The Second Time - TGWDLM

Pain

"I'm sorry, I didn't mean that" Kathryn spoke into her hands. Hidgens and Emma stood there, not sure of what to say, "I just, uh haven't told anybody that before and um, I don't want to think about it,"

"Kathryn," Professor Hidgens sat on the edge of the ottoman, "At some point in our lives, we all go through an amount of trauma. Whether it be big or small we need to deal with it, and putting that off only causes more pain. The more you put it off, and the more you worry, will cause you to suffer"

"How are you supposed to deal with the fact that your parents are dead because of you? That everything you had known was blown up and there wasn't even a mention of it in the news and that a government organization is trying to make it so my home never existed?!" she cried.

"I do not have the answer to that question, but what I do know, even though I have only known you for a short while, is that you are strong" Professor Hidgens held one of Kathryn's hands in his own. "and I also know that it will eventually heal, but you do not have to do it alone, you have Emma, you have me, and I am sure there are plenty if people that would love to help you. This may sound cliche but it is the truth."

Kathryn had calmed down and eventually, much to the dismay of the Professor, the two had to leave. He enjoyed company after he and his friends lost touch years ago. Emma drove Kathryn back to her dorm. "Well, that was, deep" she said.

"I'm sorry again, I didn't mean to spill my problems on you and Professor Hidgens, it was rude of me."

 "It wasn't really what I was expecting but hey, not like it could happen again," Emma shrugged.

"You're right I guess." Kathryn admitted, slipping out of the car. "See ya on Friday Emma"

"You know Alexa" the small cylinder beeped. "There is something about Kathryn that is awfully familiar"

"I do not know the answer to that, ask again later" she replied.

"You're right Alexa. But for now, let's hope she can stay safe" The AI didn't answer the professor because he was walking into his lab. Maybe he could figure out what happened? Oh, never mind. He decided that he had to put in the grades for the quizzes he gave to the students earlier in the day. He was finishing the last paper when his head shot up, "That's it! Alexa, search the internet for family of Kathryn Daniels. There has to be something"

"Here's what I've found, 500,000 internet articles, for Family of Cats"

"No Alexa! Family of Kathryn Daniels, open your ears!" The exasperated professor exclaimed. He walked to his computer where he found a family tree. This is so weird, I'm a total creep. He thought. He clicked on a picture he found, of Chad. "Holy mother, she's related to Chad." under Chad's picture was an obituary, one that Henry knew too well. He had written it,

Chad Cloak passed this week after being hit by a distracted driver, he leaves behind a group of friends from college. He worked at a financial law firm helping people fight eviction from their homes . Chad's celebration of life will be Thursday at the old Hatchetfield Theatre where he was able to be himself and enjoy every minute of it's being.

Professor Hidgens decided that he would wait a few weeks before sharing this information with Kathryn, waiting so he wouldn't send her back into her 'funk.' Sadly, he had gotten ill and was forced to retire by the college. They claimed that he was unfit to teach after the flu turned into a 1-month sickness. Hidgens was, of course, upset but he did not mind that much because the students wouldn't be paying attention to him anyways. Having Emma and Kathryn stop by every few weeks helped with is transitioning into 'retirement.' He had time to work on his musical, Workin Boys.