Relief?

Ruth stared at the brown liquid in her favourite mug. The doctor had asked so many questions that she began to wonder who the analyst was. Becky Ramini was good at what she did. Smiling slightly she leant forward.

"Ruth. It's going to be ok."

"Is it?" She glanced up. "Please don't tell Harry. What I said about when I was a teenager. I've never told anyone other than my aunt Jessica. This was her house. My first proper home since my Dad died." She sighed as Becky nodded.

"I'm a doctor. We are governed by something even more impressive than the Act." She sipped her own tea. "The Hippocratic Oath, and patient confidentiality. Harry won't hear a word from me."

"Thank you."

"He's a good man, Ruth. Let him help you." She watched as Rut nodded. "He may make absolutely disgusting tea but no one is perfect." She watched as Ruth smiled slightly.

"You're right. This tea is awful."

"I'm going to prescribe you some antidepressants. Just a short course, three months. Don't look at me like that. You have clinical depression. It's nothing to be ashamed of. If you had asthma would you take medication? A heart condition? Diabetes? Of course you would. This is no different."

"I should be stronger. I knew the service would be demanding. Anything worthwhile is." Ruth spoke quietly.

"You are not weak. Ruth for the last hour and a half I have listened to how your friend died, your daughter, your father and Auntie. How you were betrayed in the worst way imaginable. You've coped with so much. It's no wonder you snapped. You've been strong for too long. Since you were eleven! Come on Ruth, if we were talking about anyone else but you then you'd have more compassion."

Ruth looked up.

"Take the medication. I'll see you in a month. I'll also recommend counselling but I don't think you'd agree."

"No." Ruth shook her head. Becky nodded.

"Think about it, yeah?"

"Yeah." Ruth sighed as Becky handed her a prescription. Ruth took it, glancing at the drug name. A second later she handed her a second prescription. Ruth frowned as she took it. Becky left the room, calling to Harry as she left. Ruth looked at the second prescription before smiling slightly. Where the drug name should have been Ruth read one word, 'Harry.'

Xxxxx