Never Let Me Go

Chapter 15. Admitting That She Needs Help.

Lucy's slender figure appeared in the doorway of the police station, a mix of trepidation and determination etched on her face. She clutched her badge tightly, a symbol of her newfound position as a detective, but also a weighty reminder of the responsibility she bore. The morning argument with Tim replayed in her mind like an unrelenting storm, amplifying her exhaustion and the relentless whispers of her eating disorder.

As she stepped into the bustling entrance, the energy around her seemed to dissipate. Her knees buckled, and the world blurred behind a veil of tears. The familiar click-clack of heels against linoleum grew louder as Angela rushed toward her, arms outstretched. *This isn't how I envisioned my first day,* Lucy thought desperately as she collapsed into Angela's embrace. "Hey, hey, Lucy, what's going on?" Angela asked, her voice laced with concern.

Lucy could only manage to shake her head, sobs wracking her body. Angela held her close, rubbing soothing circles on her back as Nyla joined them, worry evident in her eyes. "Is everything okay? You can talk to us, you know?" Nyla said softly. Lucy felt a surge of gratitude toward these women, her mentors and friends, who had become her family.

Lucy's body trembled violently in Angela's embrace, her sobs echoing through the station's entrance. She felt like a dam had broken within her, and the flood of emotions refused to subside. Between gasps for air, she managed to choke out the words that had haunted her for months. "I... need help... I can't do this anymore."

Angela and Nyla exchanged heartbroken glances, realizing the depth of Lucy's pain. Their expressions shifted from concern to resolve as they tightened their hold around her. Angela whispered comforting words, "It's okay, Luce. We're here for you. You don't have to go through this alone sweetheart." Nyla nodded in agreement, her voice steady. "We'll get you the help you need.. i promise." The station's chaos seemed to fade into the background as the three women stood together, forming an unbreakable bond amidst Lucy's vulnerability.

Tim's guilt weighed heavy on his shoulders as he sprinted toward the police station, hoping to make amends for their argument. He wanted Lucy to confront her eating disorder, to overcome it and become stronger. Upon entering the bustling station, his heart skipped a beat at the sight of Lucy's small frame being consoled by Angela and Nyla, tears streaming down her pale cheeks. Without a second thought, he rushed to her side, wrapping his strong arms around her slender figure. "Lucy, I'm so sorry," he whispered fervently into her hair, feeling her body quake with sobs.

"We'll figure this out together, I promise."

Sergeant Grey appeared beside them, his weathered face etched with concern as he took in the sight of Lucy's tear-streaked face and Tim's protective embrace. Tim looked up, his voice steady as he explained, "Sir, she's finally ready to accept help. She needs some time off work." Grey's stern features softened, revealing the fatherly love he harbored for Lucy. He had watched her grow as an officer, and he couldn't help but feel a deep sense of protectiveness towards her.

Nodding solemnly, he spoke, "Granted, Tim. Take all the time you need. Her first day as detective should be a day she can remember with pride and strength, not like this." His words were filled with understanding and compassion, a testament to his years of experience and the many officers he had seen battle personal demons. He placed a comforting hand on Tim's shoulder before addressing Lucy, "We're here for you, Lucy. Whenever you're ready, your spot will still be waiting." Lucy managed a weak smile, her grip on Tim tightening. *I can do this,* she thought, feeling the love and support of her colleagues surrounding her.

As Angela stepped forward, her eyes glistening with unshed tears, she tenderly began stroking Lucy's hair. "Don't worry, Luce," she said, her voice thick with emotion, "I promise I'll come visit you at the facility. You're stronger than you think, and together we'll get through this." Lucy leaned into the comforting touch, drawing strength from Angela's unwavering faith in her. Angela continued, "And when you're ready, we'll be here, waiting to welcome you back as our fellow detective." Nyla chimed in, her voice laced with determination. "Luce. We'll be by your side, every step of the way." Tim squeezed Lucy's hand, his love and pride for her evident in his touch. He shared a hopeful smile with Angela and Nyla, knowing that with their support, Lucy would emerge victorious from this battle.

With a heavy heart, Tim guided Lucy out of the police station, her fragile form leaning heavily against his side. The drive home was silent, punctuated only by the occasional sniffle as Lucy tried to compose herself.

Upon reaching their shared apartment, Tim gently helped her inside, settling her on the couch while he moved to pack her suitcases. He understood that she needed space to process her emotions, to prepare herself mentally for the daunting journey ahead. As he gathered her belongings, he couldn't help but notice Lucy sitting motionless, her knees pulled tightly to her chest and her eyes vacant. *She's so strong, but she's terrified,* he thought, a pang of sympathy resonating within him.

He knelt beside her and took her hands in his, giving them a reassuring squeeze. "Luce," he said softly, "you're going to need all your strength for this, but remember, i'm here baby. I love you so much baby." He paused, his eyes searching hers for any sign of understanding.

"I'll be here for you, every step of the way, i promise you'll come out those doors in a few months happier than ever and best of all.. healthier." Lucy offered him a small smile before leaning her head against his shoulder, finding solace in his words and presence. Tim continued packing, each item carefully selected and placed with love.

The drive to the eating disorder facility was cloaked in a heavy silence, the weight of the situation pressing down on them like a suffocating blanket. Lucy clutched Tim's hand tightly, her knuckles white with fear. As they pulled into the parking lot, Tim squeezed her hand reassuringly and whispered, "We can do this, Lucy."

They walked hand in hand toward the reception desk, where a kind-eyed receptionist greeted them warmly. Tim signed Lucy in while she sat nearby, trying to steady her breathing. When the receptionist called for two nurses, Lucy's sobs escalated, and she flung her arms around Tim, burying her face in his chest. He held her close, his own heart aching as he whispered words of love and encouragement against her ear. "I'm proud of you, Lucy," he murmured, planting a tender kiss on her head. "You deserve to get better."

As the nurses approached, Lucy tightened her hold, but Tim gently loosened her grip and passed her over to them. Their eyes met one last time before the nurses guided her down the sterile halls, his filled with love and pride, hers with fear and uncertainty. "I love you Lucy Chen." He shouted down the hall as she was led away. *This is just the beginning,* he told himself, *and we'll face it together.* *my strong girl..*