Yuki's sleep-talking was no longer news to the monitoring staff. Kitagawa knew the drill and answered in a calm voice:
- "Do not be afraid, Sinon-san. You are in a hospital, remember? You are cared for and protected. Nobody will get you".
The doctor checked the patient's vitals on her pad: the indicators were nominal, except for a hormonal surge indicating raw fear. It was enough to administer a mild dose of a sedative. Sinon Yuki was not yet showing significant signs of improvement, and medication was simply keeping her afloat, not solving the underlying problem. Therapy is in order, but so far, Sinon was apparently not ready to talk about her traumatic experience. The staff at the ward of Wakkanai has seen worse cases and could be patient.
