Chapter 7

Peter paced up and down in agitation. He still felt a little groggy from the drug, but at the same time, restless. He shot another scowl at the warden who had remained to guard him, standing, arms-folded, in front of the door. There was no other means of escape; the only window, situated behind the desk, was barred on the outside, like a prison.

Just then, the rattle of the door signalled the Doctor's return, and the warden stepped aside, but kept his gaze firmly fixed on Peter, obviously expecting the boy to make another break for it. Instead, Peter turned to face the door, but took a few steps back, just in case. But it was Mary Darling who entered first, followed by Sir Arton and the stony-faced, young nurse.

"Hello, Peter" she said, giving him a sweet but anxious smile. Peter's gaze dropped to the floor in anger. How could she bring him to this horrible place?! "How are you feeling?" Mary continued, at a loss of what else to say. After receiving no response, she took a seat close to the boy, so as to be more at his level. "Listen, Peter..." - the child shot her a glance to show her that he was – "I've been speaking with Dr Arton, and... he feels it would be best if you stayed here for a little while..." Peter's head snapped up to lock her with an expression of horror!

"Stay here?!" Peter screeched, indignant. "No! You can't! You can't make me!"

Mary tried to sooth the child; "Only for a day or two. They just want to make sure your hand will heal properly. There's nothing to be worried about." But, to her alarm, Peter ceased protesting and instead burst into tears! "Oh, my darling..."She attempted to embrace him in a soothing hug, but he stepped away sharply, holding up his hands and still sobbing.

"Best to leave him with us now, Mrs Darling..." broke in Sir Arton, "We'll take good care of him."

Mary glanced from the doctor to the boy, wringing her hands with indecision, but finally walked out of the door.

"Nurse..." Sir Arton turned to the po-faced woman, "Two hundred milligrams of Lithium Bromide, please."

The young woman took a double-take. "Doctor?"

"Lithium Bromide, girl! Two hundred milligrams, now!"

"Yes, Doctor."