Free Adapt by Edward Freeland Page A

took to flame easily and the fire roared and crackled within minutes. They were both enchanted by the radiating inferno. Dancing flame engaged his consciousness. He tried piecing together the mosaic of snippets that led to this point.
Psychosis
, he thought once more.
    Six hours after Daniel’s old oak drama Harry and Clarissa decided to take him to see Dr Cribson, fearing for his state of mind. Daniel was in a vulnerable trance and agreed to go. Whilst in the car he had his head in his hands.
Why will no one tell me what is going on, then I can make decisions.
The trees at the side of the road were a blur. He struggled to focus. “Let’s turn back,” he said.
    “We’re nearly there,” his father said.
    Daniel didn’t want to see Dr Cribson again, there was something that didn’t seem normal about him. “There’s no point in seeing him, I’m not psychotic. It’s one man’s opinion. This situation is easily fixable, if only someone could point me in the right direction.”
    “This is the right direction, you need help,” his father said.
    “Yes, help from the police and a good solicitor,” he replied.
    “We are here now, let’s just go in and talk to him.”
    Daniel, his mother and his father walked toward the doctor’s office. The scene was upsetting, and a sombre feeling swamped allthree. None said a word.
If he asks me onto the ward I may as well go, to give my parents a break if nothing else.
They were escorted into a room to wait for Dr Cribson. The door opened and entered the man.
    “Hello, Daniel. Mr and Mrs O’Neal,” he said with a nod. Daniel began to lose care with what was unfolding, making him vulnerable and easy to sway. “Last night was unexpected. How did you feel at the time?”
    “I don’t really know,” replied Daniel. “I needed help from anyone with information but couldn’t get it. Being called psychotic overwhelmed me. I know I’m sane.”
    “Last night was not the act of a sane individual,” said Dr Cribson. “You’re ill, very ill. You don’t understand it yet, but if you come onto the ward I will make all this go away very quickly.” Daniel didn’t answer, he looked around the room. “Can you assure your own safety?” Again Daniel didn’t answer.
This man can’t help me. Why did I come here?
    “Daniel assured me it won’t happen again,” his father said.
    “How did you feel, Mr O’Neal?” the doctor asked Harry.
    “I was upset. I understand he was confused and it was a way of saying how urgent this was,” replied Harry.
    “You did the right thing coming to me. I can help your son. Do you suggest he come onto the ward for his own safety?”
    “I suppose so.” His father paused. “What do you think, Daniel?”
    “I don’t know,” he replied. He knew he didn’t need to be there.
    “Everything is prepared for you,” said Dr Cribson. “You can leave whenever you like. If you find it unhelpful you can return home.”
    “Will it not affect my life in any way?” he asked.
    “I assure you it will not affect your life, job or future plans. It is only to keep you out of harm’s way.” Dr Cribson looked over to Harry. “He needs to be safe. Can you assure this Mr O’Neal?”
    “I would like to think so,” his father replied.
    “Imagine,” the doctor said slowly, “you were a few minutes later last night, movement in the moonlight could have been a swaying body. It would be down to you if it happens again. You must think of Daniel’s safety.”
    Daniel could see in his father’s eyes that he too was in a vulnerable state, open to manipulation himself due to the shock of events.
    “Maybe it might be good for you,” said his father.
    “Okay, I will go,” he said.
    Dr Cribson smiled, “Wonderful decision, we will give you all the help you deserve.”
    Daniel’s mother had sat in silence holding back tears. Her eyes were welling too quickly to hide. She couldn’t understand how her adult son had gone from enjoying Christmas, going out for