Lucid

(font: "Bookman Old Style")[This [[room ->Look at Feet]] is quite small but not cosy. The [[bed ->Bed]] has a tattered blanket resting on a bare and worn mattress. A flat pillow is propped up against the headboard although it’s sagging sadly. The walls are covered in a yellow wallpaper, a once happy colour that now hangs lifeless as damp causes it to peel away. A tiny shelf is home to a few dusty children’s books hiding a [[first aid kit ->First Aid Kit]] and a [[rabbit doll ->Explorer Doll]] dressed as an explorer. There is a small [[window ->Window]] with a crack in the middle and moss growing around the corners. There are no [[curtains. ->Bare Curtain Rail]] The [[door handle ->Door Handle]] has a shiny lock, which only adds to the dullness of the room. An aged [[shoe box ->Shoe Box]] is peeking out from under the bed and a few shabby clothes are hanging on an exposed rail.]

//It was the first birthday present I remember. Dad spent countless evenings working on it. After he gave it to me, he took me out for ice-cream. Mum didn’t approve though. She never approved when he was especially nice to me. He was always nice to me.// (font: "Bookman Old Style")[ [[Back ->Flekk's Room]] ]

//I keep a few of my most special things in here.// (font: "Bookman Old Style")[ [[Take key]] [[Back ->Flekk's Room]] ]

//It doesn’t do a good job of keeping the cold out, but it does keep the rain out. I used to like looking out into the woods. Not anymore.// (font: "Bookman Old Style")[ [[Back ->Flekk's Room]] ]

//Mum said when the sun rises, I should too.// (font: "Bookman Old Style")[ [[Back ->Flekk's Room]] ]

//This has come in handy quite a few times.// (font: "Bookman Old Style")[ [[Back ->Flekk's Room]] ]

//It can get a bit scratchy, but at least the bed bugs keep me company at night.// (font: "Bookman Old Style")[ [[Back ->Flekk's Room]] ]

//I don’t really have many toys. Mum always said they were a waste of money. I guess that’s why dad made me my explorer doll.// (font: "Bookman Old Style")[ [[Back ->Flekk's Room]] ]

//When I don’t clean well enough, mum locks me in my room. I ended up making a copy of the key so I could sneak out for food. Sometimes she won’t let me out for days.// (font: "Bookman Old Style")[ [[Living Room]] [[Back ->Flekk's Room]] ]

(font: "Bookman Old Style")[The living room is not quite as shabby as the last room. The wallpaper has faded the same and the walls aren't riddled with damp. There are two [[couches ->Couch]] in the corner that slump gloomily together. Thick, dusty [[curtains ->Curtains]] hang closed next to the left [[couch, ->Other Couch]] trying their hardest not to let in any sunlight. They hide a pair of French doors that lead to the garden. Neither the doors or the curtains are used very much, [[spiders ->Cobwebs]] have taken up residence in this section of the room. In the middle of the room, there is a small [[coffee table ->Coffee Table]] in front of an old [[TV Set. ->TV]] On the table is a small pile of [[letters.]] Next to the TV set is a huge antique [[dresser, ->Dresser]] although the right doors are smashed and coming off their hinges slightly, it still looks to be quite sturdy. It’s filled with all sorts of [[trinkets. ->Cigar Box]] [[Kitchen]] [[Mum's Room]] [[Garden ->Garden]] [[Flekk's Room]] ]

//I saw mum and a man I didn’t know sat there a couple nights ago. I don’t want to sit there.// (font: "Bookman Old Style")[ [[Back ->Living Room]] ]

//The cushions have never been springy or comfortable. It’s like they’ve given up on trying.// (font: "Bookman Old Style")[ [[Back ->Living Room]] ]

//These aren’t open very much. I guess mum doesn’t like looking out in the garden either.// (font: "Bookman Old Style")[ [[Back ->Living Room]] ]

//Everything in this dresser is as old as me. Strange little glass models that mum used to collect, sun burned photographs, books that I’m not sure have ever been read, old papers, things that don’t mean anything to anyone. Things just makes it look cluttered and messy.// (font: "Bookman Old Style")[ [[Photographs]] [[Broken Doors]] [[Books]] [[Glass Figures]] [[Back ->Living Room]] ]

//No one in the house drinks coffee, but it’s covered in stains anyway. Dad told me he built it, but I know he bought it at a market. I still wonder why he lied to me about that.// (font: "Bookman Old Style")[ [[Back ->Living Room]] ]

