The fifteen year old stands in the window of Dr. Arkham's office, staring outside and the green leaves blowing in a nearby tree.
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So full. Thriving so nicely in the summer heat. As a child he would have loved to have had a tire swing hanging from it's stout branches. To swing away without a care in the world... To truly, just once, be a child. No responsibility. No fear. No wondering where his next meal came from. Or if cops would be called to his home. To have enough faith and trust in his parents to be able to just be a child. To live for only fun... But that never happened.
He hears the doctor entering his office and his eyes slowly fall down to absolutely nothing at all. "Have a seat Jack," Dr. Arkham tells him.
But Jack only halfway looks over his shoulder to let Dr. Arkham know that he heard him, but declines his offer to sit. His eyes go back to the world outside of the window. "I'd rather enjoy the view doctor, if you don't mind."
The doctor sighs and sits behind his desk. "The university was kind enough to send your degrees to the hospital," he says pulling them from an envelope and admiring them. "It's a shame you weren't able to make the commencement ceremony."
"It was nothing more than a formality doctor. Moreso for the loved ones of the graduate. Of which, I have none," Jack says distantly, his eyes traveling up to the clouds in the sky.
The doctor clears his throat, "You have accomplished two degrees that ensure you a good job in the future. These degrees will make you an asset to society. Have you any idea what kind of job you might pursue?"
"One that pays the bills," Jack says reflexively, knowing it was the correct answer to give. Jack knows that it will be another three to six years before anyone would hire him, degrees or not.
"I'm confident that they will do just that Jack. Even a family if you want," the doctor carefully slides them back into the envelope.
Jack blinks and his eyes once again fall on nothing. "I don't think that's in the cards for me doctor."
"Well, you're still young. I'm sure your mind will change with time," he glances up at Jack.
"Time doctor? Surely with your degrees you know that time can't rewrite the damages already done. Time can't rewire the synapses of my brain," he says softly, his eyes now trained on the floor.
"Perhaps not Jack," the doctor stands with the envelope in his hand. He crosses over to Jack at the window and extends the envelope out to him, "But there is something that can."
"Oh?" Jack replies, "and what might that be?"
Dr. Arkham places a hand on Jack's shoulder. "Love," he gives him a reassuring smile.
