"There's something up with Weston," I say to Donovan as we head out after a long day of work.
"Why do you think that?"
"He seems to be on edge all the time. He jumps at just about every move someone makes."
"Well, he has been through a lot. Give him time."
"I just worry about him. He's brilliant and I don't want him to do something he would regret."
"Like I said, he just needs time to cope with all he's gone through. All we can do right now is watch over him and be there if he needs us."
"You're right. I'm going to get going. I'll see you tomorrow morning."
I get into my car and begin driving. I'm exhausted, but a stressful feeling overwhelms me. I pull into the parking lot of the local gym. I see a very familiar car in the spot next to mine. It belongs to Mike Weston.
I enter the gym and head straight toward the room filled with boxing equipment. Mike Weston is the only other person in there. He is punching one of the punching bags with all his strength. The sweat is pouring off of him.
"Everything alright?" I ask him when he takes a break.
"Everything's fine."
Mike continues punching the bag with all his strength.
"I know there's something you need to talk about. I'm here for you. Let's sit down and talk this out."
"I told you, Ryan, I'm fine. I don't like it when people interrupt my workout."
Listen, Mike, your behavior at work worried me today, and I can help you work through all of your feelings."
"I can manage my feelings just fine. This is the last time I'm going to tell you. Leave me alone!"
Mike goes back to punching the bag again. He is going to strain himself if he keeps going like that.
"You're going to hurt yourself. Please, just take a break and talk to me."
Mike takes off the boxing gloves and tosses them aside.
"You have my attention. Now say what you need to say."
"I know you've been through a lot lately. What you're feeling is completely normal, but the acting out you've been doing is not only worrying me, but the rest of those in the bureau."
"Well, how else am I supposed to react? Five people have tried to kill me over the past few days. I don't know who to trust anymore."
Mike bends down to pick up the gloves again.
"I don't think so, Mike. You need to rest."
I take a step towards Mike, and he takes a swing at me. I dodge his punch and grab his wrist.
"Let go of me!"
He swings at me with his free hand, but I grab it. I pin his arms down, tightly gripping both of his wrists. He struggles against me. Although he has been hurt, he has quite a bit of strength left in him. He manages to move my arms out to the side.
"Take it easy, Mike. You're going to hurt both of us."
I grip Mike's wrists even harder as he struggles against me.
"Help!" he shouts.
I quickly put my hand over his mouth, muffling his cries.
"I'm not doing this to hurt you. I'm here to help you. You just have to work with me."
"I take my hand off of Mike's mouth, and let go of his wrists. I take a step back. Mike unclenches his fists and takes a moment to catch his breath.
"You're right, Ryan. I need help."
Mike drops to his knees. He puts his hands over his face and sobs. I sit down next to him and wrap my arms around him.
"It's ok. I'm here to help."
Mike buries his face in my chest and sobs even louder. I rub his back in a circular motion.
"Everything's going to be alright. We'll get through this together."
I mean every word I say to Mike. I've been down the same road, and I know how hard it is to almost die. I will do whatever it takes to help him. He needs me now more than ever. I won't let him down.
I have a few more requests that I will be working on soon. I will be starting work again soon, so I won't have as much down time and I can't stay up all night writing like I did when I was down at school, but I will do my best. :)
