“Shhhh, it’s ok,” he soothed, slowly coming closer. “Everything is going to be ok.”

They shivered, huddled up in a corner of the room. They could only just make out his white lab coat and goggles in the dimness. They couldn’t see his hands, and figured he must be wearing dark gloves, or maybe reaching into a pocket. “S-stay away! Don’t come any closer!”

“Aww, there’s nothing to be afraid of. I’m not going to hurt you.” He reached out.

They looked up, hopefully.

Suddenly, he pulled out a white handkerchief and forced it over their nose and mouth. His other hand tangled in their hair, holding them still by the back of their head. They struggled, which made them gasp. They smelled something strange, sickly-sweet, but also… lavender?

They kept trying to struggle, but something was making them weak and slow. “That’s right, just breathe it in.” His voice seemed strange and distant. They tried not to breathe. He held the cloth in place. Soon they couldn’t help it, and gasped again. “That’s it, just a little more. Every breath deeper.”

They frowned at him, confused. “Lemme go.” But talking had used up their air, and they inhaled again. The warm, soothing scent chased away their worries. Everything seemed so soft and warm now. “Mmm,” they sighed happily, sinking down.

His grip on their hair loosened, and he stroked their head. “Thaaaaat’s right. Just let it take you down.”

They nodded, and gave in.