//I used to get told to sweep up the cobwebs, but the spiders would always have them rebuilt by the next day. I gave up in the end. I think mum knew it was a lost cause too because she stopped mentioning it. I quite like spiders anyway.// (font: "Bookman Old Style")[ [[Back ->Living Room]] ]

//I guess I could watch something for a while… I never really liked anything mum watched. I guess we don’t have a lot in common. Maybe I should have tried harder. I think it’s too late now.// (font: "Bookman Old Style")[ [[Back ->Living Room]] ]

//My dad didn’t smoke much, only on special occasions. The cigar box was a present from my grandfather and dad treasured it. It’s the only thing I have left of him, apart from my memories.// (font: "Bookman Old Style")[ [[Back ->Living Room]] ]

//These photos are so faded I can barely make out what or who is in them.// (font: "Bookman Old Style")[ [[Back ->Dresser]] ]

//Mum must have fallen into it when she was drunk.// (font: "Bookman Old Style")[ [[Back ->Dresser]] ]

//Dad always used to say he’d write a book.// (font: "Bookman Old Style")[ [[Back ->Dresser]] ]

//Those models meant so much to her, her eyes would light up whenever she got a new one. The last one she got was from dad… we used to sit together and she would tell me all about them. I would tell her which ones were my favourite and she’d tell me the special things about them. I wonder what she’d do if I came home with a new one for her.// (font: "Bookman Old Style")[ [[Back ->Dresser]] ]

(font: "Bookman Old Style")[The kitchen is a room that’s longer than it is wide. It’s a modest white with matching tiles around the sink and hob. Although the tiles have been tinged with cigarette smoke, it’s still the most respectable looking room in the house. Three or four [[dishes ->Dishes]] lay unwashed in the sink with a couple pots and cutlery on top. Two used [[wine glasses ->Two Glasses of Wine]] are out on the side next to an empty bottle of champagne. Along the counter there’s a [[knife block, ->Knife Block]] various utensils, a kettle, an old rag and lots of empty bottles of strong [[spirits. ->Spirits]] Most notably an empty bottle of [[gin ->Gin]] standing a little isolated from the others. Leaning against the wall is a broom and a mop. The [[cupboards ->Cupboards]] aren’t filled with much, mainly rice and various cans with a long-lasting shelf life. There is no fridge, freezer, microwave or oven. An old [[sandwich ->Sandwich]] that’s been left out has started growing mould, the smell filling the whole room. At the far end is a white [[door. ->Back Door]] [[Three letters]] are on the floor beneath the letter box. [[Bathroom]] [[Living Room]] ]

(font: "Bookman Old Style")[The room is neat, but musty. It has signs that someone lives in here, but there is a distinct feeling of emptiness. The bed looks like it’s been slept on, but not in. The curtains hang limp, covering the window, like they haven’t been opened in a long while. There is a [[painting ->Bird Painting]] of a bird on the wall and a [[drawing, ->Drawing]] pinned to the back of the [[door. ->Door]] There are high shelves lined with some more of those [[glass models, ->Glass Models]] a [[jewellery box ->Jewellery Box]] and more [[untouched books. ->Untouched Books]] There is a [[vanity desk ->Vanity Desk]] in the corner, with a [[photo frame ->Photo Frame]] facing down and a few bottles of stale [[nail polish ->Nail Polish]] resting on top. Peeking out from a slightly open top drawer are some [[letters]]. [[Living Room]] ]

//Mum must have drank so much she ran out of everything else. She hates gin. She hates me when she drinks gin.// (font: "Bookman Old Style")[ [[Back ->Kitchen]] ]

//Mum doesn’t really eat a whole lot and I only eat when she’s not around, I’m not very hungry right now though.// (font: "Bookman Old Style")[ [[Back ->Kitchen]] ]

//Mum always liked a drink. Dad would disapprove, but never said anything about it though. He never said much about what he thought she did wrong.// (font: "Bookman Old Style")[ [[Back ->Kitchen]] ]

//These have piled up quickly! I should clean them before mum gets home or she’ll be really mad.// (font: "Bookman Old Style")[ [[Back ->Kitchen]] ]

//How long has that been there? I should probably get rid of it.// (font: "Bookman Old Style")[ [[Back ->Kitchen]] ]

