Chapter 3: Chapter 2: Insanity

Where am I? I can't move, oh my god, please, someone help me!
There are two gray beings with large black, lifeless eyes. One on my left and one on my right. They are dragging me through the woods in the middle of the night..towards....is that a UFO?
I can feel my heart beating in my throat.

It's cold and somewhat misty in these woods. Rays of light are shining between the trees everywhere as if they were rays of the sun. This is exactly what Venessa said she experienced, when I interviewed her! They drag me inside. I want to scream, but I can't! 

When I open my eyes again, I find myself lying on a metallic table, under a very intense, blinding light. I can't move...and I see one.....alien! It's an alien! It takes a long needle from a nearby desk, moves over to me and lets it slowly sink into my stomach. But it doesn't hurt at all, it only feels cold, so very cold. 

Then I hear a female voice say "she's having a nightmare." Heh? Why would an alien say that? 
Then things are becoming hazy. 

"Come now. Wake up. Time to wake up."

Only moments later, I wake up from unfamiliar sounds around me, my hands still rubbing my stomach. I open one eyelid and then the other. I'm breathing heavily. The lighting in here is not too bright, thank god, as I feel a bit dizzy. 

I seem to be lying on a bed. I stretch my arms and legs, but can't for some reason. And while looking around, I say to no one in particular "pfff....what happened? Where am I?"

"Ah, finally, you're awake. Looks like you had a bad dream?"

This reply startled me. I quickly turn my head in order to look at the source of the sound and see an unfamiliar nurse, but also the female police officer from earlier. 

"Oh god, that was a real nightmare alright." I said.

"It's a common side effect to what they gave you in the hospital. But you are safe here, I promise. You are in the...eh, another hospital. Don't you worry, all is fine." The nurse said. I don't trust that smile though, it's only a professional smile.

"Officer...thank you for visiting me," I said, blinking my eyes, still half asleep. 

"Ha ha, you're welcome, but this is more than just a visit. We still need to talk, remember? Are you up for it?" the police officer said.

"Just give me a few minutes to wake up. What? I can't get up?" I'm pulling and tearing with all my might, but I can't move an inch.

"Ho..stop it. Yes, sorry about that. We had you restrained for your safety. You passed out earlier, remember?" the nurse said.

"I did? Yeah, I remember. It scared me, I thought I was having a stroke or something. Can I please have some cold water?" 

The nurse gives me some water, really carefully so I won't choke in it. 

"Okay officer. If you can get me out of these restraints, I'll answer all of your questions." 

The officer nods and the nurse then releases me from the restraints.
Finally, I can't help it, I just felt agitated from being restrained. My heartbeat and breathing are slowly returning to normal. 

"You seem more relaxed now...Robert. Are you also feeling a bit better?" the officer asks. Her expression tells me that she's genuinely interested in my well-being. She brought a notebook and pen with her.

"No, not at all. I don't understand what's going on. I really need some answers too, you know? What am I even wearing? Wait...nurse, why did you put a pillow on my chest? Am I hurt?"

"Eh, no. That's no pillow." She glances at the officer, then continues. "The doctor examined you when you arrived here..and...those are normal for a woman. They are not implants, they are real," the nurse said matter-of-factly. She's a bit nervous, her fingers are continuously playing with a pen. Am I that intimidating? I don't think so?

"You mean....?" I look down at my not-cushions and feel a bit awkward. Ohhh...boy.

"Yes, you really, really are a woman, honey."  The officer says gently and carefully, while touching my shoulder for a few seconds, trying to avoid upsetting me. 

"I'm most definitely not! Are you in on this too? Pranking me? You're not funny!" I said, feeling not taken seriously. Do they take me for a fool?

"Okay, okay, easy now. Then just tell us YOUR side of the story. Maybe we can have another doctor examine you? People make mistakes, you know." She's really careful not to upset me. I read her name tag, she's officer Becker.

"I'm sorry for lashing out at you....officer Becker. It's all just so frustrating and confusing. I was in the Chicago History Museum at 930 this morning, where I visited the Abraham Lincoln exhibit. I was supposed to interview an elderly lady there."

