It's Okay to Cry

Chapter 14

11/8/15

DenverCon

4:15 Hailee Padalecki & Ross Ackles

"Forgive me for this... Hailee, it's been a long time since your brother died. Does it still hurt?" the fan asks.

Hailee tilts her head in thought, "I used to think that it would never not hurt. But honestly... Sometimes it doesn't. I've gotten to the point that... Unless something majorly reminds me... It doesn't hurt. He... Wednesday was the one year marker. November fourth. That day... It was really cool, because as I was walking home, the weather completely matched the way I was feeling. The warmth, the light... It was trying so hard to get through. But the cold wind just kept blowing. Honestly, I think it was the day after that was harder than the day of."

Ross gives Hailee a look, and she nods.

"Well, Hailee's been so open about her struggles... I think it's time I open up about mine," Ross begins, "I've had depression for... Years. I've actually been pretty good for a while... Thursday, though, I started going through a depressive episode again. Being right after a rough day for her, and with me already reminding her so much of her brother, she landed in the counselor's office at school with something somewhat resembling a panic attack."

"I'm really thankful for Hailee," Ross continues, "I've pretty much lost all my motivation, and she's been helping me a lot and promised she'll continue to help me. It's nice knowing I don't have to go through this alone again."

Hailee hugs Ross, "You Are Not Alone. You'll never be alone. Always Keep Fighting."

She steps back, and he offers her a small smile.