I waited a week to see if his amnesiac episodes would return. They never did. Waited a month and still no signs. I waited at least two months before deciding it was time to let him go.
A week before I planned on letting him go, I told Scott to leave. To prepare for Avriel's arrival. He was so excited to hear that Avriel was going to be released. The final week had come. I had spoken to our boss about releasing him and upon deliberation, he agreed.
I approached his room and opened his door. He was sat by his window staring out. Once I entered, his attention was on me. He had changed ever since I first met him. He wasn't as flirtatious now. He wasn't as angry now. He seemed calmer.
"Good Morning, Avriel." I greeted him and he smiled as he walked over to take a seat. I didn't have anymore further questions for him. Since we were in our final session together, I didn't need to be as professional. I could ask him anything. "How are you feeling today?" I asked him.
"Good. Missing Scott, but I'm good." He smiled again.
"I've always wanted to know something about you. What are your hopes and dreams?" I asked him and he smiled at me.
"I've already achieved my main dream. To find love. But there is one dream that is yet to be fulfilled." His smile began disappearing. "It's not be seen as a normal. Throughout most of my life, people have looked at me as if I'm a freak. It's not a good feeling. Even in here. Through these three years in here, I've been pushed to my limits and looked down upon. It hated it in here but you are the first doctor to actually speak to me and treat me like a regular person. And I appreciate you for that." He smiled at me and I smiled back.
"I have a surprise for you. " I brought out a large box. And placed it on the table. He looked at me with a confused look on his face. "Open it."
He got up and opened it. He looked at the contents of the box and looked back at me. He was still confused. "Clothes?" He questioned.
"Your clothes." I tried to give him a hint.
"I'm confused." He spoke and I laughed a little.
"Avriel, you've been here for the past three years and now you get to leave." I spoke excitedly and his eyes widened with joy. Tears formed in his eyes as his smile grew bigger.
"A-Are you serious?" He asked in an excited tone. I nodded. He hugged me so tight and I hugged him back. "Thank you. Thank you. Thank you." He repeated. I could feel his tears soak the material on my shoulder. He let go and wiped the tears in his eyes. He had the biggest smile on his face and it made my heart ring with joy.
"Scott is waiting for you at the reception." I informed and somehow, his smile got larger.
"This day just keeps getting better and better." He laughed.
"I'll leave you to get dressed. When you're ready, just open the door." I walked out the room and waited outside.
At least twenty minutes passed when he came out. "Ready?" I asked him and he nodded.
We began walking to the reception. "I think I'm going to miss this place." Avriel spoke.
"Really?"
"Nope." He laughed hard and so did I. "I'll miss you though."
We reached the reception and I opened the door. Scott was standing there, pacing back and forth. Once they caught eye on each other. They ran into each other's arms. It was such a sweet reunion. They let go of each other and looked each other in the eye. They had a conversation that I couldn't quite make out. Then they both looked at me. Scott came towards me. "I can't thank you enough. I really appreciate what you've done for him."
"Just doing my job." I smiled. He pulled me into a hug and I hugged back. They were such a sweet couple. He walked back to Avriel. They both held hand and walked out of the building. Before they were completely out, Avriel turned to face me.
"Thank you for everything." He waved at me and I waved back. They walked out and that was the last time I saw him.
I almost shed a tear. I'd made a bond with that man. I knew it wasn't professional but I did and I knew I was going to miss him.
I began to head back to my office. I walked past where his room was and sighed. "Doctor Grassi!" A nurse called for me as she emerged from his old room. She came to me with a piece of paper. "This was on the table and it had your name on it." She handed it to me and went back into the room. I headed to my office to read it.
I got in and sat at my desk. It read:
Dear Dr Grassi,
I want to thank you for everything. I don't know if you can tell by how I act towards you but I really appreciate you. Being here for three years began to feel unnecessary, but you made it worth it.
You aren't like the other doctors. The others never really cared about me, but you did. When I cried you never threw me to the side, you cared and I appreciate you.
I want to thank you for bringing Scott back to me.. When the doctors stopped letting him come see, I felt trapped and I thought I was never going to see him again. But when he came back, thanks to you, my heart felt joy for once. Angels like you don't come around that often.
Whether you feel the same or not, I just want to let you know that I consider you a friend and you have a special place in my heart.
I hope we can be friends.
- Avriel B. Kaplan
The tears I had held back began falling. I wish I hadn't got too attached to him but I did and I was crying for him. I already missed him. I just hoped I could see him again.
