A Mother's Promise

Chapter Six

As the minutes ticked by, Kyle's once lively personality faded away, leaving behind a sad and withdrawn version of himself. Sensing his unease, Olivia sat beside him calmly, giving him the space to open up at his own pace. She noticed that Kyle's eyes were downcast, and his shoulders were hunched as if he were carrying a heavy burden. The silence in the room was palpable, but Olivia welcomed it as it allowed her to reflect and gather her thoughts.

She was anxious to learn more about the cuts on Kyle's body that Dr. Winters had mentioned how long he had been struggling with drug addiction. She wondered if any underlying issues had led Kyle down this path and how she could help him overcome them. However, she knew that it was essential to wait for the counsellor to arrive so that they could discuss everything together.

Despite the heavy atmosphere, Olivia remained resolute and determined to be there for Kyle. She knew it would be a long and challenging journey, but she was prepared to face it. She thought about all the ways she could support him and help him find the strength to overcome his addiction. Just then, a woman appeared at Kyle's bedside, introducing herself as Marie, the counsellor.

"Mrs Hanagh, I need to have a private conversation with Kyle," Marie said firmly. Olivia could see the worry in her son's eyes, and she knew that he needed professional help to overcome his challenges. She nodded and gave Kyle's hand a reassuring squeeze. 

Kyle hesitated momentarily before turning to his mom, "Can you come with me?" he asked. Olivia could sense her son's fear and uncertainty, but she knew he needed to talk to the counsellor alone. "If you can come alone first, your mom can join us later," Marie explained gently but firmly. 

Olivia watched her son walk into the room with the counselor, feeling mixed emotions. She was proud of him for seeking help, but she knew he needed to take responsibility for his well-being. She trusted that Marie would guide him in the right direction and provide him with the right tools he needed to overcome his challenges. As she waited, Olivia felt a sense of hope and optimism, knowing that her son was in good hands.

Olivia walked into the room a little while land saw Kyle fidgeting with his hands. Marie explained that Kyle was struggling with drug addiction and wanted to confess what he had been taking.

Kyle looked at his mom, his eyes showed a mixture of emotions. Olivia's heart sank as Kyle listed off the drugs he had been using: “Cocaine, MDMA, Ecstasy, Buds, Blues, Yellows, and Xanax.” She didn't know all of them but she knew that these were dangerous and potentially life-threatening substances.

Olivia took a deep breath and tried to remain composed as the room began to spin and her vision blurred. She knew that she needed to take action and help Kyle overcome his addiction. She asked him to elaborate on how long he had been using drugs, how often he had been taking them, and if he had experienced any negative side effects or health problems as a result of his drug use.

As Kyle shared his story, Olivia listened attentively and without judgment. She asked thoughtful questions, trying to understand the root of his addiction and how best to help him overcome it. When Marie handed her three small yellow plastic containers labeled "Prenoxad," Olivia asked what they were.

Marie explained that they were injections used to reverse overdose, and she showed Olivia a short video about how to use the injections in case of an emergency. Olivia watched the video carefully, taking note of the instructions and making sure she understood how to administer the injections properly until she heard one word that sent a shiver down her spine. “Heroin,” she murmured in shock. 

"I only used it twice." Kyle responded.                
Kyle's response left Olivia reeling. The words seemed to hit her like a physical blow, knocking the breath out of her. She was speechless, unable to process what she had just heard.

Olivia felt like the air had grown thick with unspoken words. It was as if everyone knew something that she didn't, something ominous and foreboding.

Marie concluded the meeting but informed them of another the following day. As they made their way back to Kyle's bedside, Olivia couldn't help but notice the sterile smell of the hospital. The harsh fluorescent lights seemed to glare down at her, casting everything in a stark, unforgiving light.

Dr. Winters' arrival only intensified the sense of unease that had settled over Olivia. She knew that he wouldn't be there if things weren't serious. He informed her that they needed to run more tests before he left again.

"I'm sorry." Kyle's whispered apology was like a knife in her heart. Olivia hugged him tightly, feeling the fragility of his body beneath her embrace. She promised that they would get through it together, even as doubts and fears swirled around her.

As she left the hospital, Olivia felt like she was in a daze. The world outside seemed surreal, a distorted reflection of reality. She felt like she was walking through a dream, unable to shake off the sense of impending doom that had settled over her like a shroud.