"Robert," I called. I started to swing my arms about madly until I felt someone holding me and opened my eyes to see Lawrence at my side.
"Laura, Laura," he cried.
I reached up for him and he embraced me.
"Were you having another bad dream?" he asked. "Maybe the medicine is causing your nightmares."
"I don't know," I sobbed. "I've got to get out of here, Lawrence. They don't really want to help me. They just keep giving me drugs that make me sleep and keep me weak. I want to go home, Lawrence. I know who my parents are and I know where I live. I remember almost everything! I've got to go home right away."
"You want to leave the clinic now? Tonight?" he asked.
"Yes, desperately. They're turning me into some sort of guinea pig, using me for a study. They want to prolong my treatment for as long as they can. I know they do. I want to go home. Help me, please," I begged.
He thought a moment. I pressed my fingers around his hand firmly.
"Okay, Laura," he said. "I'll help you, if that's what you really want to do."
"Thank you, Lawrence. Thank you."
I undid the strap around my waist and ripped the blanket away. Lawrence undid the strap around my legs and I started to get out of bed.
"Wait," he said. "Let me think first."
"There's no time to think. Get me out of here, Lawrence. Please."
"You need clothes, Laura. You can't go outside like that," he said. "I know. When we get downstairs, we'll go to your old room and get something for you to wear and then we'll go to the door off the kitchen, the one I showed you," he said.
"Yes, yes. But we've got to hurry."
"We've got to be careful," he corrected. "If we're caught, they're sure to take more drastic measures with both of us." He went to the door and peered out. "It looks clear," he said.
I swung my feet over the side of the bed and stood. For a moment I swayed and nearly fell, but I steadied myself quickly. He came to me to take my arm, and we both went to the door. He looked again.
"When we go out, we go around the corner and take the first door on the left, Laura. We'll go down the stairway and stop at the bottom floor so I can check the corridor again. I've done this enough times already to be an expert. Don't worry," he added.
I nodded, eager.
Lawrence took my hand and led me from the mom to the doorway. We slipped away quickly and started down the steps. My head was spinning, but I didn't let on how dizzy I was until I slipped on the landing and he had to catch and hold me.
"You're so weak, Laura. How can you leave the clinic?" "I can do it, Lawrence. Once I'm away and out in fresh air, I'll be fine
-
He held me for another indecisive moment, and then he guided me down the next flight of steps, until we were at the bottom floor and he was checking the hallway. After a few moments, he nodded and we scurried out and down the hallway to the residential area. Minutes later, we were in my old bedroom. We didn't put on the lights for fear of attracting attention. I went to the closet and found a pair of jeans and a sweatshirt, but there were no shoes or sneakers. I had to wear my slippers.
Lawrence remained at the doorway with his back to me as I dressed.
I paused by the small table and looked at the journal! had been keeping for Doctor Southerby. No one had bothered giving it to Doctor Scanlon. I was tempted to take it with me, but hesitated. I didn't want any reminders of this place, if I could help it, I thought. I wanted to leave this place behind me for good.
"I'm ready," I announced.
Lawrence looked at me and shook his head. He didn't move.
"What?" I asked.
"I can't let you do this by yourself, Laura. I'm going to go with you."
"You're going to leave the clinic, too?"