part 3

. It had been awhile since I felt such a calm presence in my life; I didn't know if she could ever really relate, but I'd like to think that maybe she could.

"Well, first off, how have you been holding up? Are you doing okay?" She paused, pursing her lips briefly.

"As well as anyone can. Honestly, things are getting better for both of us. I can see it now, how far we've come! And, as you may be able tell, we're still struggling, I guess. Some days are harder than others and I'm sorry we haven't reached the stage yet where we just know that everything's going to be alright, but you've made it through the worst of it and I feel a little better." She looked me right in the eye, clearly proud of herself for telling me.

It meant a lot coming from her. I was aware of the amount of support she'd given me when we met, but I couldn't imagine what it must be like to have someone like her sitting by your side while the world around you goes to shit...especially when you're the only person left to do anything for others. I appreciated every word she said, because it showed just how good of a person she was. A part of me wondered if she knew this, but it wouldn't do me any good asking, so instead I smiled warmly at her.

"Thanks again for being patient with me. And I'm glad things look a lot brighter on the bright side now. If only I could believe that... But I know we've made it through all of this, and I'm grateful for every single one of our hards." I spoke quietly hoping my words would convey the same emotion as hers, as though she could hear me. And if she could, perhaps she understood that I was thankful that she'd helped guide me to where I was now, no matter what.

For now, that is.

I cleared my throat, trying to break the silence after I finished talking, looking across at her. Her gaze was focused firmly on the floor in front of her, but she didn't seem bothered at all by whatever it was that we were discussing. I thought about asking whether or not she could actually hear me but decided against it, deciding to let it rest for now. She might need time before she started speaking, or maybe she needed some time to digest my words before answering back.

After a moment or two of silence she lifted her gaze to meet mine, and I could see the sadness behind her gaze. I wished she didn't have to suffer so much in her job.

"How are you?" I asked her tentativelyOkay, I suppose. Things haven't been easy for me lately, but I suppose I should say the same for you."

"Yeah, it certainly hasn't been easy, and if I may ask, why are you staying here?"

A sad smile crossed her face, and I knew I hadn't been too tactful.

"You're not exactly helping matters, you know. I thought I should tell you, you might get angry when I say it out loud...but the truth is I don't want to leave, not right now."

Her answer made me happy, but she was right, I wasn't exactly giving her much leeway. I nodded, giving her a reassuring smile.

"Don't worry, I won't hold it against you," I told her.

"Thank you," she responded earnestly, smiling back at me.

"I hope you know that it doesn't matter what your reasons may be," I told her as I moved closer to her, "you're always welcome to stay here."

I saw her expression change at this point and realised my mistake.

"I-I mean-!"

I stopped short as I watched her giggle softly, placing her hand over mine that rested on her shoulder. I blushed deeply, embarrassed for having forgotten what had just occurred seconds ago.Sorry."

"That was wonderful, thank you," she said sincerely, a genuine smile appearing on her face once more.

"I'm sure there's nothing wrong with needing to speak your mind. You're welcome to stay here anytime, but please keep in mind that I don't always agree with what you say, and that I'll have your back regardless..." I added quickly as I noticed her about to say something else.

"Thanks for hearing me out," she replied after a pause as she removed her hand from my grasp. "But, I think you'd make a great doctor, you know...you have all sorts of medical knowledge and experience already."

"Thanks, but I'm still a student."

I was surprised by the amount of pride I felt hearing her compliment me, because it definitely sounded different coming from her.

"And you've done really well so far," she complimented me again.

"Well, I'd love to see what future surgeries you plan on putting us through in the near future..." I remarked with a slight chuckle, prompting her to laugh along with me.

"What can I say, you've got a good attitude. You could have ended up as a neurosurgeon in your previous school if you'd wanted."

I shook my head in disbelief. "No way! What about your school?"I teased.

She laughed again, shaking her head.

"Meh," she responded nonchalantly, "not really interested in that sort of stuff anymore."

"Why not? I don't think doctors get paid enough."

"I've never worked a day in my life, so I don't really consider myself qualified."

I smiled widely, happy for her at least.

"But seriously, you could make a real difference. You're smart, nice, and compassionate. There's no way you'll end up in a place like ours."

She smiled shyly. "Maybe someday. But for now, I'm content just being a nurse."

This girl had changed my life completely, and I wouldn't wish this on anyone else.

We talked for a few more minutes, talking about various topics, but eventually my mind wandered elsewhere again, wondering where she came from and how she ended up in the mental health facility.

Eventually we both bid farewell to each other and headed our separate ways, promising to keep in touch soon. I walked outside for the second time today, heading in the direction of the parking lot where I had parked my car earlier.

When I opened the door to my car and placed my bag inside, I suddenly felt something hit my shoulder, causing me to jump and grab my shoulder.