Officer Becker writes down my replies and then asks "you work for the Unexplained Magazine, right?"

"Yes exactly! Have you read my articles?"

"Ahhh...no, the nurse at the hospital told us." 

"Ah, bummer. Well it's the truth." I said.

"Then what happened?"

"The security guard there saw me touch a mirror and then I got electrocuted."

"Really? How bizarre. Continue please." Officer Becker keeps making notes, also scribbling something, but I can't understand what it is. I choose to ignore it.

"Well, then the mirror fell on top of me, pushing me to the floor and only seconds later I was standing in the middle of Times Square! And you know the rest, officer. You were there."

"Okay, thank you for explaining."  Officer Becker and the nurse exchange glances.

"Ah c'mon. I am not crazy! It only sounds crazy!" I said, fearing where this is going to end.

"Well...Robert...let me be honest with you. You do realize that your story is a bit...improbable, don't you agree?"
Office Becker carefully asks.

"Well..I know it SOUNDS strange. But I'm really telling you the truth here."

"I know, I don't doubt that. But until we figure this out, we are asking you to stay here for a bit.
It should only be a matter of hours or maybe a day. Can you do that for me? While you relax here, we will thoroughly investigate the matter."

"Sure, I can do that. But can you please stop convincing me that I'm a woman? I would have realized that decades ago if it were true. It's not funny anymore and also really annoying!" There, I said it. Now they know that they really have to stop this prank. It already took too much time, so stop it already.

"Officer, I think it's best if you leave us now. We will keep you informed about...his...progress."

"Of course." Officer Becker pats my shoulder, then says "hang in there Robert, we'll keep in touch" and leaves the room, closing the door behind her.

The nurse and I are alone in the room now. A few minutes pass in absolute silence. We're just staring at each other..and my weird dress. Awkward. Then the nurse finally finds the courage to continue.

"Robert, my name is Millie. Nice to meet you."

"Eh, yeah nice to meet you too Millie. And thanks for properly addressing me."

"No problem Robert. May I ask you something? Something that might be shocking to you?"

"Eh...I was already shocked today, in more ways than one. So a bit more won't matter, right?" It never hurts to throw in some humor here and there. Maybe I can get some more information out of this one. How can I convince her to admit to this prank?

"Ha ha, yes, you're right. Maybe you won't believe me, but it's actually quite simple. People have been confusing you for a woman because of how you look. Listen, you and I know that you really are a guy, but just to understand other people's point of view, could you please have a look in the mirror?"

"Really? How can you possibly mistake me for a woman? Okay, this dress thing, that's not mine, but..ah whatever. Sure, show me the mirror, but I'm not touching any mirror again! Ever!" 

"Sure, nobody is asking you to do that. Just have a look. I will be right behind you."

I stand up from the bed and slowly walk towards a full length standing mirror positioned against the wall near a barred window. Then I see why they believe that I'm a woman.

"Oh my god! What the bloody fuck is that? What IS that?!!" I shouted, my mouth agape.

"Calm down Robert, or I will have to sedate you." She seems serious in her threat.

"What? Look at that! It's obviously a fake mirror!" I said, while pointing at the mirror as if I discovered something hideous hiding in the shadows. It's pointing back at me too, that insolent creature!

"No Robert, that's just a plain, simple mirror. Look outside the window, you can see your reflection. Not very clear, but still your real reflection." Millie said.

I look outside and see a similar but more transparent appearance, reflecting in the glass. Huh? What is this place?

I return to the mirror and study my reflection, tilt my head, then look at the backside of the mirror. Yes, this really looks like an ordinary mirror, nothing strange about it. It's as flat as a coin, there are definitely no electronics in there. But so was the mirror in the museum, and that one was able to show pictures. So I'm not convinced.

I again focus on my reflection. I see a rather pretty young woman with disheveled long hair. Why haven't I noticed that before? I touch the hair, and I feel that it's really there.

Her bright blue eyes are looking tired, she has obviously been crying. But what's more unsettling are the two fluffy animal ears on her head. Even more strange, there are no ears where they should be. I feel that spot on my sides, and there really aren't any ears. How is that even possible? Did they cut them off? Oh my god.

