It was late afternoon and Ivan had moved out into the lounge room with the other patients to enjoy some company. Although he was still reading his book, hearing the other people talking and laughing had a calming effect on him. The radio was on and it was playing the hits from today's music. One of the kids was humming the tune and nodding his head in rhythm with the beat. Ivan noticed the song as one he had listened to on his radio back at home. He smiled at the boy who was enjoying it and it reminded him of himself.
The weather outside had gotten colder and a storm seemed to be coming. He and Francis were told if the weather had been good, they could be let out in the garden for a few minutes, but right now it was just too cold and the risk of catching a cold was not worth the time in the cold sun.
Francis was watching a game show on the television and every few minutes would tell Ivan something funny that happened on it and try to get him to laugh.
The overall mood of the place was nice and was enjoyed by all that were there. 'Maybe this place is not so bad. Maybe this is why I am here.' Ivan thought.
Suddenly one of the nurses from the lobby downstairs came up to talk to the group of people. She said they would be receiving a new patient in a few hours and to make the place seem welcoming for him.
Since Ivan arrived here, he was told he was the first 'new kid' they've had in a while. After a few days, he felt at place and the others were nice. Although he had never really been social to them, he spoke enough and made himself seen normal enough. At least now he wouldn't have to be the new kid and could act as if he knew what he was doing there.
There were about 10 other boys there. They had other parts of the hospital for other patients that were suited more for each other, but Ivan had been placed with the people that would best help his mental improvement. There was also a section for girls, and they were allowed to visit during meal times, although Ivan didn't use that privilege to its extent.
The nurse who made the announcement made her way over to Ivan and asked in a soft voice,
"Hey Ivan, I just wanted to give you a heads up that our new patient will be roomed next to you, so just be aware that you're not the only over there anymore." She smiled then scurried away to her job.
Ivan's room was in a section by itself, where there was only one other room near his. The others were also apart from each other so he wasn't surprise that the new patient would be roomed bear him since he had seen most rooms were already taken. The rooms were a nice size. They came with a bed, desk, and a few other small furniture pieces, and they were decorated enough to make them a bit cozy. The patients were allowed to bring pictures to hang up, books, drawing pads, pencils, almost anything they wanted as long as it was not dangerous and it seemed appropriate for them to have.
Ivan felt his stomach grab as he continued reading, and eventually stood up and set his book down where he was sitting to go get some food. He walked to the cafeteria and looked at what they had. Sandwiches, soup, pasta, He decided he just wanted something plain and light and decided to just get a cup of tea for now. He walked back to the lounge and sat down with his drink, and really opened his book.
Some of the others had left, apparently to make themselves look presentable for the new patient. Francis still sat by the TV, laughing every now and then.
Eventually, the others came back and now everyone was waiting for the arrival of the new kid. This was one of the moments the other patients liked. Since they were stuck her for most of their time, their lives did not have much excitement. But meeting and seeing new people was something they found fun.
Soon enough after waiting for a few hours, the nurse from before arrived upstairs with a few suitcases, and was followed by a new face. Ivan looked up from his book and saw the new patient. He caught himself glancing twice as he saw the pale figure walk in. He had never seen someone such as him. Ivan had been pale, but this person was ghostly. His hair was white and shone light the snow under the sun. He studied the boy and noticed his small frame, his pale skin, and his eyes that almost looked to be a light red, dark pink color.
The others noticed him too but were all caught trying not to stair. The nurse led him to his room to drop of his suitcase, and then came back alone. She spoke to the crowd,
"So our new patients name is Gilbert. I hope you all can find your way around with him, and I hope to see you all being friendly once he's done unpacking! I'll come check in after dinner time." And with that she left them all to their thoughts of the new patient, 'Gilbert'.
Ivan felt curiosity pull at him as he thought of the new kid. When he walked in, he looked a bit lost and confused but surely it was because he has just arrived to a new place. Ivan hoped he would see him soon and sighed, beginning to read his book again.