Oneshots and Drabbles

16: I'll Always be Here (Wincin)

Jacin frowned as he signed his name on the check in chart along with the date. He had to glance at the clock behind the lady at the desk before writing the time too. After doing that, he took a seat on the one of the uncomfortable, gray chairs in the lobby. 

An older woman with  were so dark,  they almost looked black, smiled at him. Mrs. Solis had made an effort to talk to him since the incident. She knew what it was like for a loved one to be trapped in this place. Her husband, Jerrico, was taken only a year before her.

"Marie Solis?" Brenda, the nurse, called her over.

She gave Jacin an encouraging pat on the shoulder as she got out of her seat and disappeared down the bland hallway.

He patiently stared at the white walls, forcing the frown to form into a neutral expression he saw her. He didn't want her to worry about him like he knew she would. Like she always did. 

The "inspirational"--if it could even be called that--picture on the opposite wall wasn't improving his mood, and he doubted it helped many other people. Three times a week he did this. Every time he wondered why they couldn't change the pictures to go with the current century.

Buzzing came from his pocket, but Jacin ignored it. Work wasn't important right now. The only thing that mattered was her.

He sat alone, barely paying attention to the strangers that passed by in front of him. Jacin was worried about her. Whenever he saw her she only seemed worse, and yet the doctors claimed she was making progress. How could they say that when she couldn't look at herself in the mirror without having a breakdown?

"Jacin Clay?" His head jerked in the direction of Brenda called his name. When he got to her she smiled politely. "She'll see you now."

He nodded and followed her. As they walked close to the right wall, they passed an middle-aged woman who was thrashing in a male nurse's grasp. "Please! Help him! He's going to jump, if we don't help him!"

Jacin held his hardened expression, but had to avert his gaze away from the poor woman. 

Two other nurses rushed passed him and Brenda, one carrying a syringe with what he assumed was a sedative for the woman.

"Here you go, Jacin."

He looked at the door marked 3J. "Thanks, Brenda, I'm good from here."

"Push the button if you need us."

Of course she didn't say it directly, but he knew what Brenda really meant. If there was an episode, he had to push the button. For his safety, and for hers. He'd made the mistake of not pushing the button before, and it was a mistake he'd never make again.

Taking a deep breath, Jacin pushed open the door.

 Arms immediately flung around him, causing him to stumble back. He quickly regained his balance and hugged her back.

"It's so good to see you!" She cried.

"I was here on Wednesday," He chuckled, despite himself. He was already breaking his number one rule, and he'd only been there for a total of ten seconds. 

She let her hands fall from around his neck to rest at her sides. "I know, but I can't help it. You're the only person that visits me here," She reached up to push a stray curl behind her ear. 

Do not get attached.

Do not show emotion.

Do not stare at her (you will get attached if you do).

Minimal physical contact allowed.

And do NOT fall in love with her (she is not healthy enough for a relationship).