The Institute
Chapter 2
When Madison awoke, there was a nurse next to her bed. “Well, good morning sleepy head. Actually, it’s almost afternoon. You’ve been sleeping for over 13 hours.” Madison rubbed the sleep out of her eyes. She noticed that Suzanne’s bed was empty.
“Where is my friend, Suzanne?” The nurse looked puzzled.
“Oh, you mean 623.” Madison frowned.
“No, her name is Suzanne. Suzanne Ward.”
“I’m sorry, her patient number is 623. She asked to be admitted as a patient and Dr. Garner assigned her a patient number. She has been transferred over to the Correction and Adjustment Ward along with your other friend, 415.” Madison’s mind told her that this was wrong, but if both Katie and Suzanne had asked to become patients, there was no reason for her to object. After all, Dr. Garner would know what was best for them. “By the way, Dr. Garner asked to see you once you woke up. He believes that you would benefit from corrections and adjustment therapy as well.” Madison looked over to the chair where she had left her clothes and shoes.
“Where are my clothes?” The nurse smiled patiently as though she was dealing with a child.
“You won’t need them. Besides, you will be much more comfortable in your nightgown and socks.” Actually, she was right. The nightgown was so much more relaxing. “Let me get you a wheelchair and we can go visit Dr. Garner.” Madison’s mind was still foggy as the nurse wheeled her down the corridor. They passed several women that she assumed with patients. Each had a crew cut and wore light pink coveralls with a number, white socks and white sneakers. They all had a smile but a distant look in their eyes. Each also wore a collar around her neck. As the wheelchair moved down the corridor, each of the women moved over back to the wall with their eyes down showing complete submission. As they approached Dr. Garner’s office, they passed another woman in a wheelchair dressed in the same uniform. Madison could have sworn it looked like Katie, but Katie had long auburn hair, so it must have been someone else. The nurse pushed Madison into Dr. Garner’s office. “Dr. Garner will be here shortly. He is treating one of the patients.” Madison nodded.
Dr. Garner’s office was impressive. It was large with wood paneling and a number of framed degrees, although Madison could not read where they were from. A few minutes later, Dr. Garner entered through a side door. He was wearing a traditional white lab coat and looked every inch the doctor. He was followed by a young lady who was clearly not a nurse. “You must be Madison. I have heard so much about you from your friends, 415 and 623.” Madison could not get used to hearing her friends referred to as numbers and she must have made a face. Dr. Garner smiled. “I apologize, I neglected to introduce myself. I am Patrick Garner and this is my assistant, Laurie. I know that it is odd to hear your friends referred to as numbers, but that is one of our rules here. Once a patient is admitted, they are assigned a number for the duration of their stay. It avoids any problems with multiple patients with the same first name.” Madison nodded.
“I hope that your stay with us has been pleasant. I know that the decision to bring 415 here a matter of desperation, but I can assure you that you made the correct decision. She is doing much better and is adjusting well to being a new patient. The same is true for 623. As a matter of fact, I just finished her first correction session. She is resting now. I suspect you have some questions.”
“Yes. I am a bit confused. We came here because my friend Katie was suffering from a severe migraine headache last night. We were hoping to get her some medication and to be on our way. We were going to spend the weekend camping in the White Mountains. Now, you tell me that my friend, Katie, and my friend, Suzanne, are now patients here. When will they be released?” Dr. Garner smiled.
“Not for at least 30 days. It will take at least that long to complete their correction and adjustment treatments. Some of our patients are here much longer than that. We do not want to discharge a patient too soon and run the risk of any brain damage.” Madison’s mind was telling her that this was perfectly normal and that her friends were in good hands, but she also was feeling like there was something wrong. She needed to talk to someone outside of the Institute. “I had the nurse bring you here because we had some concerns that, like 623, you have some problems that might need correction and adjustment. We often find that our patients do not fully appreciate the problems they have. Both 415 and 623 will recover after thorough treatment, but leaving here without treatment would be a mistake. Laurie, why don’t you bring 623 in to join us.”
“Yes, Doctor.” Laurie exited the side door.
“Miss Carter, let me be frank. Both of your friends had severe undiagnosed mental problems. Probably due to stress from their jobs or relationships. Left untreated, those conditions could have resulted in severe depression or even self-harm. Fortunately, we recognized the problems and they are getting the treatment they need. From what I see, you have some of the same problems.” Madison looked down. Her mind was again struggling. She knew that Dr. Garner would not be dishonest with her. He knew what was best for her and yet, she did not want to remain at the Institute. She wanted to go home. “I have taken the liberty of preparing some papers for you to sign requesting to be admitted as a patient.” He slid the papers across his desk to her. “No real reason to read them, it’s just standard protocol. Once you sign, we can begin preparing you for correction.” Madison shook her head “No”. Dr. Garner’s demeanor changed from pleasant to impatient. He was not used to girls being defiant. About that time, the door opened and Laurie entered with 623 in a wheelchair. Madison was shocked. Suzanne’s beautiful blonde hair had been shorn to a crewcut and she was dressed in the familiar pink coveralls, white socks and white sneakers. The number “623” was stenciled on her coveralls and she wore a wristband.
