When a Man Enters the Shrinks Office...

6)

"How did it go, Doctor?"
With a concerned look Eddy approaches the open door where Flora is standing.
She is still a bit lost in her thoughts, wondering what went on in her patients head a few minutes ago. Brett made it very clear he didn't want to talk anymore by shutting himself off, unable to be reached anymore, so all she can do is postpone this session to another time. She has just opened the door to her office and sees Eddy immediately getting up, questions ready.

"Hello Eddy. Well, it's a start. He opened up a bit, but he closed me off at some point."
Flora looks closely at the young man in front of her.
He is tall, slender, dark haired, and instead of just pretty very handsome indeed.
I can see why Brett has a crush on you my dear she thinks by herself.

Unaware of her observations Eddy tells:
"I can relate to that. He's not talking to me at all at this moment. Not a word what so ever. For weeks already. That has never happened before. So I'm glad he did some talking with you. I'm worried sick! Is there anything I can do to make this, no, his situation better? Please?"
The sadness and frustration is evident on his face.

"He did talk to me for a while, so that is a good thing. I understand you are very good friends of what I heard today. This might be a difficult time for you too. How are you coping at the moment?"
She looks at Eddy with understanding.

Eddy looks sadly at the blond lady before him.
"I am very worried. I have never seen him like this. He's the cheerful, witty, down to earth one, you know. The one who talks to strangers without problem, makes weird things up in his head that are actually quite funny, the extrovert outgoing kind of type. He's the one who controls everything. He's been a little depressed lately, but he does that more often from time to time. But never this long or this deep. This is just so different from how it usually is. Why is he so lethargic now? And more troublesome: I can't reach him what so ever. That has never happened before. So of course it scares me big time. He has also lost so much weight. He's so skinny, but still not eating, although the doctors say he should have appetite again."

"I understand the situation. The medical file was very clear on this. Best thing what you can do now, is that you take him home for the rest of the day. Let him rest, sleep, anything to make him relax. Keep a close eye on him. Try and see if he can eat something."
Flora looks now seriously at Eddy.
"Also a strong word of advice. It's better to think about taking a longer break from filming. I don't see this pass easily, sorry. We need time to get to the bottom of this, otherwise he won't get better. Therefore he needs to talk to me. Come back the day after tomorrow at 11 and we'll see if I can open his shell some more. The doctors and I do share your concerns. Okay?"

Eddy is surprised she knows about TwoSet.
That is not in the file, is it? So he really did talk.

"Okay. I'll do anything you want, as long as it's helping Brett. We still have quite some video's that are in editing stage that we can post later when done. And I can do some video's alone as well, so we are good for a few weeks anyway. But we will take a break, even if we run out of content. I only want to continue when Brett is totally okay again."

"Good. You are a good friend Eddy."
Flora smiles warmly at him.

Eddy just nods and walks into the room, takes Brett's hand and pulls him up. He tries to look around that deadpan face of his, shrouded with something more than just hair.

"Come on bro, let's go home. Can you walk?"he asks softly. Brett is not giving any reaction.

"Brett? Can you hear me? Will you please look at me if you understand?"

Brett looks up. Eyes looking quite dead, empty, his face blank.
There is a sigh,a nod, and then he makes his grip a bit firmer around the hand in front of him, lets their fingers intertwine and slowly follows Eddy in total silence to the car.