More with Tyler

 I transcribed some of this into my computer, and wouldn’t you know the formatting goes on wonky when I try to cut and paste. Oh, well. It’s still easier than typing it in all over again.

***

Dr. Freed turned his head to look out the window. Following the direction of Tyler’s gaze, he could see the trees of Queen’s Park a few blocks away. He looked back at Tyler. “Did you want to go to the park, Tyler?” he asked. “It’s a beautiful day.”

Tyler jerked suddenly. “No! No! They’re out there. The park’s not safe.”

The doctor and nurse stared at each other over Tyler’s head. “What’s out there, Tyler? What did you see?”

The boy shook his head violently. “No! I don’t want to go out there! Don’t make me go out there!” His eyes focused on Dr. Freed.

“I won’t, Tyler. You can stay right here. You don’t have to go anywhere. But can you tell me what you saw?”

Tyler stared intensely at the doctor for a moment, then returned his attention to the view outside the window. All attempts by the doctor to reach the boy went unanswered.

Dr. Freed and Nurse Belenchuk went back to the nursing station. “You got through to him; that’s something,” said the nurse. “He’s pretty adamant that he doesn’t want to go outside.”

“I can’t say that I blame him, but I wish he’d open up a little more. I suppose it’ll come in time and I’m grateful we got what we did. At least we know his brain is working just fine. All we need is to be able to get him to talk.”

“You could call in Paula Young,” said Nurse Belenchuk. “She’s one of the best.”

Dr. Freed nodded. He leaned over the high desk and picked up the phone receiver. “Dial her number for me, would you?” He waited for the call to go through and identified himself to Dr. Young’s secretary. When Paula herself came on the line, he quickly outlined the case. “Do you think you can do anything for him?” he asked. “That’s great. I’ll meet you back here in an hour. Thank you.” He hung up the phone. “I have other patients I have to see, but I’ll be back later to confer with Dr. Young. Let me know if there are any more developments.” He let himself out of the secure area and went about his rounds.

***

That’s it for today.