Coffee Shop Romance

Coffee Shop Romance - Chapter 9

Coffee shop romance

Chapter 9

Alan's POV

I have been in the mental institution for 6 months now, I have been getting the help I so badly needed. Having therapy sessions once a week and group talks is helping me so much I have been put on meds. I was so against having to take any form of medication it felt like I was truly insane. As the days, weeks went on I soon came to realise that taking any form of medication for mental health is not a bad thing.

I have a nurse called Helen that comes into my room everyday and hands me my medication. We have grown to know each other and are able to have a laugh and a joke with each other. I find being able to laugh is by far one of the best medicines. I think if I wasn't able to I would not be here. I have had several visits from Cleo. I never thought in a million years she would want to ever see me again.

She found out where I was and wrote to me and she explained that she never wanted things to go this far. She didn't want me to end up in a mental institution but we did both agree that I did truly need the help and to go on ignoring it would end badly.

Today is visiting day Cleo will be arriving at noon, I go about my morning having my daily meds then breakfast. I shower and change ready to start my day. I so much enjoyed my visits with Cleo today  it took us a while to get to the friendship stage. We talked about if I would come back to duskwood once I am able to leave. She doesn't want to see me leave because of what's happened. I told her it's something I have thought about a lot.

I have been thinking long and hard about going back to duskwood, but I think I need to put some distance between me and duskwood. I will miss all the events that take place, all the Christmas stalls that are put out each year. It's something I have to do at least for now. Who knows maybe I will find my way back someday.

I have a few places in mind that I would like to visit. I would like to go and visit America and maybe take a cruise putting some distance between me and duskwood is definitely needed.

The next day I wake up like any other normal day, Helen comes in with my daily meds. I have breakfast and take a shower. When I come back to my room I see a letter and a small box sitting on my pillow. I walk over and pick it up. I see that it's from Cleo. She doesn't normally write to me. We always see each other once a week picking up the envelope. I can smell her perfume. I take a second to take in the sweet smell of her perfume.

Dear Alan,
I just wanted to send you a letter to let you know I am thinking of you everyday, I just wanted to let you know that I won't be able to come visit like I normally do. I have come down with a sickness bug and I wouldn't want to make you sick. I promise once I am better I will come and visit and bring a box of your favourite cookies.

All my love
Cleo
Xxxxxx

I couldn't help but smile. Her kindness makes me so thankful for all the help and support I have received. I turn and see the small package sitting on the pillow. I pick it up and inside are six of my favourite cookies and lay on top is a small bag of homemade toffee. I decided to sit down on my bed taking out my writing things and write a letter to Cleo.

Dear Cleo,
Thank you so much for the lovely cookies and homemade toffee, I really can't thank you enough for all your kindness and support. I hope that you feel better soon. Make sure to have plenty of rest and hot drinks. I look forward to seeing you soon.

All my love
Alan
Xxxxx

I take the letter and put it inside an envelope sealing it up. I write Cleo's address and take it to the post box near the nurses station the next couple of days are uneventful. As I sit reading a book I hear a knock at the door. I look up and I don't recognise the women standing in front of me. She comes in and tells me her name's Lisa and she's part of the board that decides when patients are able to apply for early release.

I don't know what to say or think I never thought I would be able to apply, she explains everything and assures me that if I am successful I will still have plenty of help on the outside. I guess it's now or never if I have any hope of getting back to a normal like this is the time to do that.

I take a deep breath and start to fill out all the necessary forms. Lisa is a great help. She's been going over everything with me and helping make sure that the board takes notice of my progress.