Excerpt: Broken

He was very still in the hospital bed. He knew if he didn’t move, no one would harm him. Sometimes, he would react to a noise in the ward, but for the most part, the patient was almost catatonic.

Sometimes, his mother would hold his hand and whisper soothing words to him. He never responded to the empty promises. Silent tears occasionally fell from his eyes when his father said he was worthless. Fortunately for all concerned, his so called uncle never visited, nor did the one he considered a sister.

One of the nursing sisters gave him a small plush toy. He curled around it, keeping the small monkey tucked under his chin. Her act of kindness was rewarded with a rare smile from the patient.