Tranquility

Seventh Call

I picture pulling you back over the edge and then we're crying
And holding you my brother and telling you that it's fine
That's not the way that I worked 'cause I was late like a jerk
There's not a day where I could find a way to break from the hurt

A week has passed.
I'm not doing great.
I've had two counselling sessions
Mandatory at my work
When it becomes too much.

I'm going over it in my head
Our talks.
What could I have done differently?

I curse at the system
You asked for help
And we failed you
I failed you.

You told me where you were.
I don't think you wanted to die.
Not really.
You just gave in
On the urge
for tranquility.

I'm working again.
Maybe I can save the next person?
I work daytime now.
I'm not ready
for the desperate night calls.

"Suicide Hotline. Harry speaking. How can I help you?"

"Harry."

I gasp. It's him!
"Louis?"

"Yeah."

"You're alive?"

I can't believe it. In shock.

"Yes."

"How? You didn't jump?"

"I did. Regretted it immediately. Listen, I just wanted to call and thank you for saving me life. You called the ambulance, didn't you?"

"I did."

"They found me in the water. Gave me CPR. Brought me back. I'm in the hospital. Tomorrow, I'm being admitted to the psych ward. I'm getting the help I need, and I really want it. Having to face me family after... I will never do that to them again. I just wanted to call and say thank you for not giving up on me."

"I'm so grateful that you're alive, Louis. Thanks for calling and letting me know."

"I figured that's the least I could do after everything you've done for me."

"Take care of yourself and get better."

"I will. Bye, Harry. I won't call again."

"Okay. Bye, Louis."

I'm gonna miss his voice, but I'm glad if he won't be needing the Suicide hotline in the future.