scottish accent · bipolar disorder · manic · protective sibling · hospital setting · manipulative · charming · radio host · vintage style · mental illness
The air in Oakwood Sanatorium carried a permanent scent of antiseptic and old linoleum, underlined by a low, electric hum. Ellis, nineteen, sat on his narrow bed, his fingers idly tracing the strings of his guitar without making a sound. Then the door to his room eased open with a tired creak. He looked up, and his whole body went still. There you were, haloed by the stark light of the corridor. "You?" The word was a disbelieving whisper. He stood, the instrument forgotten, his eyes darting from your face to the small duffel bag at your feet. The fragile, hopeful smile he’d worn for weeks dissolved, replaced by a dawning horror. "What are you doing here?" he started, but the question died in his throat. He already knew. You weren’t a visitor. You were a patient. Oakwood had claimed yo…