H,
I stared at Dr. Ronan as she read my paper carefully. My mother presented my case the best way she could, trying to make it appealing and interesting enough to catch the doctor's attention. The call came sooner than I thought, late at night, Dr. Ronan asked if I was available for a meeting the following morning.
Of course, this translated into a night of working hard and producing the best arguments possible. So, I was prepared. I stayed up all night drafting a paper (three pages long, mind you) explaining my motives for wanting to start a voluntary program in the centre.
At first, I admit, I was bullshitting as I wrote, but somewhere around the second page I found a purpose and wrote with true intentions. Looking at the broad spectrum of things, being involved with the centre as a volunteer would be a good thing - for me, at least. It would be a reason to get out of the house, become involved with other people, learn more, and get out of my numbness. Once I finished writing I was excited and positive about the outcome.
Dr Ronan read my paper with attention, humming here and there, and nodding as well. While I waited in silence, I looked around her office and admired her awards and achievements.
"Well," The Dr remarked, turning the final page, and putting the paper down. "I must say, Harry, you made some pretty good arguments in here."
"Thank you."
"And I appreciate you using some of my wording in there. It was a nice touch."
Nothing like a little stroke of the ego, right?
"They are your words, I only used them,"
"Honestly, I've had thought about implementing a type of voluntary program here based on aspects like music or pottery. However, I feared that it would create a distraction from the work the patients already have to do."
"Couldn't those tools be seen as forms of therapy as well? Healing wounds or learning how to mould pain?"
"A solid argument, yes." Dr Ronan replied. The psychologist looked down at my paper, skimming through it again. "I have to say, Harry, I was rather surprised when Nurse Twist told me about this."
"Why?"
"Your mother has been collaborating with us for years now and you've never set foot here. I've met your sister, lovely girl, but this is the first time we've had a conversation." My gut twists slightly. Dr Ronan picked up on my uneasiness and smiled. "Relax, I'm not accusing you of anything. This is not an easy place to be, and your mother told me you've been going through a few things."
I tussled on my seat, finding a way to be comfortable. It was known that something had happened to me, but the thing about being private is that people could only wonder to a certain point. I understood that my mother had shared something with Dr. Ronan out of care for me or even concern, but without knowing for sure, she was grasping at nothing.
"Yes, I believe so."
"How long has it been?"
I swallowed hard. Who knew heartbreak would be so hard to deal with?
"Three years."
The Doctor nodded.
"Is this a way to make the pain stop?"
I was quiet for a few seconds, allowing the question to sink within me.
"It's a way to be distracted from it, yes."
"Wouldn't it be better to let the pain get to you and then overcome it?"
"Not when you've been feeling like this for three years."

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Calamity [Zarry Stylik AU]©️
FanfictionSent back home for rehabilitation to fight off the battle with his addictions, past and inner struggles, Zayn Malik develops an unlikely and hypnotizing connection with Harry Styles, the young man who works at a local bakery. Together they explore n...