Miles was in a slightly better mood when his nurse came to fetch him, but only just. There wasn't much anyone could do to make him less depressed about the situation he was in. The intercom announcement had only served to make him even more upset about things. It was true that he hadn't been taken away for a visitor, but it was also true that people he knew had been. It wouldn't end well.

He was silent on the walk back to his room, even as his nurse rattled on and on and on. He didn't feel the need to humor her with nodding and saying 'uh-huh' in places.

"Don't worry, Mr. Pierce," the nurse said as they got to the door. "We've arranged to have your food cut ahead of time, so you just eat and get some rest. Have a good evening!"

They would have to treat me like a child, wouldn't they?