“Good afternoon 623.” Suzanne had no reaction to seeing Madison. She looked straight ahead at Dr. Garner.
“Good afternoon, Master.” Dr. Garner smiled.
“Did you enjoy your correction session this morning?”
“Oh yes, very much. I feel so much better now.”
“I’m glad. We have lots of work to do on that mind of yours, but there is plenty of time for that. We just want you to enjoy being a patient here at the Institute.”
“I do, Master. I am so grateful that you allowed me to become a patient.”
“Good girl. Do you remember Madison?” 623 looked at Madison with some recognition.”
“Yes, Master, I think so. I think we came here together, but I don’t remember when.”
“Good girl. That is correct. You and 415 came with Madison because 415 was not feeling well.” 623 smiled. She loved being praised by Dr. Garner. “You and 415 have become patients, but Madison does not want to become a patient.” 623 looked confused and shocked.
“I don’t understand, Master. Why would any good girl not want correction and adjustment?” From her voice, it was clear that Suzanne simply could not comprehend how anyone could decline the chance to be a patient at the Institute. Madison had tears in her eyes. The Suzanne that she had known was gone, replaced with some form of zombie.
“I don’t understand either 623. We just want to help Madison get well. Do you remember how you felt before you began correction?” Now it was Suzanne’s turn to cry.
“Yes, Master. I was so unhappy. My mind was filled with so much pollution and so much stress. You are helping me to get rid of all of that.”
“Good girl. We only want the best for you. With sufficient treatment and medicine, you will be healthy again.” Suzanne wiped her tears away. She was grateful to Dr. Garner. He had saved her from a horrible life of stress and having to think for herself. It was so much easier when she let him think for her. So much pleasure.” Dr. Garner smiled.
“You see Madison. Your friend could not be happier. The same happiness awaits you. All you have to do is sign the paper.” Madison looked down at it. She desperately wanted to sign it and to stop fighting. Suzanne looked truly happy.” Again, she shook her head. “Laurie, I think Madison needs more time to consider her decision. Please take her to her room. She might enjoy some VR conditioning. It will help her make the right decision.” Laurie stepped behind Madison and turned the wheelchair around. “We will talk again soon young lady and I expect a different response.” Laurie pushed Madison down the hall to a new room. It was far less plush that the guest quarters. I had a bed and a small bathroom. On the table next to the bed was a VR headset in a charging stand. She helped Madison into bed. She then secured her arms with restraints and slipped the headset over her head. Laurie leaned down and whispered. “Don’t worry. I am going to help you escape. Just play along for now.”
“What about my friends?” Laurie shook her head.
“I’m sorry. Their minds are too far gone. They belong to Dr. Garner now. You still have a chance if you play it smart. The VR headset is disconnected from programming system. Just pretend like you are enjoying it. I will come check on you later.” Madison could see images in the headset but there were no binaural beats or audio. Laurie stepped out of the room and closed the door behind herself. A nurse was about to enter.
“Miss Vincent, I was just going to get Madison started on her VR therapy.” She carried two syringes.
“No need. I just gave her the injections and started the program. She should be good for the next few hours.” The nurse peeked in the door. Madison was moaning softly and arching her back in response to the sexual images. The nurse seemed satisfied, although she could not recall ever having seen Laurie administer the VR therapy before. “I understand the Dr. Garner will be leaving the Institute for a meeting tonight?”
“Yes, he asked that Madison be prepared for her correction therapy when he returns tomorrow morning.”
“Good, I will make sure that happens,” Laurie said as she headed back in the direction of the Correction and Adjustment Ward. Hopefully, she could get Madison out of the Institute before Dr. Garner returned. She felt terrible for Katie and Suzanne. They had not come to the Institute for therapy, but their arrival coincided with Dr. Garner’s need for new patients. She could not save either of them now, but Madison was another matter. She was worried that if Dr. Garner found out that she had helped Madison escape, there would be a terrible penalty, but her conscience demanded that she try. Laurie managed to discretely get Madison’s clothing, key fob, watch and cell phone and concealed them in one of the Institute’s laundry bags. She waited for Dr. Garner to leave and then returned to Madison’s room. She removed the headset. Madison smiled.
“Why are you doing this?” Madison asked.
“Because what Dr. Garner has done is wrong. Most of the girls here came voluntarily or were referred. You and your friends were taken advantage of. I am sorry that I was not able to help them. For what it’s worth, they are in no pain. They are becoming addicted to the pleasure of obedience. Once their treatment is complete, they will likely become sex workers or slaves.” Madison began to cry. “For their sake, get out of here and never come back. Law enforcement will not help. Dr. Garner has seen to that.” Madison wiped her tears.
“I’m not sure I can just forget them.”
“You must. This is your only chance. If Dr. Garner finds out that I helped you, he will punish me severely. At 9:30pm, the nurse at the front desk takes a break. Leave your room and move quickly out the door. Your car is parked in the lot next to the building. I have put an employee key card on the seat which will automatically open the front gates. When you get out, drive back toward your home. Dr. Garner will not pursue you outside the county. Remember, under no circumstances should you return to the Institute.” Madison nodded her head. She looked at her watch. It was almost 8:00pm. Laurie gave her a hug and left.