Irene sat in the tiny white room, she tried to tell herseld the closed space didn't bother her. She tried to convince herself that there was a silver lining to all of this, but solitary was a terrible place. The white walls were padded and so was the floor, there was a bare mattress in one corner that she was sitting on.

She counted the cost of the loneliness she was experiencing now, and she was paying for it. She had decided that being locked away was worth it. She didn't want to take those drugs, espeacially if Leon told her not too. She told herself she didn't have a choice in her actions but that was a lie. She pushed her hair back from her face with a choked sob. Truly miserable in her own skin and completely fed up with her life.

When had her life gotten this out of control? She was a happy child for the most part. After her mother left her father, her life had been on a downward spiral. She couldn't blame her mother for the choices she had made. She married Steve because she was young and stupid. She now found herself questioning everything in her existance. She couldn't stand to sit alone in her agony anymore.

She pushed to her feet and began to pace the small room. Small spaces had never been her favorite place. In fact the one thing that scared her was small spaces. She paced back and forth, but the more she paced the closer the room began to seem. One wall to the other was only a few feet, and the lack of windows made the room cold. It was a silent room, enough that the silence was almost enough to make her go crazy.

She felt her chest tighten and constrict to the point she feared a heart attack. She let out a whimper of pain and felt tears spill over. She took a shuddering breath and choked a little. She pushed her hair back with shaking hands, she fisted her hands in her hair pulling on it hard enough it hurt. She collapsed to her knees and let out a scream that would wake the dead. It echoed back at her in the tiny room. She rolled into the fetal position and cried.

The door swung open but she didn't notice. She was gone, her mind shut down in an effort to preserve what little of her was left. It happened when Steve would beat her, after a few hits she'd close off and simply disappear.

"Irene." Leon dropped to his knees beside her.

She didn't respond even in the slightest, but he noticed the catch of her breath. He noticed the shaking and hysteria she had obviously experienced.

"Irene, talk to me...what's wrong?" He asked.

"Space...no...no space." She managed to say through clenched teeth and hitchy breath.

It took him a minute to realize what happened. He lifted her into his arms easily and headed for the door. Nurse Sally stopped him at the door.

"What are you doing? She is being held until her doctor can see her." Sally said.

"She's afraid of small spaces. Locking her in that room might set her therapy back years." He said.

"Oh, I hadn't realized." Sally said.

"I'm taking her to her room, I'll stay there until her doctor can see her." He said pushing past Sally.

"Of course." Sally said to his back.

He moved into her room and looked for Helga but she wasn't around. He laid her on her bed, tucking her under her blankets. He sat beside her and he began to rub her limbs in an effort to not only relieve the tension in them, but to warm her frozen body. She stayed locked in the fetal position, her shivering not subsiding.

"It's okay, I'm here...it's okay." He repeated over and over, after what seemed like hours she relaxed and her breathing slowed.

"How long was I in there?" She asked.

"Three hours, I'm sorry." He said pushing her hair from her eyes.

"I can't...I can't do small spaces." She said.

"Obviously." He said with a smile.

"How'd you know?" She asked.

"Hell girl, that scream could have woke the dead. People in brazil heard that one." He teased.

"I'm sorry, for what I did." She said.

"It's okay." He replied.

"Don't let them put me back in there, please." She begged.

"I won't. I promise." He said softly.

Her hand wiggled its way from the blanket to find his and she gripped it with a strength he didn't know someone so tiny posessed. Again, his mind told him not to allow her such liberties, but he didn't stop her. They sat in silence for a few more minutes until her shaking subsided, and he felt confident she was going to be okay.

"Can I get you anything?" He asked.

"Can I have some water?" She asked.

"Sure, I'll be right back." He promised.

He pulled his hand gently from hers and left her alone in her room. She stared at the wall feeling slightly better. Her room with Helga was tiny, but not near as confining as the solitary room. She wiped her cheeks and realized now what a mess she must look like. She sat up and tried to finger comb her hair, but it was useless. The door opened and Leon stepped back inside closing it behind him. He sat down beside her handing her the glass of water.

"Thank you." She smiled.

"You're welcome, I'm not surprised you're thirsty after a screech like that." He said.

"I'm sorry if I made a scene." She said.

"Don't be, I've seen worse. So, why small spaces?" He asked.

"When we first left my father...my mom and I...lived in a car for two years...I just can't do small spaces anymore." She said.

"I'm sorry, you deserve better than that."He said.

"Yeah, well...she tried." She said with a sigh.

"Did Steve try too?" He asked.

"No...not really." She said. She moved to that she could lean her back against the wall and he copied her action.

"What happened to your mother?" He asked.

"She died when I was twenty, her liver quit...she was never quite the same after we left my dad, and she hated Steve." She said.

"So, why did you marry him?" He asked.

