Page 180 of Toxic Kiss

“Are you going to give me some privacy?”

“No. Get changed now.”

“What is this prison?”

The nurse doesn’t respond. He just stares at me while the officers stand near the door. I look down at the light-blue pile in my hand and really want to snark that it’s not my color.

“Put them on,” he orders again, and it takes all my effort not to freak the fuck out.

I slowly strip one article of clothing at a time. I’m still dressed as Bob, complete with mustache and wig.

The orderly holds open a clear plastic bag for me to put everything in, then seals it. He steps back, and I manage to keep my shit together just long enough for them to leave.

As soon as the door locks, I lose it. My fist bruises as I bang on it with all my strength over and over.

“I don’t belong in here. Let me out. Why are you doing this to me?”

Bang.

Bang.

Bang.

My heart races out of control, and I feel like I’m being choked. I can’t get enough air into my lungs. I spin around, looking for a way out, and end up staring at the small vent in the top corner. There is a tiny ribbon tied to it, blowing steadily in the breeze.

No. This is not happening. It’s not real.

Pushing myself along the wall, my fingers touch the cold, hard surface, and yet I still don’t believe I’m locked up. This is all in my imagination. It has to be. Lapping the room and not finding an escape, my legs give out, and I sink to the floor. I wrap my arms around my knees and drop my head.

“Dude, why the hell are you freaking out?”

I jump and look over to see Patrick lying on my mattress.

“What? What is happening?”

My eyes dart around the room. What are they pumping in here?

“You got yourself in a pickle, that’s what is happening,” he says, casually as he throws a baseball into the air and catches it.

Where did he get a baseball?

Closing my eyes, I shake my head, but when I open them, he is still there.

What the fuck is happening to me?

“Am I dead?”

Patrick turns his head and looks at me.

“No, of course not, fool. You’re in…” He looks around. “Some hospital room.”

Pushing with my legs, I back myself into the furthest corner.

“Then how are you here?”

“I’m here because you need me.” He swings his legs over the side of the mattress as he sits up. “Why do you look so scared?”

“You’re dead, man. And if I’m not, then I’m fucking losing my mind for real this time.”