**Chapter 1: A Visit to Rutledge Asylum**

Sol stepped out of the car and onto the cracked asphalt of the Rutledge Asylum parking lot, the warm California sun beating down on her caramel skin. She stretched her curvy physique, yawned, and ran a hand through her long, messy curly honey brown hair, the magenta highlights catching the light. Her hazel eyes scanned the drab, institutional building, a mixture of familiarity and unease settling in her chest. This was her mom's workplace, and Sol had visited many times before, but it still felt like a place where the ordinary rules of life didn't quite apply. As a psychologist, Sol's mom, Dr. Emma Taylor, had dedicated her career to helping people unravel the knots of their minds. Sol had always been fascinated by her mom's work, and as a student of Anthropology and Botany, she had a natural affinity for the complexities of human behavior and the natural world. Sol grabbed her backpack and slung it over her shoulder, making her way towards the entrance. She was here to visit her mom during her lunch break, and they had plans to grab a sandwich together. As she walked through the heavy doors, Sol was enveloped by the sterile scent of disinfectant and the soft hum of fluorescent lights. The receptionist, a friendly woman named Ms. Patel, greeted Sol with a warm smile. "Hey, sweetie! Your mom is running a bit behind schedule. She asked me to show you to the garden. She'll meet you there in about 20 minutes." Sol nodded, intrigued. The garden was one of her favorite places in the asylum, a tranquil oasis amidst the clinical surroundings. She followed Ms. Patel through the winding corridors, passing by doors with small windows that offered glimpses into therapy rooms and patient quarters. As they approached the garden, Sol caught sight of a figure sitting on a bench, staring intently at a small, leather-bound book. He was a young man with an androgynous appearance, dressed in a crisp white shirt and trousers. His hair was styled in an eccentric manner, with wispy strands framing his heart-shaped face. Sol felt a sudden jolt of curiosity; there was something captivating about this stranger. Ms. Patel noticed Sol's gaze and smiled knowingly. "That's Alec, one of our...more interesting patients. He's a bit of a puzzle, but your mom says he's making progress." Sol's eyes lingered on Alec, sensing that there was more to him than met the eye. She felt an inexplicable pull, as if drawn into a whirlpool of intrigue. As she turned to follow Ms. Patel into the garden, Sol couldn't shake the feeling that her visit to Rutledge Asylum was about to become much more fascinating – and unpredictable – than she had anticipated.