I found a newcomer in Ward 12.

Through the wall, I heard her screaming like crazy: "Let me go! I don't want to take the medicine! You all want me dead!"

She knocked on my door.

Her eyes were in pain, and she wanted to borrow some painkillers.

Unfortunately, our food and medication are distributed by the nurses on a schedule.

I am powerless.

She said her name is Xia Yan and asked for my name.

I thought for a while.

"Names are not important. I am Patient 14," I answered with a smile.

She anxiously covered her eyes, her face filled with fear.

"The doctors here are crazy! They actually took the cornea of my right eye! I will call the police! I will make sure they rot in jail!"

I looked at her right eye wrapped in thick gauze.

I quietly told her, "Take the elevator to the 5th floor, find the doctor's office. There is a landline there for making calls. But are you sure anyone would be willing to save you?"

The girl was slightly stunned.

Tears flowed from her left eye.

She laughed self-mockingly, "Yeah, I'm an orphan with epilepsy. My grandmother passed away, and no one wants me anymore."

I looked at her pitiful appearance and reached out to pat her shoulder.

"From now on, the asylum will be your home."

The girl was shocked and pale.

"Who would consider the asylum as a home? Aren't you afraid? What kind of place is this? So many broken rules! The doctors and nurses are all insane, and the people around us are all mentally ill!"

I didn't understand her fear. "Afraid of what? It will protect us."

The girl looked puzzled, "Who is 'it'?"

"It is not human. It is an all-powerful entity that even the director of the asylum must obey."

I blurted out.

This answer feels familiar, as if it's engraved in my bones.

The girl stared at me in astonishment, murmuring, "Mad, mad, you're truly mad."

I watched as she hurriedly ran back to her ward in a panic.

I heard her desperately banging against the window, trying to break free.

I calmly returned to my room.

I firmly believe that one day, she will understand.

Only it can bestow upon us a future.