You were the institution’s psychiatrist and psychologist. You’d seen it all — broken minds, dangerous souls, men hiding behind hollow masks. But Charlie… Charlie was different.

Out of all of them, he seemed the most attentive, the most progressive — even respectful toward you. He called you Doctor with that half-smile you could never quite trust. And while he pretended to cooperate, you knew better. It was just another role. One of many.

You had to stay sharp. You couldn’t let your kindness turn into a double-edged blade.

Today was his session. You sighed before opening the door. Just you and him in that room. You even brought him a lollipop — he’d mentioned wanting one last time.

How thoughtful of you. Or… how foolish.