Turner ends up in the hospital next to Elwood because he deliberately fakes an illness by eating soap powder. His intention is to gain entry to the infirmary to be near Elwood, who is genuinely hospitalized due to severe injuries.
Elwood's Hospitalization
Elwood is in the Nickel hospital for legitimate medical reasons. He is healing from a brutal beating he received in the institution's notorious "White House." The severity of his injuries requires him to lie on his stomach as the wounds on his back and legs heal over a period of two weeks. His hospitalization is a direct consequence of the harsh disciplinary measures at Nickel Academy.
Turner's Strategic Move
In contrast, Turner's presence in the hospital is entirely strategic and self-induced. He intentionally consumes soap powder to simulate an illness, knowing that this would lead to his admission to the infirmary. His primary motivation for this deceptive act is to be able to visit and stay close to Elwood for a few days, demonstrating his loyalty and concern for his friend.
To summarize their distinct reasons for being in the Nickel hospital:
| Character | Reason for Hospitalization | Details |
|---|---|---|
| Elwood | Genuine Injury | Recovering from a severe beating sustained in the "White House," with wounds on his back and legs. |
| Turner | Faked Illness | Deliberately ate soap powder to feign sickness, specifically to gain access to the infirmary and visit Elwood. |
Turner's act highlights his resourcefulness and his dedication to Elwood, going to extreme lengths to ensure he could be by his friend's side during a vulnerable time.
