This ward is much quieter, and the doors are almost soundproof, muffling most of the uproar we've left behind. I look up at my Mum and she smiles reassuringly. It comes as a surprise when I don't feel reassured. It is just a coincidence, just a coincidence. Not her fault – not my fault. I'm not her, I am my own person here. This is my life. If she wants it, she'll have to try and take it. My baiting falls silent when I sense no reply. She's gone. A breath rushes out of me like a racehorse leaving the gate.

"Number 217 did the Doctor say?" Mother asks. I nod and we both burst in, shutting the door behind us. I frown at the strangeness of it all. Here I am, part of a team, only with someone I can trust, someone I can count on. Not someone in my head. Trouble is, she's been with me for so long I don't know which one of us was here first. Me or her? Which one of us isn't real? Which one of us deserves to have a life? At least I don't hurt people and I don't mean the Nurse, not this time. She couldn't have killed the Nurse anyway. Why? Because she always must take credit for her work. I'm talking about what she did three years ago.

Desperately, I attempt to re-create the scene in my head. All I can see is blood. Gallons of it, staining the pavement and emptying onto the grass. It was daylight, I can remember that much. People were screaming and pointing. We stood in the middle of it all, blood on our hands – her hands. The memory vanishes as quickly as it comes. Mum helps me sit on the edge of the bed, holding my arm to steady me.

"Do you want to order in a McDonalds?" She winks. I find myself smiling.

"I don't think Doctor Steele would approve". A coma patient with dissociative identity disorder and fast food doesn't sound like the best combination.

A cop appears at the door, shifting her gun beneath her uniform as I look down.

"Sorry about the commotion". She is just about to continue when my Mum cuts in.

"Are you on Protection Detail? There's been a murder for god's sake. I need the assurance that my daughter will be safe". The cop, suddenly flustered, nods.

"The Superintendent is sending back-up to this location for the next few days. Don't worry, we'll keep you guys safe. You don't have anything to worry about". Unconvinced, Mum bids her to shut the door behind her and when she's gone, I start to climb into bed. Again, my body seem to flake beneath me.

"I don't have to stay here, do I? What if something else happens?" What if I  happen? Mum clasps my hand in hers.

"Sweetheart, you heard what the Officer said. We've got nothing to worry about. You're coming home with me tomorrow, whether these stuffed-shirt Doctors like it or not. Everything's going to be fine". It's been so long, too long, since I've heard those words. Everything will be fine. It won't, but just saying them makes a little bit of difference to me. The shouting and the sirens bellowing outside my door do little to calm me down. My Mother walks to the door and peers out, smiles at me with her crinkled cheeks.

"I'll have the Nurses bring you something to eat. Do you want anything in particular?" she says softly. I shake my head. What I want is to get out of here. What I want is to go home, wherever that is. 

For now though, I settle down and try to block out the clattering of the coroners rolling away the body of the Nurse.