They both stood . Trying to look tall and imposing...well Maddison tried . Markhum was the one to break the silence , as he's been seen to always do . " Explain ." Just one word , made a shiver go up his spine , goosebumps breaking out onto his skin .
He felt the memories trying to force thier way to the front of his mind . He took a step back , then another and another , until he stood in the corner of the room , his eyes darting around looking for any sign to indicate danger .
' You're still scared of me .'
His father's voice echoed in his head . He want anticipating an episode so early into his recovery. The doctor had affirmed him that he was healed and that the medicine worked .
It didn't.
And his father was back in his head , traumatizing him again . He hated it . The way his father made him feel like a small boy stuck with his mother , dancing in the palm of their matriarch.
The head of the house .
Mental health services had been famous and given to many people as the government started noticing, this rising "sickness" after veteran soldiers ran a petition because of PTSD and such , symptoms that stemmed as aftereffects of bloody wars .
The petition was approved after numerous discussions and eventually implemented in few hospitals willing to take the program on . Many still looked down on such and carried old stereotypes such as " Man can carry the whole house , so what's a bit of bloodshed for the country! "
He promised himself many times he'd go to the one nearby his house , yet he never found the courage to. He wasn't stubborn , not at all . He knew years of killing people would have their effect on you . It was simply part of the karma that came with stealing lives , innocent and guilty .
" This is what you get when you're stubborn boy ! " , a sentence that held close familiarity to him , as they had been his grandfather's famous line for him growing up .
That brought a small smile to his face .
Breathing in and out , he gradually calmed his racing heart and speeding thoughts.
Markhum's eyes never lost sight not blinked as he watched him . His gaze still present.
Markhum didn't know how to calm nor help someone with mental health issues . He could stand there and pay witness to the detrimental effects of war in a young mind . He felt a lingering regret at his inability to help Maddison.
As well as the scene he caused for Maddison.
" Are you okay now ? " Markhum asked cautiously approaching the corner , his steps light .
" I'm fine , just ....please leave me alone for a while ." Maddison tiredly said , his eyes pleading for Markhum to concede with the small request.
Markhum wasn't so inhuman to not offer isolation when it was wanted . Reluctantly steering his body towards the door , Markhum opens it , his eye not missing the waiter , the one who "caused" the issue standing at the side of the door .
The waiters eyes held caution.
" The doors out are straight then a right , but I'm sure you already know the way out ." Jackson , the waiter said , an obvious smirk plastered on his face , speaking condescendingly.
Markhum gritted his teeth in annoyance but left either way , his cape lifting off behind him dramatically leaving dust in his wake .
Jackson wasted no time entering the room, first making sure Markhum took his right turn , then hurrying to see a disheveled Maddison.
Jackson could tell something happened , just not what .
It wasn't often you'd see a customer fight verbally . He was used to do the 'patch you up as you bleed' , which were usually from physical fights that left physical wounds .
He wasn't equipped to help wounds he couldn't see . They didn't need stitches , well physical ones . And they didn't need rubbing alcohol or a bandage .
Those needed time to heal , because words hurt more and thus needed more than a simple mending on the pride .
So , he went with an approach that worked on his saddest clients .
He dropped a bar of chocolate near Maddison. One that coincidentally happened to originate from his home town .
It didn't matter whether Jackson knew that the chocolate from Maddison's home or not . All that mattered was his gesture was recieved and worked .
Jackson came abit closer , still aware of his limits and sat slowly ; horizontally to Maddison. His knee was propped up , elbow leaning on it , his face held up by his palm . He conveyed a non-interested face , but it was gentle , if not ...careful about scaring the person beside him .
" Are you okay ? " He spoke .
" I'm -" ....
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I was so tired and gone but I love you guys so I did it either way . 😎😊😭
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