Assistance Required

Making Decisions

Fri Feb 19

Virgil took a deep breath as he walked into the building. He knew he said he'd talk about the depressive episode from Monday, but then he remembered the whole conversation they had last week. He knew he'd have to answer some questions or continue that conversation. He didn't really want to talk about it anymore. He didn't feel like talking about it today.

"Hey, Virgil," May said as she entered the waiting room.

Virgil forced a smile and walked back with her.

"Is everything okay?" May asked as they both sat down in her office. Virgil shrugged. May paused for a second before nodding slowly. "Have you made any art this week? I know we've talked about it before."

Virgil shifted in his seat. He wasn't expecting that to be the topic she bring back up.

"Y-Yeah. I finally made that painting for Grace. Janus and I brought it to her last Saturday. And I was able to do some drawing yesterday. I was up late working on it. It isn't done yet, but I think it's looking okay so far. I just need to color it."

"Did Grace like the painting?"

Virgil smiled as he nodded.

"Yeah, she was looking for a place to hang it up. It's kind of weird having someone actually like my art, but it's nice. She made us lunch and we watched a movie with her. It was a fun day."

"Yeah?" Virgil nodded. "It sounds like a good time. Did you do anything fun this week?"

"Well... Roman and I made a fort and watched a movie on Valentine's Day. He said it was because I didn't join him for movie night Saturday."

"Roman? Is he your boyfriend?"

Virgil nodded.

"Yeah, we've been dating for a few months now. He's a good guy."

"That's good! That's good! As long as he makes you happy."

"He does. He's really sweet. And he respects my boundaries. I know he likes to hold hands and cuddle and stuff but he respects when I don't want to be touched."

May nodded.

"So, has your anxiety been really bad this week?" May asked.

"Um... this week wasn't too bad, but... I... I have been having... random panic attacks," Virgil said his voice dying as he spoke.

May was quiet for a moment as she looked over her clipboard.

"I think it might be a good idea to set up an appointment with a psychiatrist. I think it might help, especially if things are getting worse right now."

"You think I need medications?"

"I think it might help. It's an easy process to start. We'll just set up an appointment with the psychiatrist and see what they think. They'll talk to you and make suggestions and monitor your progress. You'll still talk to me, but you'll see them as well."

Virgil looked at his hands as he thought it over.

"I... I don't know how I'd be able to pay for that. I doubt my dad would be willing and I don't know his insurance information."

May smiled sympathetically.

"Well, there is an insurance plan with the school. So some of the cost could be covered that way. We don't have to involve your father at all. I have your school email on file so I can send you the information."

Virgil nodded and smiled. He didn't need his father. There was nothing he could hold over his head. There were ways for him to figure his own life out.