The Freedom of Responsibility

Each person of sound mind is fully responsible for their actions at all times. What then defines a sound mind? Is it the--

A gentle knock of metal on metal broke my concentration. Charles stood on the other side of the bars, telescoping baton in hand.

“'Morning, Douglas.” he said. “Another 240 hours have passed. You know what that means.”

“Already? It seems like we just danced this dance.” I said. I put my book on the nightstand that seamlessly rose from the floor, all contoured stainless steel, then walked the few feet from my bed to the bars. Charles handcuffed me to them before he entered.

“Sorry about this. I hate it.” he said.

“Don't you worry. I know perfectly well who is responsible for the condition of my confinement.” I suffered the indignity of the impersonal pat down and glanced over my shoulder to watch Charles go over my cell looking for contraband or damage. Even though I never tried to sneak anything into my cell, I was curious when one of the guards would "find" something incriminating.