//Mum locked it behind her. Good thing I don't really want to go out, I don't fancy scaling the garden fence.// (font: "Bookman Old Style")[ [[Back ->Kitchen]] ]

//Looks like she had company again. I wonder who it was this time.// (font: "Bookman Old Style")[ [[Back ->Kitchen]] ]

//There’s a knife missing… it must be somewhere underneath all those dishes.// (font: "Bookman Old Style")[ [[Back ->Kitchen]] ]

(font: "Bookman Old Style")[The bathroom consists of a toilet, [[bath]], sink, a cabinet above the sink and a towel rack. It’s fairly plain and a little grotty. Lime scale grows between tiles and around the faucet on the bath. There is no shower curtain and only one bar of soap is on the bath. Laminate flooring covers the floor, but it’s wearing thin, there’s probably grot and mould growing underneath it. In the cabinet are some [[tablets ->Anti-depressants]], bottles of cream and a box of plasters. One tatty [[toothbrush]] and toothpaste stand in a cup on the edge of the sink. Next to that is a bottle of [[perfume ->Perfume]] that has been spilled down the drain. Rough [[towels ->Towels]] hang limply from a rack next to the bath. An [[open letter]] is laying on the floor underneath. There seems to be a permanent chill in this room despite having one closed window. [[Kitchen]] ]

//It smells like her perfume. There are a particular pair of emerald earrings that she prized. I don’t think she has much jewellery.// (font: "Bookman Old Style")[ [[Back ->Mum's Room]] ]

//Her favourite colour was red, but dad only liked her wearing blue, he said it made her more lady like, whatever that means.// (font: "Bookman Old Style")[ [[Back ->Mum's Room]] ]

//Mum would sit and get ready here while I watched her on the bed. She used to be so pretty; long silky hair and thick eyelashes. Her hair is coarse now, she doesn’t really take care of herself like she used to.// (font: "Bookman Old Style")[ [[Back ->Mum's Room]] ]

//I wonder if anyone in this house used to read. I like to think dad read, but I don’t remember him with a book.// (font: "Bookman Old Style")[ [[Back ->Mum's Room]] ]

//She only comes in here when she’s with a man. She usually keeps it locked all the time.// (font: "Bookman Old Style")[ [[Back ->Mum's Room]] ]

//Did I draw this? I must have. I... I can’t believe she still has this!// (font: "Bookman Old Style")[ [[Back ->Mum's Room]] ]

//I was always scared of birds, petrified after I saw what happened to dad. I couldn’t go outside for months. I was always afraid of the sky. I still don’t like being outside for longer than I have to be.// (font: "Bookman Old Style")[ [[Back ->Mum's Room]] ]

//It’s an old family photo… I don’t even recognise her. She looks so much older now. I can’t remember when I was last so happy.// (font: "Bookman Old Style")[ [[Back ->Mum's Room]] ]

//We used to sit together and she would tell me all about them. I would tell her which ones were my favourite and she’d tell me the special things about them. I wonder what she’d do if I came home with a new one for her.// (font: "Bookman Old Style")[ [[Back ->Mum's Room]] ]

//I should make sure mum’s not anywhere else in the house before I look out there.// (font: "Bookman Old Style")[ [[Go to Garden]] [[Back ->Living Room]] ]

(font: "Bookman Old Style")[The garden, once a well-kept and tidy area, is now a tangled mass of overgrown weeds. It’s surrounded by a wooden [[fence ->Fence]] around 6ft tall. Plants are growing up the fence and have claimed a rusted [[swing set. ->Rusted Swings]] Bits of [[rotting wood ->Rotting Wood]] are scattered around, once a promise of being something, but now only food for maggots. An unusual amount of [[flies ->Flies]] hover in one corner, obviously attracted to something in the thicket. [[Living Room]] ]

//She's locked me in again.// (font: "Bookman Old Style")[ [[Back ->Flekk's Room]] ]

//Mum calls them her “happy pills.” Funny, I never really see her happy. The bottle's empty, maybe she's gone out to get some more.// (font: "Bookman Old Style")[ [[Back ->Bathroom]] ]

//Her toothbrush is gone… maybe she went somewhere for a night or two. It’s not like her to go anywhere though.// (font: "Bookman Old Style")[ [[Back ->Bathroom]] ]

