If asked what this place meant to these beings and what feelings it evoked, the Ephor would have answered with one word – order. Every nook and cranny, every corner was meticulously planned and designed with a specific purpose: to distract patients from their true thoughts in favor of "substituted" ones.
The nurse's involuntary smile, the menu in the cafeteria, the sleep and wake schedules – all had one common goal. And the coordinated mechanism worked smoothly.
Thanks to timely renovations, the clinic looked impeccable. The white, glossy floors, lemon-colored walls in the long corridors, and spotless, white patient rooms, where the furniture color harmonized with the surroundings, all contributed to the atmosphere. The cold light from the ceiling bulbs didn’t strain the patients' eyes, while the cozy green garden with its lawn (behind the clinic) allowed people to connect with nature freely. Nothing hinted at the broken lives within the walls of this institution.
Sophia's patient had been admitted for rehabilitation three weeks ago. The notes mentioned that he occasionally experienced panic attacks, and typical sedatives weren't effective.
She entered the room and noticed a man sitting on the windowsill, thoughtfully gazing out the window. A sheet of paper lay on his lap, and he was sketching something with a pencil.
“Constantin Von?” the Ephor called out to him.
“It’s Van, to be precise. And I want to say right away that I’m feeling much better. So you don’t have to waste your time on me,” he said, setting the paper lay down on the windowsill and jumping down.
Sophia looked at Constantin. Before her stood an athletic man, constantly adjusting his ash-blonde hair.
She opened his medical file, activating the extended data function: "Born in a seaside town. Age 29. Height 1.80 m. A young Earth soul. Beginning to emerge from oblivion. Travels extensively around the world. Artist. Personal Guide – Kallidus."
“Are you drawing?” she nodded toward the sheet of paper.
“Yes – the nurse said no sharp objects are allowed in the room, so I 'borrowed' a pencil from her pocket. Sorry about that. Drawing always calms me down,” he smiled, rolling the "wooden tool" between his fingers.
Sophia approached the windowsill and glanced at the sheet. It depicted a boy and a girl. The girl stood behind the boy, hesitating with her hand halfway to his shoulder. Her medium-length curly hair flowed freely, and delicate freckles were visible on her cheeks. One strand was tucked behind her ear, revealing a pointed ear that resembled either an elf's or a fox's.
“I don’t want to overthink it, but I think he’s drawing me.”
Startled, Sophia quickly glanced to the right corner.
A naked red-haired girl with bright blush and green eyes nervously twitched her fluffy tail.
She stood partially in the shadows, with half of her body erotically illuminated by the midday sun.
"Kalliduses are jokers, beings with high adaptive functions. They embody sexuality, always hungry for sexual energy. They can adjust to any circumstances, being cunning and quick to act. They ignite their charges with ideas but also let them fizzle out without completing anything. However, they ensure an inexhaustible supply of inspiration for such people," Sophia recalled.
“It looks that way, doesn’t it? He wakes up in the middle of the night and starts drawing frantically. Once, he painted the girl’s hair in bright red. I’m starting to get anxious. That’s why I brought him here. Though the girl was so sensual, just beautiful. A bright spot in a gray world.”
