Hidden Anguish

Story by Dreamscometrue16

Summary: Anne has been acting strange and everyone notices and is extremely concerned. Unable to open up because of her past, she internalizes everything forcing her into a deep depression. Will she be able to overcome her demons?

Chapter 1

Hightail It

Dear Gilbert,

I hope you don't find that I am crossing any lines by writing you this letter, but once you know the reason, I think that you would a agree it is necessary.

I am desperately worried for Anne. She has been utterly depressed for quite some time now, that I fear it is starting to affect everything in her life. She has not been sleeping well, is not keeping up with her studies, I find her crying in her bed at night when she thinks no one is listening. I am not sure what to do or how to help her. I am not sure if I should intervene because the despair that I feel from her is not something I am used to seeing from our dearest Anne.

Did something happen between you two? Although it entirely possible that it has nothing to do with the two of you, I fear if I ask her it will plunge her deeper into despair.

Please, if you know anything, help me understand so I can help my dearest friend overcome this monstrosity.

Sincerely,

Diana

Gilbert dropped the letter to the floor. His hands covered his face and inhaled deeply trying to keep the worry away. He has not received a letter from her in at least two weeks and thought that maybe it was time to pay a visit. He turned his eyes to the calendar that was hanging on the wall to see when the best time would be to catch a train. It was Wednesday, he had a test tomorrow that he absolutely could not miss, but the rest he could get by with being absent. Although his schooling was of utter importance, he knew that Anne was his future indefinitely. She above all else was more important than a couple of classes. He turned his head to the clock, it was 4pm which meant that his advisor Professor Emily Oak was still in her office. He quickly put on his shoes and raced across campus to get to her office. Once there he knocked gently on her door.

Emily Oak turned towards the door.

Emily: Mr. Blyth! What a pleasant surprise. Won't you come in.

Gilbert walked patiently into the office.

Gilbert: Excuse the interruption, but I was wondering if I could have a moment?

Emily looked at Gilbert surprised.

Emily: Of course, please take a seat.

Gilbert gently sat and took a deep breath.

Emily: Now what's on your mind?

Gilbert: Professor, I just received a distressing letter from back home and feel I need to go.

Emily nodded her head.

Gilbert: I know I have an exam tomorrow that I need to be there for, but would it be possible for me to catch up with the other classes when I return?

Emily: If you feel that you need to get home, you should go. I can arrange for you exam to be rescheduled with your professor.

Gilbert: Are you sure there's no problem? I don't want my studies to fall behind, but I do feel that it is very important I get home as soon as possible.

Emily: Mr. Blyth you are a fine student at the top of your class. Your professors will have no problem with it I oversee them and have made the decision. I can see that this is distressing you very much, and I know how seriously you take your schooling. You go, but I should know, when do you think you would be able to return?

Gilbert thought for a moment.

Gilbert: I hope to be back as soon as I can. Maybe Monday, or Tuesday.

Emily nodded.

Emily: You send word to me the moment you know. If you feel you need to stay longer, we may need to have a different conversation. Pre-med is not an easy subject to miss out on. That said, I think that we can both agree that family comes above all else.

Gilbert nodded.

Gilbert: I will send a telegram that moment I know!

Emily: Very well. Safe travels.

Emily looked up at the clock, then back to Gilbert.

Emily: I believe if you hurry the last train out leaves in about ½ hour.

Gilbert nodded and stood and extended his hand to shake hers.

Gilbert: Thank you so much Professor, I really appreciate everything you're doing.

Emily nodded.

Emily: Now go before you miss your train.