"I was young, stupid, I thought I was in love." She said with a shrug.

"And now?" He asked.

"Now, I know I am." She said turning to look at him.

"Oh, I see." He dropped his head and moved to stand.

"No, I don't think you do." She said setting her cup aside and standing as well.

"He's your husband and you're in love with him, that's a good thing." He said.

"No, Leon...you don't understand I..."She was about to argue when he turned around, and kissed her.

She froze, her eyes wide with surprise. His hands framed her face gently, and if he noticed that she wasn't responding it didn't stop him. His lips caressed hers gently, coaxing her into a soft submission. She didn't melt into his arms or slowly let go, she stood there for a good thirty seconds not moving or responding and then like a great wave she broke across the shore line.

Her arms slid around his neck and she opened her mouth under his tongue. His hands left her face to grip her waist. It wasn't exactly the kind of kiss she'd imagined with him, it wasn't the soft gentleness she'd come to know him for. His right hand moved from her side sliding up to her chin, his thrumb sliding along the column of her throat.

She started to move and he thought she was going to pull away, his hand on her waist locked her body closer to his. Her hands dropped from his neck and went to the sweater she was wearing, her fingers fumbling with the buttons. After realizing her intentions he moved his own hands to help her. He undid the three buttons with expert speed and she struggled out of the sweater. He tossed it to the floor and backed her up until he could press her into the wall. He broke away from their kiss to trail kisses down her neck, she let her head drop back against the wall and when his lips brushed across her collarbone couldn't bite back the moan that bottled up in her throat.

He brought his lips back to hers and she suspected it was to help keep her quiet, it didn't work. His hand slid under her tank top, his fingers grazing the skin just above her pants and she arched her back trying to get closer. He broke away first and kissed across the curve of her jaw and down her neck. He dropped to his knees and slid her tank top up his lips following along against the bare skin he'd exposed. The thundering in her veins raged until she thought she'd go crazy. There was a knock on the door and he jumped shoving her tank top down he moved to the other side of the room.


She pressed her back tighter against the wall, needing the support to hold herself upright. The door opened as Leon picked up her sweater and tossed it onto her bed. She looked at him but he refused to meet her eyes. Arnold stepped into the room.

"Irene, I heard you had a problem today." Arnold said glancing at Leon.

"I was put in solitary, I had a panic attack." She said softly.

"I heard her screaming and went to get her."Leon said.

"Why were you in solitary?"Arnold asked.

"I uh..."She looked away and didn't finish.

"Go on.."Arnold encouraged.

"We had an altercation, in the cafeteria." Leon said.

"Alright, I just wanted to check on you. Try and get some rest, okay?" He asked.

"Yes sir." She said.

"Leon, walk with me." Arnold said motioning at the door.

Leon paused at the door and looked back at Irene, she offered him a weak smile, encouraging him to go with Arnold. He pulled the door shut behind him and the two of them began walking down the hall.

"Leon, Irene's husband Steve is going to make bail any day now." Arnold said.

"Okay." Leon said.

"What I'm trying to tell you Leon is, that he's going to come here...for Irene."Arnold said gently.

"He can come if he wants too, I won't let him near her I promise." Leon said.

"That's just it Leon, if she refuses to press charges, I can't stop him from signing her out of here." Arnold said.

"She won't go with him." Leon said.

"If she doesn't want too that's fine, but Leon...I don't want you to get your hopes up." Arnold said.

"What do you mean?" Leon asked.

"I mean, don't fall in love with this girl. She's a loose canon and I don't want you to get hurt if she goes back to him. You've done a great job with her, you've helped her but if she goes back you have to let her go." Arnold said.

"I do love her." Leon admitted.

"I figured as much." Arnold said.

"I'm sorry." Leon said.

"Don't be sorry, I should apologize to you. When I gave you this job I never even thought that maybe the lines would get blurred." Arnold said.

"I should have been more proffesional."Leon said.

"To fall in love with a beautiful woman, a woman who you have a real connection with is a gift Leon, you shouldn't have to be sorry for it." Arnold said.

"The timing, it's just so wrong." Leon said.

"It usually is, I have to go talk to Claire, but I just wanted to give you a hears up on Steve." Arnold said.

"Thanks." Leon stopped walking.


Arnold continued down the hall. He glanced again at the folder in his hands. This was a big risk he was about to take, but a nessecary one in his opinion. He stopped outside Claires door and took a deep breath before knocking.

"Come in." She called.

"Hey, I want you to do me a favor." Arnold said pushing open the door.

"Hey Claire, how are you today?" She asked sarcastically.

"Come on, this is serious." He said closing the door.

"Okay, tell me." She sat down in her chair behind her desk.

"I want you to sign Helga out of here." He said.

"Excuse me?" She looked confused.

