𝐏𝐑𝐄𝐂𝐈𝐏𝐈𝐓𝐎𝐔𝐒 𝐈𝐍𝐅𝐀𝐓𝐔𝐀𝐓𝐈𝐎𝐍 [𝑀𝑖𝑙𝑒𝑠 𝐸𝑑𝑔𝑒𝑤𝑜𝑟𝑡ℎ]

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𝐏𝐑𝐄𝐂𝐈𝐏𝐈𝐓𝐎𝐔𝐒 𝐈𝐍𝐅𝐀𝐓𝐔𝐀𝐓𝐈𝐎𝐍 ||
𝑴𝑰𝑳𝑬𝑺 𝑬𝑫𝑮𝑬𝑾𝑶𝑹𝑻𝑯

【（２６）】

⚠️ Trigger Warning: Mental Illness ⚠️

Toss and turn. That's all Vivienne would do all day. Toss, and turn, and stare. Only a day has passed since her supposed suspension, and yet she already felt like she was going utterly insane. Her mind was constantly racing. Teasing her with unjust actions and cruel words. Tempting her to fall deeper into her own world. She attempted to mute it with sleep. However, even then, her thoughts were fueled by nightmares, each one more vivid and unsettling than the last. It was filled with memories. Unsettled memories run by the imagination that twisted her reality.

She tried to listen to soothing music, the kind that used to lull her into a peaceful state, but now only seemed to echo her inner turmoil. She tried to focus on her usual meditation, willing her mind to clear and her body to relax, yet every attempt to calm herself was futile. She tried to go out for her daily run, hoping the physical exertion would exhaust her enough to find some kind of relief. But somehow, everything in her was absolutely and completely drained of motive. So all she would do is stare. And toss. And turn. The shadows in her room seemed to almost mock her, whispering doubts and fears she couldn't shake off.

Vivienne's room, once her sanctuary, now felt like a prison. The walls seemed that use to comfort her now seemed to close in on her, amplifying her sense of isolation as the cheery beige color turned to a muted shade. Her bed, usually a haven of comfort, was now a place to hold her sullen body, suffocating her in her own sadness.

Her eyes wandered to the window, where the outside world seemed so far to reach. The sunlight filtered through the curtains, casting patterns on the floor that she found herself tracing absentmindedly with her eyes. It filtered her mind, distracted her attention by focusing on such a mindless task. It was the least bit she could do to keep her mind at ease, for now.

Miles on the other hand, was pacing rapidly in his office, doing anything and everything but working. His mind traveling back to the tainted image of a girl who he once thought he knew, now revealing  another side to her that he hadn't imagined could be possible. She always seemed so level-headed, strong, determined. But even he has to remind himself that even the strong can fall, he should know that better than anyone. Papers were strewn across his desk, and the phone on his desk seemed to glare at him, daring him to make a move. His hands strung back and forth between reaching for it and back away.

He wanted to go check up on her. He wanted to call her. Hell, he'd even send Samuel down on his way to check on her if he knew a way to contact him.

The uncertainty gnawed at him, twisting his thoughts into knots. He remembered the look in her eyes, the way they once sparkled with determination and now seemed clouded with despair. There last conversation was unlike any other. She became a person almost unrecognizable to him. A person who desperately needed help but couldn't find the courage to ask.

Miles sighed heavily, running a hand through his hair. The clock on the wall ticked away the seconds, each one echoing his growing sense of urgency. He knew he had to do something, but every option seemed fraught with risk. He picked up the phone, his fingers hovering over the keys, contemplating his next move. The weight of his decision bore down on him, reminding him of the fine line between support and intrusion.

He had a choice to make.

He picked up the phone, dialing the only number he could think of, and let it ring.

It rang once. Then another. And then finally a voice picked up on the other line.

"Hello?"

"Hey, Phoenix, it's Edgeworth. I have a favor to ask of you."

An audible gasp came from the background, assuming it being Maya, "A favor? That's a surprise coming from you Miles."

"Edgeworth. And don't plan to get use to it. It is a one time event."

"Ask away."

Miles explained to Phoenix, and Maya who was not so subtly intervening, everything he could without giving too much details. He described the results of the case, the hours he had spent poring over documents and evidence, and the connections he had found to Ms. Autry. Each piece of the puzzle had led him closer to a conclusion that was as troubling as it was inevitable. He went on to explain how Ms. Autry hadn't been herself lately. Her usual spark was dimmed, replaced by a shadow of worry and confusion. It was as if she was carrying a weight too heavy for her shoulders alone. Miles spoke with a hint of frustration, recounting how she had withdrawn from friends and colleagues, isolating herself in a way that was both concerning and out of character, and yet no one was concerned the slightest bit. And lastly, he asked Phoenix for a favor that he wouldn't feel comfortable asking any other person.

Phoenix nodded slowly, his mind already working through the implications. He had seen people in similar situations before, seen how the pressures of their work could drive them to the edge. He understood the importance of having someone to lean on, someone who could offer support without judgment. His eyes glanced over to Maya who was standing in thought, her eyebrow raised while her fingers played with the straps of her outfit. He had to admit, he admired the girl. Not in a romantic manner, but in a way that made him feel overwhelmed with protectiveness and security. Maya saved him from slipping over the edge once after her sister had passed, he couldn't be more grateful.

Maya and Phoenix collected their belongings, packed up for the night, and left towards Ms. Autry's condo. They were still unsure on what to do or say to her, but Maya had a pretty good feeling that things will work itself out.

Or at least, that's what she hoped.