Thank You Mr. Hiddleston

Chapter 3- The Marks

I was sitting on the bench, waiting as patiently as I could. However, I am not a very patient person, so it seemed like forever. He was running late (no pun intended). It was 5:25 and there was no sign of him. I was starting to become worried. “Breathe in, breathe out,” I repeatedly whispered to myself. “He’ll be here; he’s just a little late.” I continue my cycle until I finally see him sprinting toward me.

“Sorry I am late! I’m such an idiot.” He said.

“It’s fine,” I said with a smile, trying not to show my utter relief that he finally made it.

“Hey, um, can I ask you a question?” Tom asked a little worried-like.

“Well, you just did, but you can ask another,” I said sarcastically.

He laughed awkwardly, “Um, well you said that you were suicidal right?” I showed no emotion. “Well, I was wondering. . . Have you harmed yourself?” He asked, pointing with his eyes toward my arm.

Of course I had, but what could I say to him? I didn’t want him to be disappointed in me. I didn’t want to be embarrassed. “Um,” I paused for a second, “no . . .” I pulled my sleeves down because I was uncomfortable.

“Are you sure?” He asked questioningly. He obviously noticed my strange behavior.

I started to choke up. “No,” I said turning my face away from him. I started tearing up, and it eventually turned into a sob.

He leaned toward me from his spot on the bench. He first pulled up my sweater sleeve a little bit, saw the cut marks, and then proceeded to give me a side hug.

“You shouldn’t do that to yourself…” he said after a while.

I didn’t know what to say to respond, so I just kept crying.

He sat in silence while I cried.

Suddenly, he asked, “How long?”

“How long what?” I said while crying.

“How long have you been depressed?”

“Since the beginning of the school year,” I choked on a sob.

“You’ve never tried to get help?” he asked worriedly.

“No one seems to listen.”

“I am.”

The park was then silent except for the sound of my sniffles.

“Yes. Thank you for that,” I finally said.

“It’s no trouble.” He paused. “You know, I really want you to get better. I hate seeing you like this.”

“Me too,” I sighed.

“Glad to hear that you want to get better. And you know what I know you will because you seem like the type of girl doesn’t want to go down without a fight. I won’t be late tomorrow. I promise.”

“Okay.”

We stood up and hugged for a little while. I felt like I never wanted to let go. This man, this random man I had never met before has walked into my life and is trying to help me get through my problems. I could never thank him enough and I don’t think I ever will.

We looked at each other and let our arms drop.

“See you tomorrow,” I said quietly.

“See you tomorrow,” he said also in a hushed tone, but with a smile.

We looked at each other again and then he took off. He started off at a jog and then started sprinting and after a little while he turned and looked back and smiled.

While looking at him, I mumbled to myself, “Why am I doing this again?” I thought for a moment and then gave myself an answer. “Because I am in desperate need of saving.”