EXCERPT:
"The men here at ManGrowth Manor are confused, Roman, but when they leave here they are prepared to fulfill their natural place in society, as real men.” 

The emphasis that Mr. Osio had placed on the word “real” disturbed Roman.  Did the university know about this?  Did they know that such a place as ManGrowth Manor existed today?  This was not the 1950s.  Shit, the 1950s were over sixty years ago.  Time did pass up here in the Upper Peninsula of Michigan just as it did everywhere else, didn’t it?  “Roman, do you understand now?”  Roman nodded.  What was he supposed to do or say at that question?  “I will take you on a tour of our magnificent facility in a few minutes. 

******

There was no answer from inside the room, so Roman walked quietly inside.  “Mr. Matthews?”  Chuck was curled up on his bed facing away from Roman.  “Mr. Matthews?”  “Yes,” the man said.  “I’m Roman, a new orderly here.” 

The man opened his eyes, but continued to stare at the wall.  “I’m sorry?” he asked.  Roman repeated what he had just said.  Chuck had to be sure before he looked at Roman.  “Roman, it’s me, Chase,” the man said.  “Chase?”  Roman hurried to the man’s bed.  “Be careful, Roman.  They are watching.”  Roman stood up and took a couple of steps back.

******

Roman drove slowly to the hospital, the usual odd feelings beginning to stir as soon as he turned onto the long drive that led through the thick foliage and overgrown trees to the eeriest place he had ever known.  The place seemed so desolate, but that was how Dr. Osio kept his dirty little secret hidden from the outside world. 

Roman parked his car and walked down the long hallway to pick up his charts.  “Good morning, Roman,” Dr. Osio said, when they passed each other on Wing One.  Roman said a very quick “good morning” and kept on walking.  Roman tapped on Steve’s door. 

******

Every day that Roman came here, he felt a little more drained when he left.  It’s as if something, or someone, in this hospital is sucking the life right out of me, he thought. 

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