Enter the Shadows: Book One of the RTS Series (First Full Draft)

Chapter Five

Robin

That night, Robin wasn't able to sleep again. Just as many nights before, he ended up tossing and turning in bed constantly trying to get to sleep, only to open his eyes and see that the time was still passing.

After another sleepless night, Mike came to pick up Robin at around eight. They walked back to the car, but before pulling out of the hospital parking lot, Mike spoke up. "Hey, I wanted to let you know..."

"What?" Robin turned from the window to look at him.

"I... well..." Mike sighed, looking a bit discomforted. "While I was talking to a few doctors yesterday, I also got to see this psychiatrist who just moved to the city."

Robin then knew exactly what Mike wanted to say. "You signed me up for counseling?"

"I did."

Immediately, Robin felt betrayed. "Mike, I've seen more than enough psychologists and psychiatrists already! I don't want to see another one!"

"Just hear me out." Mike spoke a bit louder, and Robin went silent. "It wasn't my idea; Mindy was worried about you too. When I talked to her yesterday, she said that she was worried you were depressed and needed to talk to someone. And... I was worried too. Robin, you've been losing sleep, and while you're still eating I'm afraid you might stop again."

Robin went still, since the subject was a bit sensitive. "I've seen dozens over the past few years... what's this one going to do that hasn't been done before?"

"Listen, it's just one session to see if you like her." Mike quickly backed off the previous subject. "She seemed very nice, and said she would give you one free session just to talk to her. I really think you should go, if anything, just to talk about what's on your mind. Get anything bothering you off your chest before the summer really begins."

Robin sighed, rubbing at his eyes. "I'll think about it."

Mike seemed a bit sad, but decided it would be best to leave it alone. "Alright... just think about it then. But at least make up your mind by the end of the week, okay?"

"Alright..."

And with that, the two drove off, back through the streets of Raiter and back home. All the while, none of them spoke. It made Robin feel guilty, since he knew Mike was trying his best.

They drove down their ever familiar road, and pulled up to the street beside the Karter house. Mike parked the car and looked over at Robin. "I've got to head back to work. You think you can manage by yourself for a bit?"

"I'll be fine." The idea of being alone without someone dropping in to check on him constantly was compelling to Robin. He unbuckled his seat belt, got his bag out of the back seat, and opened the door.

"Robin," Mike spoke up, right before Robin closed the door.

"Yes?"

Mike turned to Robin, struggling to find the right words to say. "Just... take care of yourself. You're out for the summer. Maybe sleep in a bit, you know?"

Robin nodded. "I'll try."

"And... just remember that I care, okay?"

Robin felt a weight in his chest. "I know." Then he closed the door, and Mike drove off. Using his house key, Robin headed back inside the Karter house and walked upstairs to his room at the end of the hall. Even though he had been gone only a day, it felt like he hadn't been back to his room in ages. He threw the overnight bag into the back of his closet, and fell back against his bed, feeling exhausted.