The face looks normal, except for the fact that it definitely is a young woman's face. She can't be much older than eighteen years. She's wearing a strange kind of dress. Something that seems to be a hybrid of a dark blue Japanese kimono and robes that monks would be proud to wear. A white ribbon keeps everything together, it looks dignified somehow. But also...so strange...

"Millie, what the hell is that? Is that thing really me?"

"Yes Robert. That really is you. The doctor thought it was best to have you wear those clothes until you were ready to change into something more...casual. Now you understand why people mistook you for a woman?"

"Yeah...I guess so." I looked down at my bare feet. Didn't I have slippers earlier? Then I look at her. 
"But clearly, somebody is pranking me! How can I possibly change from a man to whatever that thing there is, in only a matter of hours? And what about the ears? Are they real? No way!"

"Well Robert, according to the doctor, those ears are really attached to your head. They are probably implants, though. Advanced ones. I don't know how you can hear me through those, but at least it works."

"No way. I can only think of one thing. Some kind of body suit. It fits so close that it just LOOKS like I am one of these..whatever that's supposed to be."

"Well, maybe. But for now just try and relax, okay?"

"How can I? I want out of this suit! Can't you cut me out of this or something?"

"I will discuss it with the doctor. Perhaps this is just some advanced kind of body paint or animatronics. Maybe someone really is messing with you."

"Ah, THANK YOU. Thank you for believing what I said. Finally there is some hope for me."
Millie smiled and then left me for a few minutes. When she returned, she gave me some warm, comfortable plush indoor slippers. I don't feel that I should comment on the fact that they look like rabbits. They're comfy though.

"Ahh, that's much better. Thanks Millie!" My feet are now comfortably warm.

"My pleasure. Maybe...." 

Then a sound from the intercom in the hallway interrupts Millie. "Doctor Wooten, examination room 1. Doctor Wooten to examination room 1."

I shake my head to refocus on current matters and look at Millie. But before I can ask, she continues.

"Maybe this is the right time to tell you that you have another part that you can't see in the mirror," Millie says, while grimacing.

"Excuse me? There's more?!" It can't be THAT bad, can it? She's scaring me.

"Your...bodysuit or whatever it is....comes with a tail." She points at my lower back.

"Ah c'mon. Don't take me for a fool. Where is it then?" I look around, turn around, but then realize it's better to just use the mirror for that. But there's no tail to be found anywhere.

"Ehh...it's currently folded on your back so nobody can see it. After your initial examination we returned it to the same state we found it in when you were brought here."

"Okaaaaaay...now you're scaring me, Millie. Be honest...this is no ordinary hospital, or is it?"
I don't buy the tail-part. I don't see it, I don't feel it, so I ignore it.

"Eh, no Robert. You are in the Tranquil Peaks Psychiatric Institution."

"WHAT? I am in the looney bin?!" I put one hand on my forehead, showing my exasperation.

"Hey! I resent that. We work really hard around here to actually help people!" Wow, she really looks pissed.

"Ah sorry. But...really?"

She returns to a smile and lowers her voice again.
"Yes you are. Let's say you didn't make a "normal" impression on the medical staff in the hospital. They just wanted you to be safe, alright?" 

"Yeah, I can see that. But still..."

"Don't worry. Nobody's going to harm you, contrary to popular television series. We really take good care of our guests around here."

"You are not going to put me on medications, are you?"

"Not before we exactly know what's going on here, no." She shakes her head. She seems sincere.

I facepalmed and then shook my head. What a day. Now I look like a woman and they put me HERE of all places.

Again the intercom "Doctor Hines to isolation room 2. Doctor Hines to isolation room 2."

Oh god. I am going to be here for a while, I just know it.

"Robert, don't worry. Things are going to be fine." She pats my shoulder.

"I hope so. Ah...uh oh..., I need to use the toilet."  I grimace and look her straight into the eyes.

"Oh....that's going to be....interesting. Think you need some help?"

"No...I'm old enough to go by myself, thank you very much." I shook my head. Just the thought of it. I'm man enough to go by myself thank you very much. 

"No, I mean...nevermind. The toilet is behind that door there."

