Chapter 8

They sat one the bench for another hour. Sometimes with closed eyes, sometimes watching the ocean and the beach, the latter getting more and more crowded with people who either just walked the beach or sat down for a few minutes to enjoy the sun. During the whole time Steve and Catherine never let go of their hands. They just enjoyed a wonderful morning in the sun. Steve squeezed Catherine's hand and looked at her. "Hey," he said smiling lovingly at her. "I know we have a lot of work to do, but since I still don't know where to start, I'd like to enjoy the day with something different. You okay with that?"

"Of course, I am okay with that. And just so you'll know not everything will be about addressing and/or wrestling the problem. We need some kind of balance that will definitely include some fun things and particularly stuff you want to do. I don't want you to ask me for permission every time. I am here to assist you and to guide you once in a while or kick your ass, but I don't want to and I won't for that matter control your whole life."

"Sounds like you have a plan then."

"Yes, I have. I am going to tell you tomorrow after another night of peaceful sleep. And like two days ago I want you to hear me out first. Then you have a whole day to think about it and another night of restful sleep before you decide." He shrugged.

"Didn't turn out that bad last time after all." Catherine felt a bit of relief after hearing that and smiled reassuring hat him. "Now, what are your plans for today?"

"I'd like to visit some of the places on Danny's list. Maybe we can try one of the cafes or restaurants and I'd like to send him another picture or two."

"Sounds good to me. I think he'll like that too. Speaking of cafes: Despite the great breakfast we had I could use a big coffee and some ice cream or a giant shake."

"Then let's go. We passed one on the way here. The other two are in a different part of the town. Ten minutes later they arrived. Unfortunately, they had to sit inside, but everything they ordered was just awesome. Since Danny had not only written down the places but also some parts of the menu to try, Steve took a pic of everything and sent it with "At least the food is good here?. How are you, brother?" It didn't take Danny long to answer.

"Getting better. Still sore, though. Looks like you try to batten yourself. Be careful. Too much fat is not good for you, especially since you don't do your swims, runs and whatever else you were doing in the middle of the night where normal people sleep to gain some energy for the day, instead of exhausting themselves before breakfast."

"Just did that so I can eat stuff like this and of course to stay fit, because someone had to chase and catch the criminals."

I'd let you do that anyway. One of us has to do the brainwork?. Now, enjoy your food. Hope you like it as much as I did. Miss you, love you."

"Same here. ? Enjoy your day at the beach and give Eddie a kiss, will you? Till next time."

After they had left the café they went sightseeing and to two more places Danny had recommended. Steve took a few pictures, but didn't send them. He wanted to save them for later, but didn't specifically say when "later" is. After a little snack in the late afternoon they went back to their hotel. Both were happy but exhausted after a long day. Steve was too wiped out to do anything else then lay down. Catherine gave him his second pill and went to take a quick shower. When she returned ten minutes later the pill had already taken effect. Steve tried desperately to sit up again and to keep his eyes open. He looked like he was on the verge of panicking. Catherine immediately noticed his distress and was by his side in seconds. "Hey, don't fight. Relax, Steve. I am here. Come on." Hearing her voice and feeling her touch, he calmed down significantly and he stopped trying to stay awake. He closed his eyed and mumbled "love you, Catherine." Then he was out. "I love you to, Steve," Catherine said and kissed his forehead. She continued to stroke his cheek and neck for a few minutes, making sure he was really fast asleep. Then she got up again, took her phone and went to the sofa, leaving the door ajar just in case. The call was answered after the second ring. "Catherine. What can I help you with? How is your friend doing? Everything okay?"

"Don't know. You tell me, Julie. He just took his second pill and it took effect much faster than it should. I didn't expect that so I wasn't with him when the drug started to pull him under. When I came back into the room, he was close to a panic attack. Maybe I am just overreacting, but I need to know if this is normal and if there are any other exceptions from the rule or side effects."

"Catherine, you should calm down too. First thing, of course the pills can take effect earlier. It depends on the patient, the stage the person is in and the medication they take beside this one. I just told you 30 minutes, because it is the general time it takes and you wanted something that doesn't knock him out right away and since you didn't call me yesterday, I think it was fine then. Maybe he was a little more tired today. Patients usually feel a bit better after the first dose and are more active during the day which tires them more over the day, because it is just a feeling not the actual status. And from what you told have told me he is actually over the stage for those pills – he should have taken them years ago combined with a proper therapy. I only prescribed these pills, because there are absolutely no side effects, because he can prepare himself for what is coming instead of getting knocked out right away – which you had requested – and because the recovery phase is slow and stress-free. If this doesn't work for him, because he can't fall asleep without freaking out, we should really try to put him on antidepressants or anti-anxiety medication. And he should really speak to a professional."

"No, I won't do that until he says it is okay for him. And he didn't "freak-out", he got drugged a few times with really bad stuff and his body isn't really doing well with sleep or pain medication. He already had some bad reactions and experiences with them. That is why he was reluctant to take them. I promised him to be by his side for the first round with the new meds. And I wasn't. I was almost too late today. I just don't want that to happen again."

"Okay, Catherine. I don't want to push any of you two. I am just saying that he already is in an advanced stage and I can already determine that with the few information you have given me. If you think you can do it alone, do it. I am just telling you it is going to be a long, hard and painful road – for both of you. So, please stay open for everything. Don't want to have you here instead someday."

"I'll try and I have a plan and if it works out, I won't be alone. And just so you'll know, it won't be a different psychologist that I plan to involve."

"That's what I thought. But again: I can't force you into doing something, but I really recommend professional help. If not, I keep my word. Just send me the address for the new prescription next month."

"I will. As soon as I know it. Thank you, Julie. And sorry for my anger. I am just worried. Good night."

"Good night. And good luck – you'll need it."