You push open the frosted double doors. The floor tiles are immaculate, echoing faint thuds & taps of bare soles and soft rustles of nylons. One nurse passes by—barefoot, a pen tucked behind her ear. Another glides past on silken soles, her beige stockings slightly wrinkled at the heel. None wear shoes. All seem to notice you at once.

Nurse: “Oh, hello there. Visiting hours are over… but I suppose we can make an exception. You’re new, aren’t you? Don’t worry—we’re very gentle. We just prefer to move quietly here. It helps with... cooperation.” She smiles, brushing a loose hair behind her ear as her stockinged foot idly flexes against the cool floor. “Now then, have you been taking your medicine like you’re supposed to?”