THE SHOUT OF A KING

By Tessa Harvey

When he was first admitted to the psychiatric ward, Simon had been distant and seemed confused. Gradually he became aware of his surroundings, realising he was
in a small room next to the nurses' station. Some previous occupant had left behind bright flowers in a plastic tumbler. The significance of the tumbler being plastic, not glass escaped him.

He went to the nurses' station. It was almost completely enclosed in clear glass. Simon banged for attention. A male nurse pointed to a sign "No excuse for abuse!" and turned his back. This angered Simon.

"Who do you think you are?" he demanded. "I don't need to be here and I have my own home and a very good job. Who brought me here? I need to have a shower and shave and prepare for tomorrow's work. Let me out!"

An orderly came to escort Simon back to his room. A few minutes later a doctor came to talk to him, to explain why he was there. A nurse came in with medication and the psychiatrist explained what was being given him and why.

Simon was quiet for a while and left alone. He used the enclosed bathroom next to the door of his room and felt more himself after a wash. A meal trolley came around and he was used to fill the menu for tomorrow. 





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