Episode 1: Voices

Episode 1: Voices

He didn’t know who they were, or why they decided to talk to him, but their voices were clear and crisp, and what they said came true. They were always right, and when Grant tried to ignore them, bad things happened to good people and bad people and dogs and rodents and buildings and clothing and cafeteria trays.

He had tried to stop them before, but the drugs didn’t work. Actually, they did work, but he woke up three months later covered in shit and piss in an alley four miles from his house with no memory of anything.

He decided to submit.

This did not bode well with his wife or his boss or his friends, but his dog understood. He talked to Sparky all the time, to the dismay of those close to him, and Sparky knew what was going on. He didn’t talk back, but he could hear the voices too. Grant knew because the voices told him.

Grant wanted to name them. They had distinct personalities and sounds and cadence to their tones, but he simply called them “The Voices”. It was easier to explain and made him seem slightly less crazy, but he was certifiable enough by “normal” standards to be placed in “Horizon Dawn” with the rest of the walnuts.

“Grant? We’re right here. We asked you a question.”

Grant quickly figured that the flowery female voice belonged to Dr. Jill and not to his Voices; she was seated directly across from him in the circle of uncomfortable white plastic chairs. Group started 17 minutes ago, and the perfunctory opening question was finally directed toward him.

“Can you give us your feeling word for the day?” She repeated trying not to sound condescending. Dr. Jill liked Grant and was well aware that his intelligence and wherewithal were beyond that of the other patients.

“I feel tired.” He hung his head and watched the green specks in the Linoleum floor dance by crossing his eyes.

“Grant, I know you can be more descriptive than that, and you forgot to tell us why you feel your feeling word.”

“I didn’t forget. I’m not in the mood to share today. You don’t want to hear what I’m thinking.” He eyed Dr. Jill; she was very pretty with red curly hair and bright twinkling green eyes. Her slight frame was covered in white coat, but she had been wearing skirts this week with higher heels that popped out her delicious calves. She must be shaving her legs again. She’s shaving them for you. He imagined her in coat only and tried to focus on her voice without drooling like Jenkins.

“But Grant, that’s what Group is for. We’re here to share and listen to each other. I’m here to help.” She crossed and uncrossed her legs, placed her elbows on her knees and leaned forward exposing limited cleavage for his benefit only.

“I was feeling that you legs are far too pretty for you to be my therapist. I’m a married man and not used to this type of temptation, and it only makes me FEEL hotter that you’re doing this in front of other people. I like it when people watch.” He leaned back in his chair with crossed arms smirking and began to chuckle slightly at his sarcasm. Grant was pleased that he spoke his diatribe without falling into laughter; he was getting better at trying to break Dr. Jill’s façade of professionalism.

He had fucked her twice now. After the divorce papers were served by his wife’s lawyer three months ago, he saw his opportunity with Dr. Jill and took immediate advantage; Grant wasn’t crazy.

“Thank you, Grant. Your honesty is noted.” The men in the circle giggled and snickered and snorted. Jenkins fell out of his chair and jiggled on the ground exposing his junk to the group. Jenkins shaved nothing; he was a furry rolly-poly bear cub in the center of the circle of men. They all wore light green gowns that tied in the back; underwear was optional and never present on Jenkins.

Dr. Jill isn’t wearing panties today. She did this for you. You’re going to fuck her again after group. Meet her in her office after Jenkins sings a song from “West Side Story”.

“Sky rockets in flight, beeeeewwwwppp, Afternoon delight. Click clack.” He leapt to his feet, pointed in the air a la Travolta, and froze in pose until Dr. Jill spoke.

“Jenkins, that’s enough singing. Can you try speaking how you feel? It’s your turn.” She wisely changed the subject. Jenkins walked into office hours when Grant had her, and her skirt, up against the wall. He only spoke in musical lyrics and happened to be Grant’s best friend and confidant at “Horizon Dawn”, so neither was terribly worried about their secret escaping the pale green walls into the hands and minds of other doctors or staff.

“I feel pretty, oh so pretty, I feel pretty and witty and bright, and I pity any girl who isn’t me tonight. Do do do de do do do de!” Jenkins returned to the floor and rolled and laughed and winked knowingly at Grant and Dr. Jill.

They both appreciated his distraction, and Grant quietly thanked the voices.