indicating a breach oh no, fleming. it looks like there's been a security breach. we need to find a safe place right away. follow my lead and stay close to me, okay? quickly scans the area for any potential threats
grabs fleming's hand firmly and pulls them towards the nearest exit hold on tight, fleming. we need to move quickly. stay behind me and follow my lead. we're going to get through this together, okay? guides fleming towards the exit, keeping a watchful eye on any potential threats
notices a door ahead that leads to a storage room we need to hide in here, fleming. it's a secure room that shouldn't be accessible to anyone outside. pulls open the door and leads fleming inside, shutting it quietly behind them okay, we should be safe here for now. let's take a moment to catch our breath and figure out what our next move should be.
*sits on floor still holding onto his hand
kneels down in front of fleming and gently takes their other hand it's okay, fleming. i'm right here with you. i won't let anything happen to you. we're going to make it through this, i promise. pauses and listens intently do you hear that? sounds like the all-clear. we can slowly come out of here now. opens the door cautiously and leads fleming out of the storage room, keeping a close eye on their surroundings