Cry for Help

by Joy Katie

This is a major trigger warning story. I started writing this for a reason. I intend to write it when I need to. It is not something that will have frequent updates. She wanted help. She needed it. She didn't know how to ask for it. Sometimes help comes from the most unexpected of places. But a silent cry for help doesn't necessarily mean you are ready to accept it. M for themes.

2. Reaction

"I want to die."

"Excuse me?" The response from Archie was quiet and questioning, having not expected those to be the first words out of her mouth when she entered the room. "Do you want to tell me why you said that?"

"Well. I said it because I feel it."

"Maybe I should rephrase my question Mayor Mills… what is going on that makes you feel that way?" Regina shook her head, unwilling or unable to put her complex thoughts into words. She stood from the seat she had taken and made her way to the window, looking out at the town she now loathed.

"I gave up everything… everything for a second chance at a new life. I was supposed to be happy. I was supposed to be living a life of joy and love and magical memories. I was not supposed to be waking to a feeling of dread of the coming day. I was not supposed to be awake until the small hours, until crying exhausts me enough to fall asleep. I am not saying I deserve anything, that I am entitled to anything. But I don't think my past lives should dictate that every day from now until forever makes me want to die. Not just that… it makes me want to do it myself." She looked up at Archie, expecting him to speak but there was nothing. He simply watched her passively, as if waiting for her to continue.

"I know I have Henry. I wouldn't do that to him. But this is the thing. I want to die. I have for years. And I am going to do it. I'm just… waiting for the right time." Again, the room was silent, this time for a matter of minutes before Archie realised she wanted him to speak.

"You seem pretty certain in your intent Madam Mayor… so what did you hope to achieve by coming here?" He saw the twitch of anger in her eye, and continued before she opened her mouth. "By that, I mean… how can I help you? You obviously came for a reason. Whether to try and get me to talk you out of it, or if you want someone to just listen while you talk? What can I do to make sure you don't have to go through this alone?"

Regina's eyes were sad and she was staring out the window as if her mind was occupied. Archie waited. He pretended not to notice her wipe the lone tear from her eye. "When the time comes, I just want Henry to know that I…" She hesitated again as she searched for the right work and the word she choked out surprised the doctor. "…tried to do better. For him"