The World of Myth Magazine

Ebar must have fallen asleep, because the next thing he was aware of was the presence of someone in his room. He dragged himself out of his muddled state of mind and opened his eyes, expecting the two orderlies and the big goliath of a nurse to be encircling his bed preparing to jam another injection into his arm. But it wasn’t them, thank goodness. It was his counselor, Jeremy Slater, and Ebar was elated to see him. Even though they’d just met briefly the day before, Ebar had a good feeling about the personable, bearded young man.

Unable to raise a hand in greeting, Ebar cracked a weak smile and said, “Hi Jeremy.”

His counselor took one look at the leather straps and shouted, “My god! What’s going on with these restraints?”

Ebar shook his head. “I have no idea. I woke up today and there they were. Can you help me?”

“Don’t worry. I’m on it right now.” Jeremy turned and ran from the room, calling over his shoulder, “Don’t go anywhere.”

In spite of being hazy due to his medications, Ebar grinned at the statement, relieved that he finally had someone who would help him. He called back, “Don’t worry, I won’t.” But Jeremy was gone, and the sound of his footsteps were already fading as he raced down the hall.

Fifteen minutes later, the restraints had been removed, along with an admonishment from the head nurse. “As long as you’re taking his case, Mr. Slater, he can be unrestrained. We just did it for his protection.”

“What’d he do to deserve the restraints?” Jeremy asked.

“Well, nothing. Like I said, it’s just a precaution.”

“Look. You don’t have to worry about him, nurse. I’ll take full responsibility.”

She looked at him skeptically. “Well, okay, then. If you say so.”

“Good. Because I do say so.”

Ebar watched the exchange with growing admiration. For the first time since he’d been put in jail, and then transferred to the psych ward, he felt he had a chance. He might actually taste freedom again.

And it was all on account of Jeremy.

-