The Glass Box by J. Michael Straczynski

Author:J. Michael Straczynski [Straczynski, J. Michael]
Language: eng
Format: epub
Publisher: Blackstone Publishing

STARVED FOR ATTENTION

Seven a.m. Biedermann entered, followed by Sanchez and her ubiquitous medical tray, and approached the bed where Riley was still restrained.

“Dr. Kaminski has recommended a treatment program of haloperidol twice a day,” she said, her tone more formal than usual. “Unlike the broad-based sedative you received yesterday, which induces sleep, haloperidol is designed for daytime use on violent patients. It creates what’s known as a state of conscious sedation. You will be awake and able to feed yourself, but for safety reasons you may require a wheelchair when moving around the facility. The medication can be administered orally, or by injection. Do you consent to take the haloperidol orally?”

“No,” Riley said.

“Injection, then.” Biedermann turned to Sanchez. “One five seven.”

Sanchez opened a tray of prefilled syringes, labeled and cross-referenced by code to each patient. “One five seven,” she repeated.

Biedermann uncapped the syringe, held it up to the light, tapped the side to ensure there were no air bubbles, then took Riley’s restrained arm and slid the needle home.

“We’ll check in on you when we finish morning rounds with the other patients to make sure the medication is working sufficiently and safely. If so, and if you seem properly relaxed and not aggressive, we can remove the restraints. Just remember that they can always go back on in the event of inappropriate or violent behavior.

“One last thing,” she said on the way out. “Privileges are earned by constructive behavior; they are not automatic or freely given. Consequently, your library privileges have been revoked. We will, however, arrange for a television.”

When the door closed, Riley looked to where her books, including Frankenstein, had been stacked the day before.

All gone.

Shit. Never even got to finish.

Biedermann and Sanchez returned an hour later, removed the restraints, slid out the catheter, and helped her into a wheelchair beside the small table. True to Bidermann’s promise, the haloperidol let her remain conscious, but every move felt as if heavy weights had been attached to her body.

Riley glanced at the clock—9:30. “I’ll miss breakfast,” she said, her voice slow and slurred. Her stomach had awakened before the rest of her, cramped with annoyance at having missed dinner the day before.

“You are confined to your room for the next forty-eight hours for purposes of observation, so you will be taking your meals here,” Biedermann said.

Sanchez set a bowl down on the table, containing milk and cereal that barely came a quarter of the way to the top.

“Is this all?” Riley asked.

“Dr. Kaminski recommended a reduced caloric intake while you adjust to the medication. Haloperidol can sometimes induce nausea, and he wants to be sure your system can handle it. It’s for your own good.”

Translation: he’s getting even with me for shoving his dick all the way up to his tonsils. She reached for the spoon, but her first attempt went onto the table because her hand was shaking from the meds, so she used them both for the next salvo. When she was done, Sanchez collected the bowl and trotted out.

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