I was only 18.
"Good Morning Doctors, Nurses, Patients, visitors and Press"
The faces of small children nervously twitched and stared up at me.
"It has been some 50 years since The very first Hawthorn Sanatorium was open, well before my time" a few laugh.
New Patients who were so much younger than myself.
"I would be honoured to announce that today is the Grand Opening of the Hawthorn Sanatorium"
A nurse grabbed one of the little girl's hands. Her crisp linen dress smelled of bleach. She didn't smile.
"Thank You" she handed one of the guard a box which held a giant pair of scissors.
I cut the ribbon. Cameras flashed. Crowd cheered. Probably glad to lock away their children.
"I hope you enjoy it here Miss..."
She held out her hand for me to shake. Her tiny finger nails were cut so short the skin looked sore with inflammation.
"Deidridge, Alice Deidridge Sir"
Her eyes were dead.
"Well I hope you enjoy your stay at the Sanatorium"
Eyes looking up under blonde hair. Lip quivering
"Truly Delightful I'm sure Mr Wayne"
She was only 10.