Lost in thought

The young woman sat at the table unfolding her napkin to place in her lap. As she looked down Heather noticed a wrinkle in her white dress. Quickly she stood up trying her best to remove it. For several seconds she fumbled with the material until a hand rested on her shoulder.

A large man stood to her left and gently spoke. "Miss you need to sit down. Your dinner will be here shortly." Heather smiled politely as she took her seat and placed the napkin in her lap. The large man turned to walk away as Heather asked a question.

"Excuse me, waiter what is my dinner and will my family be joining?" The large man spun around as he responded in a harsh tone. "What do you mean Wai...?" Another large man several feet away loudly cleared his throat as he glared. The waiter silently counted to ten and recomposed himself.

"Today you are having a Chef Salad, followed by Filet Minion, corn and mashed potatoes. For dessert you are having a slice of Chocolate Cake. Your... Um.. husband is still on his business trip and your children are at... um... camp." The waiter gave a glance to the other large man who quickly nodded his approval.

Heather gleefully responded. "That is my favorite. And if possible a cup of decaf coffee. Don't want to be up all night." Her tone became somber as she continued. "I wish my husband and children were here to share this with me. They have been away for what was seems like months."

The large waiter nodded as he returned to his position. Watching Heather patiently wait for her favorite meal. He mulled over the conversation as he continued his vigil. The other large man again very loudly cleared his throat as the waiter looked to see another glare given to him.

Heather disregarded the men as she focused on her meal and missing her family. She looked out a window to see a beautiful sun drenched day and looked forward to her walk in the garden. Heather watched as the sky became dark and the view became obscured by a wire mesh covering the window. The young woman closed her eyes, shaking her head at the strange shift in scenery.

The sound of dishes being set down interrupted her confusion. She opened her eyes to a slightly smaller man placing her meal. She looked back to the window and the sunny day was there to greet her. Heather smiled politely as he walked away.

The young woman started her meal, utterly enjoying every bite. She slowly cleared the dishes of their contents and then gathered them up in a neat pile to her left. Heather pulled the slice of cake and cup of decaf to her. Unlike the meal, the young woman devoured the cake. The small plate had every morsel consumed.

Heather set the small plate with the rest of the empty dishes as she sat back and sipped the decaf coffee. She drank it black not to spoil the sweetness of the cake. As she finished the cup Heather noticed a tall figure looming over her. The young woman looked up to a familiar face holding a clipboard and a genuine smile.

"Mr. Norman, what a pleasure to see you. Are you here to take me on my walk in the garden?" The young woman asked with gleeful earnest. Mr. Norman kept his smile and spoke slowly.

"Now Heather, remember you have your spa treatment and then the walk in the garden." Heather responded as she quickly realized her mistake. "Oh, right the spa and then the garden. I am going to be so relaxed when my family gets back." Mr. Norman continued his smile. "Of course."

Mr. Norman stepped aside and outstretched his arm towards the doorway. Heather stood up and placed her napkin on top of the empty dishes following Mr. Normans lead. He followed a step behind as she walked into the hallway. The two large men also followed quickly behind the two.

"Hey hold a second Jones, you almost screwed the whole thing up with your incompetency!" The large man glared at Jones. Jones shrugged it off as he retorted. "She called me a waiter and it caught me off guard." The large man quickly barked back a response.

"That doesn't matter. We were instructed to keep her calm. And that meant to play whatever part we needed too. Besides in a short while she will get her SPA TREATMENT and we can get back to our normal duties." The large mans hands made air quotes as he spoke.

Jones looked the large man in the eyes and stated his opinion. "I understood all the that, I just didn't get after what she has done why the special treatment?" The large man had a surprised look, barking back again. "It's because of what she has done for the special treatment. A lot of people including her family can... you know what, nevermind! Just do your job."

The large man pointed towards the two walking down the hall. Jones hesitated, but turned and briskly walked to catch up to Mr. Norman after the look on the large mans face. He reached the two as Mr. Norman opened a door and beckoned Heather inside.

The room had one large wall made of glass covered with a curtain and a cushioned medical style bed positioned upright. Mr. Norman walked over and lowered the bed horizontally, patting the cushion, inviting Heather to sit down. With a quiet smile she climbed onto the bed and laid down. The young woman looked to Mr. Norman as he spoke.

"We have to strap you to the bed for safety." Heather nodded in understanding and awaited the straps. Jones took the que and strapped the young woman down. He double checked the straps and stepped away. Mr. Norman returned the bed upright and nodded to the large man.

The large man pulled the curtain open on the glass wall revealing a room full of sitting people. Heather looked at the people puzzled as she spoke. "There are a lot of guest here. Will there be room in the garden for all of us?"

Mr. Norman smiled weakly as he nodded his head yes. He slowly pulled a syringe out of his pocket and removed the cap.