Change | Kitty's No.6 – sometimes, it really is better to stay in bed
This chapter is a little awkward. But it's okay.
Sometimes, in the morning, Kitty would wake up, and she just couldn't move. At all. She was stuck to her bed, and not physically. She was fit and healthy, at least in that department.
No, mentally.
Kitty had good days and bad days. Most days, say thirty days of the month, were good days. Day thirty-one was not good. Emotionally, she was tied to her bed, for the feelings in her stomach weighed her down. She didn't really understand, at first, though. She had no reason to feel anxious or depressed or anything like that at all. Three years of therapy later, she understood it just happened.
They were butterflies. Just bad butterflies.
The university knew about this problem, and often understood that most students took a few lessons off their courses anyway, considering the two Kitty did were not too 'serious'. However, it was one thing she just... forgot to mention on her health form when she joined NCIS. Most likely probably because she hadn't had one in months.
From the team's perspective, it took about five hours to realise that Kitty was not there. As usual, they had a case and a crime scene. It was only when Tim headed down to Abby's to help process some information the team realised what was missing. "Where's Kitty?" Abby asked.
"Not working today," Tim said, wondering over to Abby. She raised her eyebrows.
"Well, it's Tuesday. So, unless she's ill..." Abby trailed off. Tim thought hard about that.
"Hmm. It does feel like something's missing. I'm going to go check with Gibbs," Tim said, walking back out. Lucky for Tim, they met in the elevator.
"Done? Already?" Gibbs asked, eyebrows raised.
"No. Have you seen Kitty today?" he asked. Gibbs shook his head.
"Thought she wasn't working today. Why?"
"It's Tuesday, so she must have at least been in this morning. Abby's wondering if she's ill."
"Well, I haven't got a call, or a notice. Maybe check in with the university?" Tim nodded.
Instead of just calling the school, Tim thought he might as well walk and get some exercise anyway. It was pointless, anyway. After half an hour of waiting, he finally got an update. "No, she did not show up for her Theatre Arts class, which is the only one she has today. Maybe check at home? She could be having an episode," the lady at the desk informed him, speaking in a monotone voice. Tim nodded, frowning and hurrying off again.
Once back at the Navy Yard, he got into his car and called Gibbs. "Do you know anything about her medical records? The university said she had episodes," Tim said. He could see Gibbs shake his head.
"As far as I know, Kitty's the healthiest person on the team, apart from Ziva. Maybe."
"Well, she didn't show up for any of her classes today, so they suggested I should check at home."
"I'll come too. I know where she lives," Gibbs said, tapping Tim's window. Shamefully, Tim jumped.
As soon as they got out of the car, the two realised how weird Kitty's living situation was.
"An entire house? To herself?" Tim said, pulling the spare key for her place out of his pocket.
"You have a key to her house?" Gibbs asked. Tim nodded. "Well, let's get in, then." Before Tim unlocked the door, he knocked, and yelled 'NCIS!', just for Kitty's benefit. There wasn't an answer.
"McGee, unlock the door or I'll break in."
Once actually inside the house, they saw it was a lot smaller than they thought. The house was also eerily clean, almost as if no one lived there. Gibbs pointed towards the stairs and Tim nodded, leading the way up. All the doors upstairs were wide open, apart from one, which was nearly shut. It was quite dark in there, and a dog cam running out. It rushed over to Tim, pawed at his trousers, and then back into the room. The two men followed the dog, not bothering with their guns anymore. When they got in the room, the first thing they saw was Kitty, lying on the bed, curled up, and looking as if she was in extreme pain.
Tim went straight over to her, sitting on the bed gently and whispering her name. "Kitty?" she opened her eyes and squinted up at him.
"Kitchen cupboard, above the sink. Red bag. Get it," she whispered back, grabbing onto his sleeve. Tim looked at Gibbs, who'd most likely heard the instructions. A few minutes later, Gibbs handed the bag over to Tim.
"Open it. Fill the syringe and force it in my mouth," Kitty said, speaking more confidently. Tim did as she said. She pulled a face after having it, but a few seconds later (with a little help) sat up.
"I think I forgot to put that on the medical form."
