Seen and Unseen

By Jack CJ Stark

Some things are seen. Some things are unseen.

After a failed suicide attempt, the patient finds himself trapped on a secure mental health ward. Forced to live with strangers, and without a purpose in life, he discovers he is capable of much more than he ever thought possible.

A magical tale of friendship, desperation, kindness, and finding peace.

• Language: English
• Publisher: Jack CJ Stark
• Release date: May 26, 2019
• ISBN: 9780463001707

Jack CJ Stark

Jack CJ Stark is a storyteller. Jack CJ Stark is a storyteller. Jack CJ Stark is a storyteller. Jack CJ Stark is a storyteller. Jack CJ Stark is a storyteller.

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Seen and Unseen

By Jack CJ Stark

Seen and Unseen

By Jack CJ Stark

Distributed by Smashwords

Copyright © 2019 Jack CJ Stark

Smashwords Edition, License Notes

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For all those who are seen and unseen.

Day 0

The double doors opened to the ward. It was the patient’s first sight of a real, secure mental health ward. The only reference point he had before then had come from watching One Flew Over the Cuckoo’s Nest, House, and Unsane. This ward was much nicer looking than any of those, but it was still clinical in its appearance. A wood effect floor, easy to clean. White walls with blue notice boards littered with information on different topics. Along the corridor, heavy looking wooden doors lead to clinical rooms, meeting rooms, therapy rooms, and offices.

The two security guards and nurse that had lead the patient to the ward from the A&E department waited patiently. The patient was frozen to the spot, too afraid the step over the threshold, not knowing when he would next be allowed out.

Come on, one of the security guards said, with a smile and gentle nod of his head. Look, we’re here now.

It had taken just short of an hour to walk from one hospital building to another. A walk that would usually take no more than three minutes. The patient was not used to being outside of their bedroom. Large, unknown spaces became crippling to him. He had stopped at each doorway, exit to the outside, and stairwell. Each time being spoken to for several minutes before being able to carry on.

If it had been a movie, the patient would have been strapped to a stretcher and wheeled onto the ward kicking and screaming. Fortunately it was not a movie, and the three supervisors had been extremely calm and kind, taking as long as necessary.

This is the ward, the nurse said. No more going outside, no more doorways. Come with me and I’ll introduce you to the ward staff. They’ll see to you. They’re really nice. There’s nothing to worry about.

The patient stepped forward, one security guard staying a few steps ahead, and the other a few steps behind. As they reached the end of the corridor, the nurse knocked on a door labelled ‘Staff Only’. The door opened, and a middle aged blonde haired woman wearing a light blue uniform stepped out. The nurse gave the patient’s name, before turning to him and offering some words of reassurance about being in the right place, and promises of being treated well. The staff exchanged pleasantries before the nurse and security guards headed back down the corridor, never to be seen again.

Let me show you around, the woman in light blue said.

At the end of the corridor, heavy double doors gave entry to a large communal living space. Seven four seater dining tables were scattered about, an area with four leather armchairs around a small coffee table, and beyond that, four leather sofas facing a cabinet holding a large television. In one corner was a table with condiments and hand wipes on it, and in another corner, a couple of bookcases. One held a few books, and the other full to the brim with board games.

You can come in here anytime you want, the woman in blue said. Play games, watch TV, or just hang out. Sometimes we have movie nights. When visitors come, they have to stay in here, and sit at these tables. Breakfast is put out in the morning from eight until ten, and you just help yourself. It’s porridge, cereal, and toast. Through that door is the kitchen and you can get yourself a cold drink or make a brew anytime you want. She walked back through the doors to the corridor. The patient noticed for the first time that the ward spread out on either side into two wings. Each a long corridor, with half a dozen doors on either side.

This is the women’s side, the woman in light blue said, gesturing to the left. No male patients are allowed down there. She turned and walked to the right. This is the male side, and this is your bedroom. The two walked into a room labelled ‘Bedroom 14’.

The patient was surprised at how bland, yet clean and pleasant the room was. The walls were painted a light blue. Light green curtains with a leafy print framed a large window. A built in single bed and wardrobe (without a door), and a free standing small bedroom cabinet. The room contained a wet room, with a sink, shower, and toilet.

You can have a shower whenever you want and there’s a toilet in there for you, the woman in light blue said. The duty doctor will be here to see you soon, but she’s very busy. She’s covering three wards and A&E tonight, so it might be a few hours before she gets here. Maybe try and get some sleep? And don’t look so worried, we’re here to help you.

The patient nodded. The woman in light blue gave a sympathetic smile, and left the