Page 30 of Blessings in Disguise

“That he meant business. His cuts are vertical. These kinds of slits shred the radial artery, causing more loss of blood than horizontal cuts. The patient can bleed out fast.”

“But he’s all right?” Caleb asked.

“He’s stable for now. But he’s far from all right.”

Gemma’s hands shook. “We’ve been trying to help him. All of us. Caleb and I are both psychologists and Jackson runs Pathways.”

“Can we stay with him?” Caleb asked.

“Yes, of course. I can use Ms. Lancaster elsewhere. She’s a volunteer.”

Harlan moved restlessly on the bed but didn’t awaken.

* * *

Dr. Barry pulled two more chairs into the curtained off area. Caleb and Gemma sat on either side of the bed. Gemma reached out and touched Harlan’s shoulder. Jackson caught the doctor before they left. “I can’t tell you how grateful we are, Pax.”

“Of course. I know Pathways and the work you do there.”

“This is some set up.”

“The state’s shutting us down at the end of the month. No funding.”

“I’m sorry to hear that.”

“Thanks.”

When Pax left, Caleb sighed. The inside was old but well kept. The lights were dimmable. And there wasn’t much noise back here. Jackson said, “It’s amazing they kept the place going for as long as they did.”

“Yeah,” Caleb agreed.

Jackson added, “I wonder if there’s anything we can do to help out.”

Gemma gave her first smile of the day. “If there is, I’m sure you’ll find it, Jackson.”

* * *

Harlan’s head was swimming but he stayed motionless and kept his eyes closed. Images came…the bus ride to Syracuse, him wandering around…an alley that smelled like garbage. The knife. He didn’t care. It’d be over soon. No more worry about his future, no more shame, no more disappointing people. I’m sorry…I’m sorry…I’m sorry…

* * *

Harlan slept for an hour, then he woke up. His eyes darted from one side to the other, then focused on Dr. Shepherd. “Where am I?” His voice came out scratchy.

Caleb grasped his hand, grateful that the boy regained consciousness. “You’re in a clinic in Syracuse.”

“How did I get here?”

“We don’t know, Harlan. We were hoping you’d tell us.”

He blinked, then lifted a wrist. “It didn’t work. I couldn’t even do this right.”

Caleb went on gut instinct. “You hit bottom, son. You aren’t alone. We’re here for you.”

The boy’s eyes were as bleak as a February dawn.

Gemma sniffed. There were tears in her eyes. “We’ll help you, Harlan.”

“You already tried to.” His expression was bleak. “Nothing’s changed.”

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