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I walk towards the toilet and close the door behind me. It smells like they cleaned it with some chemical stuff. Alcohol maybe? Whatever. Finally alone. I take a deep breath and immediately cough because I already forgot about the smell. Then I try to get out of this...dress or whatever it is.
There's no zipper and the ribbon seems decorative only. Crap. I just pull the entire thing off in one go, all the way over my head. So, there's your place, on the floor, get used to it!

"Thump." Something fell to the floor. I look down and can see what looks like a tail. The fluffy tail is no longer constrained by the dress and falls down from my back to touch the floor. It only barely touches the floor, though. It's silvery-white like the rest of my hair. Guess Millie was right after all, this does at least LOOK like a tail. It's an obvious fake though.

Then I inspect my body in a mirror. I seem to be wearing some sort of weird bra and panties.
It takes me a second to realize the panties are somehow tail-ormade for my tail. That made me grin for a second.
But only for a second, because when I discovered how to free the tail, so I could take off the panties..."WTF they even did THAT to me?" I said out loud. 

I couldn't wait anymore as I was about to explode and immediately sat down to pee. It was a strange experience, but it worked. How the hell did they even do this to me? I have no choice but wait for the doctors to get me out of this suit.
So after this weird experience, I put on my panties and the dress and washed my hands. I was able to somehow put the tail back to its hiding place, after examining it for a minute. Then I headed back to Millie. 

"Are you alright? I heard you cursing in there..?" Millie said, while looking understandably worried.

"Ah, yes, they went full out with me if you understand my point."

"Ah....that's...unsettling."

"Yes, it sure is."

"Robert.....how about you go relax for a while? Maybe join the other people in the common room, while I check with the doc to get you out of that thing urgently."

"Sure, thanks Millie, you are the best."

"Ah ha ha, thanks Robert, just doing my job."

"I know, but still. Nice to finally have someone believe me. I've been through too much today already."

"You're welcome."

She guides me to the common room and leaves me be.

The rather large common room, as they call it, is equipped with a dozen modestly sized round wooden tables and comfortable looking chairs. There are even some sofas where people are chatting, probably families of the "guests" here. 

In the corner of the room a huge television is just decorating the wall, because it's off. Probably broken. 
Some people, older than I am, are sitting at a large rectangular table in the middle of the room, doing some handicrafts with clay. Others are drawing. 

I admit that I feel a bit uncomfortable here, but in the end they are just kind people. Nothing scary about them. In a way, I'm happy to see for myself that they really are taken care of properly and respectfully.
The atmosphere here is a nice one. People are laughing and everyone seems to enjoy their stay.

I decided to watch outside for a while, so I can gather my thoughts. I sit down in a comfortable looking chair which seems to be placed there for exactly that reason. It really is a comfy chair! Oh god, what a day. Is this really happening to me, or is this just a dream?

"Doctor Rees, examination room 2, Doctor Rees, examination room 2." 

No dream...but those intercom messages are driving me mad!

Even the garden is really well taken care of. The grass is short and it looks a healthy green everywhere. Some trees are planted here and there to give that relaxing summer feeling, even though we are nearly freezing here in November. I'm slowly getting drowsy, feeling a bit more relaxed when I suddenly notice my stomach rumbling. 
I ignore this feeling for now and for some odd reason, I'm imagining myself running through the gardens, dressed as Napoleon, being chased by two nurses who can't capture me. That puts a smile on my face, until I see a reflection in the window. It's Millie.

"Hi Robert, I brought you a little snack. Are you interested?"

I turn around to look at her. 
"Of course! I'm starving, thanks Millie! And yeah, I know it's just your job."  

She winks and smiles, then gives me a glass of water and a vegetable soup. Meh, not what I wanted, but I take whatever I can. Still, it tastes good. Could use more salt though. Millie leaves me alone so I can enjoy this soup. What time is it anyway? You would think that they have a clock in a common room, but they don't. 

After my unexpected little snack, if you can really call it that, I look around and see one man walking around with a plush bear. Awww....tell me what you want, but he looks really happy, cuddling the bear. Then someone walks over to me, a woman who might be in her sixties, gray hair, obviously also a guest here. She has a baby doll in her arms.

