Cynthia (http://img3.imageshack.us/img3/8836/01rw.jpg) looked up to the new gentleman, giving Tim a polite nod.  "Hello again," she said gently, a bit surprised that the situation required the head orderly's attention.  She didn't know what she'd done wrong, and maybe it wasn't even her fault, but she knew that she had to be careful what she did next.<br/><br/>"I, um..."  She took a deep breath.  "Mr. Parkinson, I want to suggest a compromise.  Maybe if you let Piper walk to the room on her own, she'll be happy to go with you as long as you don't touch her."  The second time she suggested it, her voice was much less certain, the negotiation among equals having fallen to the deference to a higher authority.  "I think that, um..."<br/><br/>Her thoughts and words were interrupted by one of the other orderlies coming over behind Cynthia.  "Come along, Ms. Peregris," he said politely but devoid of any kindness or warmth.  "It's time for breakfast."<br/><br/>She looked back over towards Piper.  "It'll be ok," she tried to say, wanting to stay but not about to argue.  Maybe it was for the best; Piper didn't seem to like her very much either.  If all she could do was to stay away for now and let the staff do their job, then maybe that was for the best.  Still, somehow it left her feeling a little guilty, unable to shake the feeling that she could have done something more, maybe she could have solved the situation if only things had gone a little differently.<br/><br/>The walk didn't take very long at all.  This orderly was one of the silent types who always seemed to be preoccupied with worries about personal matters.  After a few tries of trying to get him to open up a day or two ago, Cynthia had realized that it was best to just keep quiet and walk at his side.  It felt so awkward trying to just walk and be quiet, but at least she felt reasonably confident that she hadn't done something to upset him.<br/><br/>Soon she was at the Dining Hall, walking through the doors and heading into the line to receive her meal.