***
Morris was led to a room of his own at the end of a long corridor. They saw no other patients on the way and all the doors they passed were blank.
‘Now,’ said the Doctor opening the door, ‘you need to make yourself at home, we don’t really know how long you’re going to be here…’
‘Pardon?’ said Mrs Hollett.
The Doctor took a step back and a deep breath. ‘Yiddle’s, madam – that which your son has got – is an enigma…something that was discovered by Eugene Yiddle years ago.’
‘The symptoms are unpredictable and young Morris will experience a multitude of sensations…not all of them pleasant or sociably acceptable it must be said.’
‘But –,’ started Mrs Hollett.
‘That –,’ the Doctor lifted his hand, ‘– Mrs Hollett, is all I can say at the moment, except that you can be assured that young Morris will be subject to the greatest of care and we will keep you informed of developments at all times.’
‘But –.’
‘ – Nurse Lollipop will see you out madam,’ the Doctor motioned to the open door.
Mrs Hollett went to say more but thought otherwise and settled for a ‘Huh!’ instead. She turned to Morris, gave him a peck on the cheek and went to leave. ‘Visiting hours?’ she added curtly.
‘At our convenience,’ smiled Doctor Grunk, and graciously shut the door.
If Morris had any concerns about being left alone they were quickly dissolved when he looked around the room.
‘Now, young Morris,’ said the Doctor happily, ‘let’s get you settled in and comfortable. You’ve got a fridge over there with all manner of chocolate, fizzy drinks, ice cream and other delights. There’s satellite TV and computer games, and we’ll cook you anything you want…BUT!’ The Doctor pointed a stumpy finger to the air and his hair all of a sudden looked serious. ‘Please, please, please, do not leave this room unaccompanied. It’s best, for your own security, to stay in here.’
The Doctor smiled, ’Matron will be with you shortly.’ He turned swiftly and left the room. As he did Morris could have sworn that the Doctor’s hair gave a friendly wave.
The door thudded shut and there was a soft ‘click-click’ that made Morris try the door handle.
He was locked in.