//The hot water runs out quicker than you can fill the bath tub. I used it all accidentally once and mum was really mad. Now I just have cold baths.// (font: "Bookman Old Style")[ [[Back ->Bathroom]] ]

//What I wouldn’t give for a fluffy white towel!// (font: "Bookman Old Style")[ [[Back ->Bathroom]] ]

//Dad promised to build me a treehouse. He said it would be ready in time for summer. When summer was over, I asked him about it and he told me to stop being so impatient. He never did make it.// (font: "Bookman Old Style")[ [[Back ->Go to Garden]] ]

//Swinging used to be my favourite thing to do outside. I loved the queasy feeling in my stomach and the way I felt like I could be flying if I closed my eyes. It’s so rusted it’d probably fall apart if I tried to sit on it now.// (font: "Bookman Old Style")[ [[Back ->Go to Garden]] ]

//Dad loved his privacy. We’re pretty secluded out here in the forest, but he wanted to put the fence up anyway. “Just in case.” In case of what, I really don’t know.// (font: "Bookman Old Style")[ [[Back ->Go to Garden]] ]

//I wonder where all these flies came from, it’s not hot enough for them yet.// (font: "Bookman Old Style")[ [[Inspect? ->Go to Garden?]] [[Back ->Go to Garden]] ]

//I pick my way through the wild plants to see what has attracted so many [[flies.]]//

//It looks like it's covered with some kind of pink-ish [[material.]]//

//Probably some kids playing around here when they shouldn't [[be.]]//

//Or some kind of dead [[animal.]]//

//I find a good stick and poke [[it.]]//

//It's kinda [[squidgy.]]//

//It just looks like a lump. I'll try and roll it over to see if I can figure out what it [[is.]]//

//With a lot of effort, it rolls over. I wave some flies out of my face. There's the missing [[knife.]]//

//[[...mum?]]//

//I am woken by mum giggling. It’s late. She must have someone over. I try to open my door, but she’s locked me in. I really need to go to the bathroom… I don’t want her to know about my key so I knock loudly and jiggle the door handle to get someone’s attention. The laughter dies down, and I hear a male voice ask what my noise is. She sighs and reluctantly tells him about me. He doesn’t say [[anything.]]//

//I can hear her get up, unlock the door and open it. She doesn’t look very happy. ‘What?’ She hisses at me. ‘I just needed to go to the bathroom mum, I’m sorry I didn’t know you had someone here.’ I look over her shoulder nervously at a man who is returning my look with a troubled expression. ‘You should have just used the bucket I left in there for you.’ I turn around and see a bucket I didn’t notice before. But she moves aside and lets me out [[anyway.]]//

//In the bathroom, I can hear her asking him not to go, his voice too low for me to work out what he’s saying. She’s pleading with him, saying that she can send me to a relative’s place for the night. I didn’t know we had any relatives. I think I hear him call her [[crazy.]]//

//When I return to the living room, I am greeted by a scowl. An angry, ugly scowl. ‘This is all your fault. You useless boy, all you had to do was stay quiet and you couldn’t even do that right!’ I feel a rising anger, making its way to my mouth. ‘It’s not my fault you lied about having a child.’ ‘I didn’t lie about having a child! But it’s your fault he left!’ I notice she’s wearing a pair of emerald earrings I’ve only ever seen her wear with dad. She notices me looking but she doesn’t say anything about [[them.]]//

//I look around the room. A knife rests on an empty plate covered in crumbs, which sits next to another two wine glasses and an empty bottle of wine. That man must’ve been a smoker, I can [[smell it.]]//

//‘He has money.’ She says so quietly it’s barely audible. I’m too tired for this, I want to go back to bed. But before I do, her voice raises. ‘He has money!’ she slaps my face, hard. It stings. My anger increases. ‘It’s not my fault he doesn’t like you!’ Her eyes widen. This time her hand turns into a fist and nearly knocks me off my feet. ‘Don’t you EVER speak to your mother that way! You nasty little [[parasite!’]]//

//I regain my balance and run into her. This is for all those times you didn’t kiss me good [[night.]]//

//She lands on the dresser hard. She breaks some of the glass with her head and some of the cupboard doors have been smashed under our weight. This is for all the cuts and bruises you’ve ever given [[me.]]//

