Esther stepped into the blindling, afternoon, sunlight. It seemed as if she were re-entering reality. The world had stopped and time had ceased to exist or be relevant.

Her decision clung to her. Could she really leave her father in this place.

The staff were friendly, supportive, cheerful.

The Facility itself was clean and well maintained. No stench of urine, feces or body odor. In fact, there was no smell at all, as if everything down to the fibers of the carpet had been sterilized and rendered neutral to the olfactory palate.

Orderly, well kept grounds surrounded The Facility, a lush tropical splendor. Everything well ordered, perfect really.

It was the faces which frightened her. Somber, expresionless, motionless faces. As she walked the halls they turned toward her slowly, zombie-like. Silent as death, waiting for death, without joy or purpose, imprisoned.

No, she could not.