Fear Will Lose // twenty one pilots // Joshler

Chapter 25

A week passed, and when Josh woke up on Wednesday the 23rd of December there was nothing to see but snow from his bedroom window.

It was the last day the office was open before taking a 4 day weekend for the holidays, but that meant that no proper work would be done so Josh hoped that he would be able to slip out as early as possible to spend time with Tyler.

Tyler had been sectioned, and that provoked an angry then tearful reaction from him, but towards the end of the week he had started to calm down and engage in his treatment a little.

As they had discussed, Ryan changed his timetable to include more music, including reserving the piano room for an hour each evening just for Tyler.

Although Tyler hadn't yet actually touched a piano, he did silently attend a few of the therapeutic art music and writing sessions, and had begun to sit in the piano room with Josh rather than in his bedroom. Josh could sense that there was a part of Tyler that was desperate to reach out and play the instrument, but for the time being there was bigger part that told him awful things would happen if he touched the keys. In spite of this, Josh had to admit that Tyler did seem ever so slightly calmer.

As Josh had suspected, the last day in office consisted of very little working. Mr Parker attempted to hold a final strategy meeting for the Harper team, but called it off half way through and wished everyone a Merry Christmas then left.

Josh interpreted that as permission for him to leave at lunch too, but first went round the office and wished a Merry Christmas to his closest colleagues.

The last person he said goodbye to was Janet, his receptionist.
"Jan, come give me a hug," he said as he pulled the elderly woman into his arms. "Have a very Merry Christmas."
"You too Josh, you too. Oh and I got you and Tyler a little present," she said, before reaching into her bag and pulling out a large but thin rectangular wrapped gift, tied with matching red ribbon.

"You're making me feel bad Janet, I didn't get you anything," he admitted as he took the gift off her.
"Don't be silly, there's nothing I want from you. And this is more for Tyler than for you,"
"You didn't have to,"
"I know I know, but I wanted to." She said with a big smile.
"Well thank you very much, should I open it now?"
"Kids these days, always in such a rush. Wait until Christmas Day like you're supposed to."
"Well if you insist." Josh replied with a smile, slipping it into his briefcase outer pocket.

"Have a good Christmas Josh, nobody deserves one more so than you."
"Thank you Jan, for everything." He thanked her as he hugged her again and kissed her on forehead, then headed out of the office and into the parking lot.

Although Campbell never had a 'normal' feeling, Josh found it particularly odd as Christmas grew closer. There were a wide range of emotions and moods as each patient found out whether they would be allowed any leave over the holiday.

Some were elated as they were told they could spend the day with their loved ones, and some were so happy that Josh suspected it was tipping to mania as a result of their various illnesses.

On the other hand, patients deemed too unwell were often hysterical in the corridors, and others simply sank deeper into their depression.

Everyone was anxious, whether they were anxious about going home, anxious about staying in hospital, or anxious as they awaited their verdict.

Meanwhile the staff attempted to keep the atmosphere jolly with Christmas themed activities and decorations which only highlighted how depressing the ward felt.