//She pushes me off her and I fall to the ground. The anger taking complete control of me, tears streaming down my cheeks. While mum recovers, a little glimmer catches my eye. On one of the couches, half hidden by a cushion. I walk over to it, not wanting to believe I already know what it is. But it’s there. My dad’s cigar box. The only thing I hold dear. I open it with trembling fingers. It’s empty. The only pure thing that I had left of him. Tampered with. Polluted. Spoiled. ''[[Gone.]]''//

//I look up at mum. Her face has twisted into a sick smile, breathing hard. ‘Yes, I smoked your father’s oh-so-sacred cigars. I shared them with Henry. It’s about time we moved on.’ I am speechless. My anger all-consuming. ‘You bitch! You grimy, selfish bitch!’ ‘He never loved us! He never loved me! He was only ever full of broken promises! I’m glad he’s [[gone!’]]//

//Lies! She’s filling my head with lies!// The treehouse. //No.// Always disapproving. //I won’t believe it.// Broken Promises. //He was nicer to you than mum ever was.// Glass Figures. //She hated me. [[No]]//

//The world is spinning. I want her to stop yelling. I hate her. I love her. She’s a [[liar.]]//

//I pick up [[the knife.]]//

//[[Stab?]]//

//I feel the knife ripping through her body as I plunge it in to her leg and tear it out again, creating a large [[gash.]]//

//She’s running out into the garden. [[Follow?]]//

//She’s fallen over in the overgrowth while trying to scale the fence. This is for dad. [[Stab again?]]//

//Look what you’ve done to me, mum! Look what you’ve made me do! [[Stab again.]]//

//She's not moving anymore. [[Stab.]]//

//You can't hurt me anymore, mum. What have I done?//

//This is her favourite perfume. I wonder how she spilled it.// (font: "Bookman Old Style")[ [[Back ->Bathroom]] ]

(font: "Bookman Old Style")[There are three letters, all addressed to a Dr King. [[Read?]] [[Back ->Living Room]] ]

(font: "Bookman Old Style")[ [[Dr. King]] [[Dr King]] [[Dr H. King]] [[Back ->Living Room]] ]

(font: "Arial Narrow")[Dear Henry, For the last time, please, call me Marjorie. Flekk has been acting rather coldly towards me recently. He’s refusing to eat anything, but I can tell he’s hungry. Before, I said that he wouldn’t look at me almost out of fear, but now it’s like he won’t look at me because he can’t stand the sight of me. I have been doing everything you’ve advised, Henry, but none of it seems to be working. I know I’ve not welcomed the idea previously, but perhaps now is the time to meet Flekk in person, where you can begin your therapy. May I suggested dinner, at our address, three nights from now? This will give you the chance to meet Flekk in an informal setting. But let’s keep your identity under wraps for now, I’m afraid it may upset him if he knew the real reason for your being here. I’ll introduce you as my friend. Warm Regards, Marjorie] (font: "Bookman Old Style")[ [[Back ->Read?]] ]

(font: "Arial Narrow")[Dear Dr King, Thank you for your advice regarding Flekk. I have since installed an outside lock on his door, but I don’t think he understands why. I’m afraid in his mind that I’m just torturing him, which you and I both know to be untrue. I have tried to talk to him about it, but it’s difficult. Ever since his father passed, he hasn’t fully been in the room, if you know what I mean. It’s been difficult for me to keep him in his bedroom, I can hear him banging around and generally becoming increasingly agitated. I’ve let him keep a few things, but most of his other toys could be dangerous to him. I’ve even taken the curtains down, just in case he tries to do something silly with them. He’s been saying some exceedingly hurtful things towards me. Under his breath most of the time, but I still hear it. He’s not in a good place, Dr King, and I believe that together, you and I could really help him out of this, and back into the sweet boy that I once knew. I only want him to get better. Warm regards, Ms. Wynne] (font: "Bookman Old Style")[ [[Back ->Read?]] ]

(font: "Arial Narrow")[Dear Henry, Last night was fun for me, but I do not apologise for trying to kiss you, I do not apologise for things I do not regret. Although I cannot lie when I say I was surprised you did not my return my affections. However, I feel like there was something there, like you wanted to kiss me too. If Mrs. King had not have walked in, who knows what would have happened? Perhaps it was good that she did. I wouldn’t want to ruin a marriage for no good reason. I can’t help but think we could be a good reason though. It’s only natural for people to fall out of love with someone and in love with someone else. I’m not insinuating that we love one another, Henry, but I’m saying that there’s no reason current feelings couldn’t grow and we could have something special. I respect your decision, but please think about it before making it final. We could be great together. If you stick to your decision, then I would like to say that your wife is a lucky woman. Yours, Marjorie] (font: "Bookman Old Style")[ [[Back ->Read?]] ]

