Alone In Madness

𝙸𝙽𝙲𝚁𝙴𝙳𝙸𝙱𝙻𝙴 | 𝚙𝚛𝚘𝚕𝚘𝚐𝚞𝚎

A camera flashed as the two men smiled, sharing a firm handshake outside the new building. The building was big for what the men had expected considering the plans they had made about its future and was quite frankly intimidating. Its prison-like structure seemed out of place as it overlooked the River Thames, the popular waterway nearby.

"I can't believe we made it." One of them, a dark-haired, and smartly dressed male said as he let go of the other's hand. The press began packing up, camera's returning to their bags, piling away in cars, as the opening of the London Youth Psychiatric Hospital had concluded.

He hadn't expected this day to come, yet, here he was, standing with his best mate in front of their long thought project. Many dreams of this day were thrown around, dreams where their future of helping teenagers who struggled with mental health had taken off. From a young age, they had always wanted success, to help change the lives of others.

"Me neither mate, to be perfectly honest." His best friend grinned back at him. "I'm gassed right now, totally gassed." The light and happiness in the pair of blue eyes were visible, almost glowing when they met the dark brown of his own.

Grass thickly covered the lawn they stood on, two best friends just taking in the moment once deemed impossible. The eye contact shared the expression of excitement and pride, but at the same time, a sense of uncertainty hung in the air. Unspoken words ensured they both knew how tough of a job this was, and the long days they had ahead.

'Ping.' The notification they had been awaiting had come through to the blonde's phone, who was quick to open it. He patiently just watched on, suddenly feeling anxious.

"Holy shit, look at this, lad." The phone was put in his hands, the document pulled up on the screen. Eyes scanning the page, he read silently, the anxiety still deep in his body.

"Seven patients." He stated after counting the names on each of the descriptions. He didn't know whether this was a relief or not, but it didn't stop his stomach from flipping. Of course, we want patients. This probably wasn't a good time for self-assurance, but he had to think of something to stop himself from giving up, throwing the phone to his friend, and leaving.

"They're coming as soon as they can apparently. God knows when that is, though." The man replied, shoving his now empty hands lazily into the pockets of his dress pants. He didn't look so anxious, however, he had always been the more clear-minded one of the two. It was admirable and didn't go unappreciated, but the brunette sometimes hoped to not be the only one appearing stressed about things.

As he continued to read through the document, surprise took over his previously anxious expression as he read about the dangerous levels of the patients, each being relatively high for their age.

"Cal, this is madness, you know." He shook his head, handing the phone back.

"No, they 're madness, Lux," Cal replied, smiling and stuffing the phone into his back pocket.

Lux couldn't help but smile at the attempt to lighten the mood and accepted the hand that Cal threw around his shoulder as they began to walk to their car. He sunk into the passenger seat, the smile still plastered on his face. Both doors slamming shut, the car went quiet for a few moments before the reality of the situation settled in. The friends then turned to each other, suddenly starting to scream in joy.

"We fucking did it brother!" Cal yelled, high-fiving Lux and grinning.

"I know!" Lux returned the joy, fists punching the air in front of him. "Incredible."