"Pretty kitty," she says, which resets my mind into emergency mode. I was able to forget my circumstances for a while, but I am back to reality again. But this lady can't do anything about that. Let's play along, she seems nice.

"You think so? Do you want to touch the ears?" I said smiling again.

"Ah! Can I really, miss?"

"Of course you can, but gently please." I smile warmly at her.

She then drops the baby doll to the floor, reaching for my ears. Ouch, poor baby.
She then pets me like a cat, but I have no intention of clawing at her, unlike some cats did to me a long time ago. Did my ears just twitch? Nah, can't be, must be my imagination.

"Thank you, miss." She smiles the warmest smile I've ever seen, then turns around and intends to leave me be.

"Anytime. Ah, don't forget your baby!" I smile and she picks up the baby doll and leaves me alone. Truly, her smile is priceless.

I then hear her say to the others "I petted a pretty kitty!"

Oh god, don't tell me they all want to pet me now... 
But my fears were unfounded as one of the others gave me a plushie. They must think that I need one, bless him. I wish everyone had their hearts in the right place.
Well, it's nice and fluffy and helps somewhat, but I would rather be somewhere else entirely. But it's the thought that counts..

For about half an hour I have been gathering my thoughts while looking outside in this comfy chair. 
All this time I have been absentmindedly petting the plushie, scratching its head. It's a white mouse-like eh...thing.

Then without warning I see a doctor standing next to me, he definitely noticed me petting the plushie...oh no...
I quickly put it on a nearby table. What does he think of me now...

"Robert?"

"Eh...yes doctor? What can I do for you?"

The doctor smiles, but he doesn't introduce himself. Rude. But I decided to let it slide.

"The police informed us that they need more time to do a background check on you, so if you don't mind, we would like to have you as our guest here for a few days."

"Ehhh. I would rather not." I grimaced. I don't think I can survive that long here. Sure they're nice, but still, it feels like imprisonment.

"Well, it's not really an invitation, more like a notice. Our staff have just discussed your situation, and we also would like to observe you for a few days longer."

"But what did I do wrong, doctor?"

"Nothing, nothing at all. But you might be having some memory problems, so we're going to investigate that a bit further. And while we investigate that, it's just safer for you to be here, okay?"

"What about medication?"

"What about it?"

Man, is he slow today? "Well are you going to drug me?"

"Ah, I see now. No, not at all. You will have your own room here for a few days. Just think about it as a mini-holiday, okay? We just need a few more days, that's all. I promise."

"Well, I don't think I have a choice, do I?"

"Honestly, no. But that's only for your protection. It might be difficult to believe me, but if all goes well, you can be on your merry way in a few days."

"Doc, what about this bodysuit? Did you find a way to get it off?" Millie hasn't touched the subject anymore so I might as well ask from the source.

"Eh, no. We're still investigating. We might give you another physical, but again we need some more time. 
Maybe we can release you sooner if we can track down your family or caretaker." 

Ah, he's switching subjects, but I noticed...wait what? Caretaker? He means....that he expects there's someone keeping an eye on me all the time? No....is he serious?
Well, it's really all very confusing at the moment. A mini-holiday doesn't sound too bad, maybe it's for the best.

"Alright then. I can survive for a few more days, doc."

"Excellent, I will have Millie assigned to you. See you soon, Robert."

And the rude doctor then just leaves me be.

I hear some sound coming from my left, it's coming from...from the wall. The TV, it's not broken after all!
Someone's flipping through all the channels at lightspeed, so it might become broken if they continue like that. 

A nurse takes over the remote control and settles for the Weather Channel....nice, just what we need, more boring stuff. At least there's some music playing in the background now.

After watching the weather reports for another half an hour, I feel like I know all global weather forecasts for the foreseeable future. There are many mentions of heavy rain, hail storms and more than average tornadoes though. Also in Italy, weird, right?  They don't normally have tornadoes there, do they? Well, it must be global warming at work, nothing for me to worry about. 

I return to my view of the garden and feel relaxed already. A sparrow is chasing a squirrel, who....
But my relaxing view is interrupted by the reflection of a man entering the common room. 