(font: "Bookman Old Style")[They don't appear to have been read yet. [[Open?]] [[Back ->Kitchen]] ]

(font: "Bookman Old Style")[ [[Ms. M. Wynne]] [[Ms. Wynne]] [[Ms. M Wynne]] [[Back ->Kitchen]] ]

(font: "Calibri")[Ms. Wynne, I apologise if my last letter was not clear enough. Under the circumstances, I have determined that further continuation of our working relationship will no longer be beneficial for any party involved. This letter is to inform you that as of now, my doctor/patient relationship with Flekk has terminated and by default, my working relationship with you. I do recommend you find another paediatrician as soon as possible, as I fear Flekk’s mental state may deteriorate significantly, undoing all the work we have achieved. Please do not contact me again. Sincerely, Dr King.] (font: "Bookman Old Style")[ [[Back ->Open?]] ]

(font: "Courier New")[Dear Ms. Wynne, It is unusual for me to wait this long for a reply from a potential patient as I have a long waiting list and I do not wish to make any of these people wait any longer than necessary. However, Dr King was very adamant that this was a special case and I am doing this as more of a favour to him. It has been almost three weeks since I sent my last letter and I would appreciate if you could write to me at the return address of this envelope. If you’ve found another doctor, or no longer wish to continue with this form of care, then please let me know. I shall wait for one further week for your response, but after that, the offer will be closed and if you wish to change your mind, you’ll be added to the aforementioned waiting list. I do hope you can understand. Regards, Dr Stout.] (font: "Bookman Old Style")[ [[Back ->Open?]] ]

(font: "Courier New")[Dear Ms. Wynne, My name is Dr Stout and I am writing to you on behalf of my colleague, Dr King. He has passed on your details to me as he believes I am an appropriate replacement to help your son. I specialise in dealing with post-traumatic stress disorder in children, and from what Dr King has told me, I believe Flekk may be struggling with this. Of course, I would first need to meet with him for an evaluation before any proper diagnosis. I look forward to hearing from you, Regards, Dr. Stout.] (font: "Bookman Old Style")[ [[Back ->Open?]] ]

(font: "Bookman Old Style")[There are three letters in this drawer and nothing else. [[Look?]] [[Back ->Mum's Room]] ]

(font: "Bookman Old Style")[ [[The top one]] [[The middle one]] [[The bottom one]] [[Back ->Mum's Room]] ]

(font: "Arial Narrow")[Dear Dr King, Flekk hasn’t responded at all well to any of the advice you’ve given me. He’s been lashing out more, refusing to do any chores and somehow blaming me for everything. I understand that he’s projecting his feelings onto me, but how long will this go on? When will he realise that I only want to help him get better? It may be inappropriate to admit this, but talking to you has made me realise that I can’t handle this on my own. I’ve been drinking more than one glass of wine after Flekk has gone to sleep. I realise you have the best interest of Flekk at heart, but I feel like you’ve become more of a friend to me and I’ve appreciated your help very much. Warm Regards, Marjorie P.S. I feel it’s time we were on a first name basis, don’t you think, Henry?] (font: "Bookman Old Style")[ [[Back ->Look?]] ]

(font: "Arial Narrow")[Dear Henry, I apologise for Flekk’s behaviour. I may have been wrong about Flekk meeting you. Although at least now you’ve had an insight into the way he is. Have you had a chance to discuss Flekk with your colleagues? I’m beginning to come around to the idea of trying new tactics to get through to him. Warm Regards, Marjorie] (font: "Bookman Old Style")[ [[Back ->Look?]] ]

