Drowning

Chapter 9: Outside

Your POV
"Please mom!! He's getting better!" You begged.

"Y/n, I don't think it's a good idea." Your mom said shaking her head.

You've been trying to get your mother to sign a paper that allows Ethan to go outside of the building. Heritage Hospital actually has a nice plot of land, and many other patients are allowed to walk around in it. It gives them a little sense of freedom, which was what you wanted for Ethan.

But since you're not an approved physiatrist, you can't make any decisions that includes patients. Your mother was already bending the rules, with having you as an assistant. You technically weren't allowed to be with any patients alone. Especially if that patient were a boy. But she trusted you, and so far it's been good.

You just want him to feel free; at least a little. He always stares out of his window, and you could see the way his eyes longed to experience the view, up close. All you wanted, was for him to be happy.

"But mom, he's opened up so much the past 2 months. That's a lot of progress, and he's mentally stable now." You explained.

"But y/n, that's not your decision to make. I know he's been getting better, I pay attention. But I don't think he's ready yet." She sighed.

"What if I were in his shoes? What would YOU do if that were me in there?" You asked, still trying to convince her.

She sighed and gently rubbed her tired eyes. She placed her hand on her hip as she began to think. As her eyes shifted from you, to the side of her, she exhaled and gently nodded her head.

"Yes!!" You chanted.

"But he still needs supervision!" She warned.

"Thank you so much mom!!" You said embracing her into a tight hug.

"Under one condition!" She began.

"So close!" You whispered to yourself.

"He can't be outside when other people are out there too." She said.

"Mom, theres ALWAYS people out there. Besides, he needs to interact with different people right?" You asked.

"Well yes, but just for now he has to stay separated. We don't know what his triggers are yet, so he has to stay separated in the meantime. And as for the people issue: I don't think anyone goes in the backyard part, so you can take him there. There's actually a lot of space back there anyways." She explained.

A part of you was happy that you'd have Ethan all to yourself. You'd get to spend more time with him and talk more. Sure, it was a very selfish thought of yours, but you just felt drawn to him.

But another part of you wanted him to actually interact with other patients going through what he is. It's nice to know that someone knows what you're going through. And in all honestly, he isolates himself from EVERYONE. It can be lonely at times. Nonetheless, it is what it is.

"Well...it's a start." You agreed, feeling the ends of your mouth curve up into a smirk.

You guys embraced in another tight hug as you quietly thanked her. You've been trying to get her approval for a week now, and now she finally agreed.