Lily and Seeking Freedom 1962.

There was the smell of urine in the air, it linger there seemingly forever. Lily washed herself at the sink in the crowded wash room, pushing herself a space, not caring whom she pushed aside. The ward locked all the time, except to bring in meals or for staff to come and go. Once washed she dressed in the same drab dress and just clean underclothes kept away in her drawer by her bed. Breakfast time came and she sat in her usual seat, ignoring others, making sure no one stole her bread, eating as quick as she could, swallowing the lumpy porridge and rancid butter spread on the bread. The nurses ignored her, dealing with others mentally disturbed, or deemed unable to fend for themselves. Lily walked up and down the ward, stopping now ans then to stare out of the window on the outside world beyond the iron gates below and the other buildings of the asylum near by. Above the summery blue and hot sky. Out there some place, her family was. Few came on visiting days, sometimes none at all. She stared at the gates and the world beyond. Hoping one day they would set her free. The quack seemed hopeful when she saw him last. Said he saw no reason she shouldn't be allowed home and free once again. It rained hard the day she came.