He's obviously scanning the room, trying to find someone. 
Oh no....he's focused on me now. I instinctively want to get away, but it's no use. He's coming right for me.  

I turn to face him. A man dressed in a black suit. Black jacket, spotless white shirt. A black tie. He makes eye contact with me and stops next to my chair. My smile vanishes in an instant.
Even his shoes are black and well polished. Ah, I shouldn't forget to mention his shiny black sunglasses. Why would anyone wear sunglasses inside? Whatever.

"Robert Moss, I presume?" He takes off the sunglasses. Finally, otherwise it's just plain rude.

I sigh. "Yep, you found him alright." I stand up and face him, then we shake hands.

"Robert, I'm Ewan Smith. Would you please follow me? We have some questions for you."

I cross my arms to show my disinterest.
"Really? Why? What business could you possibly have with me? I just got here."

"We received a rather interesting report from the police that merited further investigation. That's all." He said.

"For crying out loud. Heck, I even dedicated an article to you people. You are from one of those secretive government agencies, aren't you?" I pointed at him.

"Nooo...not at all Robert, that's just your imagination. I'm from the ATF, just investigating what happened to you." His expression is emotionless, but at least he shows his ID.
I take it in my hands for a moment, then return his ID. Is it even real? It really says "Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives." Looks genuine though.
But why the ATF? I don't understand those government agencies.

Really? Oh god, when does this nightmare end?
"Mr Smith, listen to me. I'm just Joe average. I paid my taxes and didn't do anything wrong. I can't possibly be interesting to you at all!"

"Again Robert, will you please follow me? We can talk in a more private environment later." Ooooh boy, he doesn't look amused at all.

"No, I won't. I don't trust you or anyone else for that matter. First someone pranks me and makes me look like this...."  I point to myself, "and then they put me here in this place of all places....and then the men in black come for me. Hate to tell you, but I'm no alien!" I shouted that last part. 

Before Ewan can reply, one of the patients shouts "I'm an alien!!!" 

I facepalm, and say while pointing "there is your alien. Go bother them, I just want out of here!"

A nearby nurse glares at me for upsetting the patients, I only shrug at her.  

"I promise that no one will harm you. Now I ask you one last time, will you join me on a little trip....or do I need to talk to the staff here and have them move you? Either way, you are coming with me," Ewan says. He remains calm, but his tone of voice says he's serious about that threat.

"Ooooh no, I'm not going to some secret base or something." I took a step back, emphasizing my desire to stay.

"Doctor Thomas to isolation room 3, Doctor Thomas to isolation room 3." The intercom interrupts our little discussion to my annoyance.

"Really? Would you rather remain....here?" Ewan says, while looking around at the other guests.

"Ehhh...alright, you win. It's not like I have a choice anyway. When do we leave?" I asked.

Ewan smiles, and says "right now."

"Don't you need to sign some release papers or something?"

"Nope. Already taken care of. Now please follow me, Robert."

God, that guy is creepy, but I have no choice. I need to get out of here! And they are going to take me with them, whether I want to or not. I follow him outside of the room, while the lady from before winks and says "bye bye pretty kitty."

I wave at her and give her an honest smile. When we approach the front door, I ask the receptionist "could you please tell Millie that I'm grateful for her help?"

"Sure, and stay healthy Robert." The receptionist says. No idea why, but perhaps they told them I am cured or something similar.

When we are finally standing outside, I take in the much needed cold, but fresh autumn air. I wasn't awake when they brought me here, so I have no idea where this place is. This seems to be a residential area, not much traffic, but most of the buildings seem quite old. 

"Please, get in the car Robert." Ewan motions for me to get in a black well polished, super shiny SUV. Even the wheels are factory-style squeaky clean. This is creepy.

Ewan opens the car's rear side door on the driver's side of the car and motions me to get into the car.

Ewan steps inside from the other side. Then the doors are locked all at once...there is no escaping. I can't even see the driver from here, there's a dark glass panel blocking my view. 
While I'm still trying to focus on the driver, I feel a small prick in my neck. I instinctively swat that place as if I was stung by a mosquito.

"We need you to sleep for a little while Robert." Ewan says.

"What? Why.....would.....you....d...." And I already fell asleep.