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  I stare directly into his eyes and my gaze radiates cold, steel stubbornness. He meets my stare and says to My Nurse, “Miss James, you’re excused. Please see to your other patients for now. Dr. Reynolds and I will call you if we need you.” He turns and smiles at her, long and slow.

 I was wondering how long it would take for him to get rid of her, my one ally.

My Nurse glances nervously between Hamilton and me, evident worry puckering on her pretty face.  Confused and agitated, her frighten eyes come to rest on me, hoping for a sign. Our eyes meet and I smile, softly this time, and my eyes send a message unspoken.

I’m not afraid.

She understands. Relaxing visibly, she nods and replies, “Alright. Thank you Doctor.”

With a last look at me, My Nurse slips through the door, the last ray of compassion in the room fading away. I’m on my own. But my eyes didn’t lie: I’m not afraid. Because nothing they can do to me will be any worse than what they’ve already done.