(font: "Arial Narrow")[Dear Dr King, I’m writing to you in hopes that you can help me with my son Flekk. You should know that a few years ago, his father was killed. They weren’t very close, but I believe this has had a profound impact on him. He used to be a sweet, albeit quiet boy. But now he barely smiles. Barely says a word. He doesn’t look at me much, it’s almost as if he’s afraid of me. I have noticed he’ll swing from one mood to the next almost in an instant, and the strength of his emotions far exceed what I believe to be normal. His anger can scare me at times, but it never escalates beyond shouting. He hasn’t hurt me yet, but I’m afraid if his anger continues to grow this way... He really is a lovely boy, I just want him to be able to control himself. Grief affects us all in different ways, but I don’t believe my son is in a very healthy state of mind. Dr King, I am told you are an expert with these sorts of problems. I don’t have much money, but I hope to discuss this further with you, perhaps over a drink. I’m sure we can come to an arrangement of sorts. Ms. Wynne] (font: "Bookman Old Style")[ [[Back ->Look?]] ]

(font: "Bookman Old Style")[It looks like someone has thrown it across the room in frustration and left it there. [[Read]]? ]

(font: "Arial Narrow")[Ms. Wynne, Firstly, I would like to sincerely apologise if I ever gave you the wrong impression, but my intentions were only ever to help Flekk, any relationship you and I had was purely professional. I believe I would have been able to look past all of this, had you not invited me to dinner with the intention of sleeping with me. I do not need to remind you that my most important priority here is Flekk, and until that night, I thought you felt the same. Having seen the way you treated Flekk with my own eyes, I am beginning to think that perhaps Flekk is not the only one that needs professional help. Flekk is a good young boy, and quite frankly, what I saw was borderline abuse. His living conditions alone were an appalling thing to see! I will be passing on my knowledge of your case to a colleague who I believe will be able to give you the help you need. It is with my sincere hope that both you and your son get well. With the right professional care, I whole-heartedly believe you will. I have included the name and address of my colleague for you to contact should you wish to carry on with this kind of help. All the best, Dr King] (font: "Bookman Old Style")[ [[Back ->Bathroom]] ]

(background: #ffffff)[ (text-color: #000000)[ (font: "Elephant")[ Do you think Flekk was a troublesome child? [[Yes. ->Inspect?]] [[No. ->Pick my way]] ] ] ]

//It looks like it’s covered with some kind of [[pink-ish material.]]//

//Probably some kids playing around here when they [[shouldn’t be.]]//

//Or some kind of [[dead animal.]]//

//I find a good stick and [[poke it.]]//

//It’s [[kinda squidgy.]]//

//It just looks like a lump. I’ll try and roll it over to see if I can figure out what [[it is.]]//

//With a lot of effort, it rolls over. I wave some flies out of my face. There are [[pills everywhere.]]//

//...[[mum?]]//

//When I return to the living room, I am greeted by a scowl. An angry, ugly scowl. ‘This is all your fault. You useless boy, all you had to do was stay quiet and you couldn’t even do that right!’ I feel a lump in my throat. Stupid really, I should be used to this by now. ‘It’s your fault he’s gone!’ She’s so drunk she topples into the dresser, hitting her head on the glass and breaking the doors on it. I walk forwards to help [[her up.]]//

//‘Don’t you dare come near me! You’ve ruined everything for me! [[Everything!’]]//

//It’s okay, she doesn’t mean any of this. I know it’s just the [[alcohol.]]//

//I try and help her up anyway, try to put her to bed but she keeps pushing me [[away.]]//

//She stumbles into the bathroom. I wait. A little while later, she comes back with her bottle of anti-depressants. ‘You are the reason I have to take these!’ She puts one in her mouth. ‘You are the reason I live in this filthy house!’ She puts two in her mouth. ‘If it wasn’t for you, I could have been happy!’ She fumbles with the French doors, trying to get out into the [[garden.]]//

//‘Mum, I don’t think you should have any more of those…’ I reach out to take the bottle from her but she catches on quicker than I expect and swallows more pills before lifting the bottle out of my [[reach.]]//

//‘Not for children! Especially not awful children!’ ‘Mum, please!’ ‘Mum, please!’ She’s mocking me. ‘Flekk, my son, you are the reason for everything awful in my life.’ She swallows a whole [[handful.]]//

//‘MUM!’ I try to take the pills from her but it’s too late. ''She’s had too many.'' I run to the bathroom to see if there is any kind of advice on what to do to counteract the amount she’s taken. In the cabinet is another empty [[bottle.]]//

//She’s had too many. I run out into the garden to find her in a heap in the [[floor.]]//

//Pills are everywhere. Vomit is still half in her mouth. What have I done?//

//I pick my way through the wild plants to see what has attracted so many [[flies. ->Inspect flies?]]//