The Road of Things to Come by Benson Phillip Lott

Description:

When Sheriff Keylee discovers escaped mental patient Simon Fielding wandering down the desolate road of Shepherd's Pass in a sleepwalking trance, he takes him into custody with the intent of returning him to Jessup County Hospital with few questions asked.

The sheriff's dispatcher Debbie is a bit more curious. She has looked into the matter of Mr. Fielding's escapes and come across some unsettling information regarding Jessup County Hospital and a former psychologist who was believed to be involved in a patient’s escape attempt from the hospital twenty years earlier.

Dr. Douglas Grover, a clinical psychiatrist on the ward, is a particularly strong advocate for Simon's discharge. He meets with him for sessions on a weekly basis where they continually discuss the haunting dreams that Simon has convinced himself are glimpses of the future. These visions involve an illuminate figure that appears on a brightly lit path and produces a series of images, the most disturbing of which involves a terrible car accident on Shepherd’s Pass, which Simon believes is the revelation of his death.

Dr. Grover is suspicious of the images and wants to know more. He reveals to Simon his own personal investigation into the history of Shepherd's Pass and even admits to having remarkably lucid dreams where he too is confronted with his own demise. He further confesses to have encountered a bizarre book, detailing several accounts of complex dreams similar to the ones that both of them are experiencing. The common denominator is, of course, the road: Shepherd's Pass.

As the doctor and patient continue to exchange theories, a decision is made to return to the Pass for further investigation. What happens next will forever alter the men's lives.

A novella.

Excerpt:

“How are you feeling today, Simon?” Dr. Fredrick Grover asks of his patient as he enters his living quarters (room 28-C), located on the fourth floor of the mental ward inside Jessup County Hospital.

Simon is sitting at the edge of his neatly folded bed, a suitcase at his feet.

“I’m fine,” he replies and his appearance suggests that this is the case. For the first time in weeks he is clean-shaven and wearing civilian clothes (donated to the Hospital by members of a local Protestant church).

Dr. Grover is pleased to see his patient looking sharp, but the sullen tone combined with his demure manner is somewhat unnerving. After all, this should be an exciting day for him.

The doctor grabs a metal folding chair that’s been placed near the front door beside the chrome sink area and sets it directly across from the bed.

Simon tilts his head at an angle, intrigued by the folder Dr. Grover is carrying under his left arm. A thin label is printed in the corner: FIELDING, SIMON.

Under the name is a personal identification code used for filing purposes. Simon studies the numerical sequence then drops his gaze to the polished marble floor.

The doctor senses his discomfort and briefly eyes the suitcase.

“All set to go I see…” He opens his folder and sifts through several pages of handwritten notes, most of which are simple observations made during weekly sessions with his favorite patient. There are other notes left by substituting psychologists who filled in while he was on vacation or sick leave, but these are rarely considered by the hospital staff who meet twice a month to examine their patients’ progress and discuss further methods of treatment.

Dr. Grover is mainly concerning himself with the last six pages near the back section of the folder that are stapled to a Xeroxed copy of Mr. Fielding’s discharge papers. These pages consist of notes from last week’s session.

“You’re quiet today, Simon,” the doctor remarks, glancing up from his papers. “Are you sure everything is fine?”

Simon raises his head slowly, his expression shifting to one of dreariness. “I’m ready to leave this place.”

The doctor nods his sympathies. “I’m sure you are.”

A brief silence follows.

Simon’s gaze returns to the floor. “I want to thank you for putting in your recommendation.”

Dr. Grover leans back in his chair. “Well Simon, I have great confidence in you, as do many of the others on staff.”

Simon’s timid smile vanishes. He eyes the doctor suspiciously. “Your hands are shaking, Dr. Grover. Is something the matter?”