“I can’t look the other way,” she says as she is being comforted by Nicholas. He slowly comes closer to her and gently places his arm over her shoulder and pulls her in. She leans on his broad chest and begins to cry. He quietly rubs her back as she holds him. “Thank you.” She whispers.

“No matter what you decide, be careful,” he says as she smiles knowing she can lean on him. Though she has certain concerns about how Benjamin behaved with her previously, she wants to help him. Despite this, she decides to not approach him, but if he asks her for help, she will gladly.

Three weeks go by with Benjamin coming for counselling twice a week. He is prescribed certain medications and continues to share. She is happy to see him sharing more as the weeks go by. Her relationship with Nicholas also has grown and she is enjoying their time together. One day as she goes to pick up something from the grocery store, she takes a shortcut through a park. As she walks there that evening she runs into the one and only Benjamin.

“Hello,” he says staring at her surprised. He has not spoken to her privately since that day at D&Zzzz. He feels embarrassed about his actions and is not sure what he can say. He has been avoiding her for the past few weeks and though he feels she will forgive him, he feels puzzled.

“Hi,” Ann says. “What are you doing here?”

“I…” Benjamin says letting out a sigh. “I came out for a walk. Dr. Knightly said I should go for a walk…”

“That’s nice,” Ann says smiling. “Most people just say they do this stuff, very few actually do. Good for you.”

“Yeah,” He says as he notices her holding a bag. “What’s that?”

“Just some coffee,” Ann replies as they look at each other awkwardly. “Ok, I better get going,” she says as she is about to leave.

“Wait!” Benjamin calls out, “Want to walk with me? For a while?” Ann smiles and nods her head as she joins him for a walk. She is happy that he is finally willing to talk to her. As she walks beside him he decides to talk, “This counselling thing is not so bad.”

“That’s true,” Ann replies. “But these things take time. Don’t expect to build Rome in a day.”

“Yes,” He says. “Call me impatient but I am not sure this walk is really helping.”

“You are impatient,” Ann replies as he lets out a small smile. “Things will take time. Have you started on a hobby yet?”

“No,” Benjamin says. “I am just not sure what to do. Plus, I don’t feel like doing much anyway.”

“Can I make a suggestion?” Ann asks as Benjamin looks at her curiously.

“Sure.”

“Why not try picking up on an old hobby,” Ann says as Benjamin looks confused. “Something you liked doing as a kid perhaps. Something you used to do but couldn’t find the time for anymore. Such a hobby will help; re-doing such activities can be quite motivating, not to mention it’ll bring back good memories too.” Benjamin gives a smile and nods just then Ann gets a message on her phone. She quickly checks her phone and says, “I have to get going.”

“Nick?” he asks.

“Yes,” she replies smiling.

“For what it’s worth, I really am happy for you guys,” Benjamin says as she smiles at him and walks away. Though he is not sure of the details, he figured out she likes Nicholas and now they are together. And according to what she said earlier, he has a feeling his drunk conversation with her gave her the push she needed to ask him out. After about ten minutes he returns to his apartment and opens the door to find Tom and his sister Fiona there waiting for him.

“Hello bro,” Fiona says as she comes to him and hugs him.

“Fiona, what are you doing here?” Benjamin asks surprised.

“I just came by… where were you?” she asks.

“I went out for a walk,” he says as he sits on the couch.

“Since when do you go for walks?” she asks sarcastically.

“Since he’s going for counselling,” Tom whispers in her ears. “Don’t make a big deal out of it.”

“Oh my goodness! I am so happy!” Fiona says hugging Benjamin once again irritating him. “Tell me how do you feel now?”

“I share my feelings enough Fiona. Let it go!” Benjamin says as he gets up and walks away from her trying to avoid the subject as Tom and Fiona look at him smiling brightly.