Therapy (Larry Stylinson)

Chapter 3 - Just another patient

‘Louis ?’ When Louis answered, he wasn’t sure if he should have. He had given Harry his number and told him to call whenever he had a problem. He did mean it. But he wasn’t sure it was so professional…

‘Harry, is something wrong ?’ Louis asked, concerned by the tone of Harry’s voice. When Harry didn’t answer back and was sobbing instead, the man decided to just wait for him to be ready to speak up.

‘I just…Can I talk to you ?’ He said sniffing, probably wiping his tears.

‘Of course. What’s happening ?’

‘I don’t know. I just need it.’

‘Need what ?’

‘To drink, to smoke, to just do something, to ruin something.’ Harry had started crying again and it was breaking Louis’ heart. The boy was kind and seemed like such a good person, he shouldn’t have to go through this.

‘Why would you ruin something ?’ Louis said as he stretched his legs on his bed. It was nine at night and he had just grabbed a cup of tea and was planning on watching telly before going to sleep.  

Louis was a thirty year old man who loved life. He didn’t take anything too seriously, made the most of each day and loved helping people, which is why he chose to be a therapist. He had been doing it for years and had heard everything, from addictions to depression to couple issues…He had seen it all. He was a good one. He’d always find the right words to comfort people and help them with their problems and they would all eventually thank him for making their life just a little bit better, or just for being a good listener.

So when he saw this tall, curly haired boy with deep dimples, he knew how much he needed to help him. The boy had bags under his eyes, looked miserable, yet he put on a big smile as if everything was okay. He didn’t know why but he felt like he could be like a friend for him, knowing he didn’t have anyone. Louis knew the line to not cross, that he couldn’t touch his patient, give him personal details, see or talk to him outside the sessions…but he couldn’t help it. He wanted to help him so bad.

‘I feel like I don’t deserve anything. I know it doesn’t make sense, but I feel the need to destroy myself to feel better.’ Harry cried and Louis didn’t really know what to say. The boy sounded desperate and was crying for help.

‘Is your mom here with you ?’ Louis tried, hearing him say he wanted to destroy himself scared him.

‘No, I’m by myself tonight.’

‘All night ?’ Louis was starting to worry about that. Knowing the boy was by himself as he thought about hurting himself didn’t sound too good and the man just needed to do something.

‘Louis, I want to hurt myself so bad…’ Harry cried and Louis just wanted to drive over to him. Technically it would be helping someone in distress, right ? Being professional didn’t count if his patient was going to hurt himself. But even if he did, maybe Harry wouldn’t like the idea of a thirty year old stranger in his house when he’s all alone.