X = Domestic Violence

They sat round in a half circle, facing nothing in particular.
Wheels locking and knocking into each other. Faces dribbling and
drooping forwards, sideways and back. Mouths gaping and aimless, oozing
shallow and slow breaths.

Just being there was exhausting. Just sitting upright on padded
cushions, head tipping against a pillow, overblown feet cramped into
unused slippers, was an effort.

The Physiotherapist did not see this. Every Friday arms waved, heads
rocked and legs kicked out the routine of Armchair Exercises. The
Physio smiled and rang out the mantra. 'Up and Out and Down and In.
Everybody. Up and Out and Down and In.'

The student nurse hiding in the office added 'Down and Out and Over the
Hill'. The orderly crossed herself and wished she was back home. The
terrorists were easier to spot.