After a beautiful evening, Ann goes to university the next day. Upbeat and happy she is ready to work hard. As the day goes by she becomes a witness to something many thought would be impossible. Benjamin comes in for counselling that day leaving Ann both surprised and amused. As he enters, he notices Ann but is unable to bring himself to tell her anything. She sits with Dr. Knightly as the session begins. Although hesitant to share, he tries to tell his story. As he speaks he notices Ann’s expression turning to compassion. He decides to swallow his ego and speak. The session goes smoothly and he leaves with Ann happy at his progress. Though he wants to talk to Ann himself, he is very uncomfortable after the experience and goes home. Despite his initial discomfort, he feels slightly relieved like a burden is off his chest.

That day when Ann goes home, she finds Nicholas waiting for her. “Hi…” He says.

“Hi…” Ann says.

“Another good day?” Nicholas asks.

“Don’t you always know…” Ann says smiling.

“Why don’t you come in.” He says as he opens the door. “I have something for you…” Ann looks at him curiously as she decides to go into his apartment. She steps into his apartment nervously and is amazed at how well kept it is. She is amazed by the amount of order she sees in the room, even his books are arranged alphabetically. “I bought you some snacks.” He says as he points to a bag of snacks at the table. “I’ll make some tea to go with it.” He says smiling.

“Thank you.” Ann says as she sits down. “I am not much of a cook; tea is the best I can make.” He says as he is about to make tea.

“Let me help…”

“No…” He says. “You did not let me help you last night, so now it’s my turn.” She smiles and sits down as he makes her tea. He pours her tea and she takes a sip. Her face immediately reacts to the tea she just put in her mouth. She has never had such a horrible tea in her life.

“It’s good.” She says unsuccessfully trying to enjoy it.

“Does it taste that bad?” Nicholas says as he takes a sip and is shocked by the taste. “Oh my… Don’t drink this.” He says as he takes the tea from her hand. “I just got this at the store, I heard it was good. Let’s just have the snacks.” He says as he gets rid of the tea. They sit down and laugh and have a good time as they dig into the snacks.

“Oh and guess what, Benjamin came in for counselling today.” Ann says.

“You’re kidding.” Nicholas says in unbelief.

“I couldn’t believe it either.” Ann says.

“He finally listened to someone. That’s a first.” Nicholas says. “Tom and Fiona have been trying to get him to go for months.”

“Fiona?” Ann asks.

“His sister.” Nicholas answers.

“I don’t know how much of his story you know but…” Ann says and is interrupted by Nicholas.

“If it is his ex-wife story, everyone knows.” Nicholas says as he pauses for a moment. “Then again I know his full story, his mom died when he was a toddler, he had a great relationship with his dad before he died of cancer a couple of years ago. Then his wife left him for his teammate which was the talk of the town.”

“You sure know a lot.” Ann comments.

“It’s my job to know.” He replies. “So I take it you are not going to stay away…”

“I don’t know…” Ann replies as she sighs. “I understand why people are concerned but…”

“But what?” Nicholas says as he notices Ann’s face growing concerned.

“I had a friend who used to be like him.” Ann says. “Not arrogant or rude, but was in deep trouble. When she said she needed help, she wasn’t taken seriously because she didn’t do anything drastic yet.” Ann says with tears in her eyes. “The day she took that step she didn’t have a chance; it was all over. And the worst part was, she told people but they didn’t take her seriously,”

“I am sorry…” Nicholas says as he holds her hand.

“He’s lucky. He has a friend and sister who are trying to help… not brushing it off.” Ann says as she looks at Nicholas. “I can’t look the other way…”