Dr. Briggs turns on the stereo sits down across from Marcus in his study.

Marcus’ wide, yellowish eyes resemble an owl on it’s perch.

“So, Marcus.” Dr. Briggs sighed as he flipped through the pages on his clipboard. “This is your third visit this week. You miss me?”

Marcus’ eyes flash, but his lips are softly closed, hiding a jaw of clenched teeth.

“I’m going to ask you a few questions.” Dr. Briggs continues. “On a scale of one to ten, how satisfied are you with your current life here?”

Marcus’ right eyebrow raises, as if to ask 10 being the most or least happy?

Dr. Briggs reads his patient’s expression perfectly and smiles slightly as he says. “Respond instinctively.”

Gears grind in Marcus’ head. He smiles as he picks up his pad of paper and grabs a nearby pen. Dr. Briggs jumps slightly at the sudden movement to Marcus’ satisfaction.

Marcus scribbles a giant 5 on the paper and shows it. He smiles at the doctor as he lightly tugs at his restraints.

You can’t keep me here for long. He writes.