Thorne begins.
“Here, of course, is the common room. You are welcome to use it at any time, though we ask that you try to rest in bed at night even if sleep escapes you. We’ll have our group discussions here, but generally medical discussions will take place downstairs.”
“The north door leads to the bathrooms, as well as a small room set aside for anyone needing a quiet place to be alone. Some patients have found it helpful after a nightmare, or when the common room is a little busy. There is also a pantry if you find yourself needing a snack - please mention any overnight snacks in our private discussions the following day, as they may be relevant to your sleep.”
“If you’d follow me now… here are the bedrooms. Those of you who have been here for a while have already chosen a room; the newcomers can choose freely.”
The bedrooms have heavy doors, lined with metal. “As you can see, the guest rooms are a little Spartan. Dates back to a time when more primitive ideas about psychology prevailed, though I’m assured the metal is to protect patients in case of fire.”
“There has not-” he casts a quick glance at Dr Howard, “-been any fire on the premises, thankfully. On which note, if you wish to smoke, please do so in the common room or ask to stroll on the veranda downstairs. Some patients find the scent of tobacco disturbs their sleep.”
The rooms are - well, you get the feeling the architect had a sideline in prisons. An effort has clearly been made to transform them into comfortable study-bedrooms, with armchairs and small desks, as you might find in a modest hotel. The sash windows are a decent size, and can be opened to let in the air, though they are barred for safety. Iron radiators heat each room.
By the staircase there are storage closets, as well as a small room for a night nurse. “There will usually be someone on duty here at night, if you need anything. Ring the bell if not.”
Everything is in good order, if a little dusty in places; those of you with a nose for housekeeping may spot the odd cobweb on the ceiling. Floors and fittings are spotless, and there’s a faint smell of antiseptic.
Anyone can roll Body Language or Observation, whichever’s best
Downstairs are the medical rooms you’ve already seen. These are where private discussions will be held. There may be a few outpatients calling in for appointments, but they’ll be kept away from you. Upstairs are the nurses’ quarters and administrative offices - you aren’t meant to come up here, but Dr Thorne shows you briefly around. He introduces nurses Levine, Wilde, and Faber, as well as his secretary, Miss Baker. They give businesslike greetings and get on with their work.
“Here’s my colleague’s office. Dr Lewinsky, are you busy?” He knocks. After a moment, a short man with curly black hair emerges, and gives you all a gentle smile.
“Good afternoon. I’m glad you could make it. I’ve been preoccupied with paperwork and leaving Dr Thorne here to take care of you.” He has a warm voice. “My role, as I’m sure he has mentioned, is to instruct you in lucid dreaming - I’ll explain more about it when we meet. I hope you’ll all be comfortable here.”
Does anyone want to ask any questions, or take a closer look at anything/anyone I’ve described? Otherwise we’ll end the tour.