"Strict Observation"
“How long has she been detained here, Doctor?” Melissa’s attorney asks Doctor Leonard; A renowned psychiatric doctor, specializing in corrections and rehabilitation of young women, much like Melissa.
“Just a few hours. Basically just before we contacted you.” Doctor Leonard replies as the two watch Melissa through the reinforced plexiglass window.
“Mmm.” Melissa’s attorney responds quietly.
“With your permission, I’d like to keep her here for a lot longer. For observation. She really shouldn’t be alone and I wouldn’t feel comfortable releasing her from her restraints.” The Doctor informs the attorney as the two continue to watch Melissa as she struggles in her straitjacket.
“I see. You mean, she’s pretty much stuck in that thing until you let her out?” The attorney asks inquisitively.
“Precisely. She’s been rendered completely helpless in her straitjacket, unless someone lets her out, of course. But I can assure you, no one will be letting her out anytime soon.” The Doctor replies.
“Okay, good. I think this is exactly what Melissa needs. She’s been so stressed lately and some much needed time in your care will do her some good.” Melissa’s attorney states.
“I couldn’t agree with you more. She’ll be unable to harm herself or others while in our care.” The Doctor adds.
“I’ll bet. Doesn’t look like she can do much of anything in that thing.” The attorney states the obvious.
“Hmm. Indeed.” The Doctor replies.
Melissa continues to struggle from inside of her padded cell, but finds her restraints completely inescapable.
“Just so I can inform her immediate family, how long would you say that you need to keep her here for, Doctor?” Melissa’s attorney asks while jotting some notes on a pad of paper.
“At this point, I would say indefinitely. But, I wouldn’t go bringing the family into this. You know what kind of litigation that could breed.” The Doctor instructs the attorney.
“Mmm. Yes. I agree.” The attorney says while making long strokes on the pad of paper to cross some of the words out.
“As acting representative to the family’s estate, I think it would be within the entire family’s best interest to keep Melissa detained indefinitely. I’ll give you full permission to treat Melissa at your discretion. Maybe I can come back in 6 months and check on her progress?” The attorney proposes to the Doctor.
The Doctor stares through the window at Melissa as she squirms and struggles in her inescapable restraints before saying:
“There’s a lot of progress to be made. Better make it 18 months…”