"It's not helping her being here, I can't sign her out alone I need your signature too. I want you to sign her out with me." He said.

"Then what?" She asked.

"I have an apartment a few miles from here, I want to take here there. If she doesn't get better in a few days I'll bring her right back. Just sign her out and sign her under me as a theraputic leave." He said.

"This is ridiculous. No." She said shaking her head, she stood to leave.

"Please, Claire. I never asked for personal favors I'm begging you, please do this for me. I know I can help her just...please." He leaned on the desk his eyes begging her.

"I'll sign her out for four days, then I want her brought back and evaluated." She said.

"Yes, okay." He handed her the paper.

"If she starts to relapse even slightly, I want you to bring her back." She said grabbing a pen.

"I will, I promise." He said.

"If you were any other doctor I wouldn't agree to this, but I trust your judgement. Don't make me regret this." She said.

"I won't I promise." He said.

She took a deep breath and quickly signed the paper he gave her. Helga would be released for a certain amount of time for what would be considered outside therapy. Arnold also handed her a paper giving him four days off on personal time.

"Thank you." He said taking the papers.

"You're welcome, I honestly believe you can help her." Claire said.

"I hope so."He said heading for the door.

"Arnold?" She called to him.

"Yeah?" He paused.

"Just, be careful you're not causing her more damage. The worse thing you can ever give someone is false hope about how you feel." She said.


Claire was making her usual rounds when she heard the noises. Nurses screaming and patient crying out in pure agony, breaking into a run she followed the sounds. She found a patient on the floor of the main hall. She was taking a massive seizure. Claire didn't hesitat, she dropped to her knees beside the patient and tried to hold the young woman down.

"Call the doctor now!" She yelled at the nurses.

The womans body convulsed and she bit down on her lip. Blood ran all over her body and Claires as the seizure took hold. Claire wrapped her arms around the woman and tried to cradle her head. The convulsions were so strong it moved Claire as well and he knuckles busted open from the force of the womans head against the floor.

"Give me something now, make it stop!" She yelled at the doctors who rushed in.

As the doctors sedated the woman and rushed her away Claire pushed to her feet. Leon handed her a towel to wipe off the blood and a nurse rushed to get her ice for her busted hand.

"Who was that?"She asked Leon.

"Lily Smith, she's in here for therapy to help her get over bi-polar."He said.

"Has that happened before?"She asked pressing the ice to her hand.

"No ma'am." Leon said.

"Was there a change in her meds?" She asked.

"Just the pills you added." Leon said.

"That could be a coincidence right?" She asked looking at Leon.

"Or not Ma'am." He said gently.

As if on cue another patient began wailing and nurses began running to help. Clair froze her breath seeming caught in her chest. Those pills. Leon rushed off and she watched them drag a young man out on a stretcher, he was convulsion so bad they could barely hold him still. She moved to the nurses station and found a young nurse there.

"I want that new drug off rotation, now." She said.

"But Jack is in control of that." The girl said.

"Now, I want it off now. Not another person takes that pill." Claire said.


Arnold opened the door to Helgas room, Irene was asleep in her bed. Helga was staring out the window and turned when he came in. He motioned with his head for her to step out of the room with him. Once they were in the hall he spoke.

"I talked with Claire, she's releasing you."He said.

"Really?" She asked.

"You're going to stay with me for awhile, after a few days you have to come back. Claire will evaluate you and if she agrees you'll be released. If you relapse while we're out however I'll have to bring you back."He said.

"Okay." She said.

"Don't get too excited, you're still my patient and we're going to talk this stuff out." He said.

"Okay, fine." She said nearly bubbling over with enthusiasm.

"Okay. I'll be back in a few minutes to get you."He said.

"I'll be here."She said with a smile.

He turned and moved quickly towards his office, he'd grab a few things and they would be out of here by noon. He swung open his office door and there stood a man he'd never seen before.

"Dr Shortman?"The man turned to him.

"Yes, I'm sorry. Who are you?" Arnold asked.

"I'm Steve Duncan, I'm here for my wife." The man said.

Arnold froze and took in the man from head to toe. He was shorter than Arnold expected barely over 5'5 in height. He had red hair that was a little too long, he was skinny and limber looking. His knuckles and arms were covered in tattoos. He looked about Irenes age, Leon was a good six years older than her.

"Oh, I see. I wasn't expecting you so soon." Arnold said moving to his desk.

"Yeah, well I got out. I want my wife back." Steve said.

"Sure, just let me call my boss." Arnold picked up his phone and dialed Claires number.

"Hello?" She sounded like she'd been crying, but he couldnt' deal with that right now.

"Steve Duncan is here." Arnold said.

"I'll tell Leon and be right there."She said before hanging up.

"She'll be here in a minute and we'll sort everything out." Arnold said forcing a smile.

"What exactly is she here for?"Steve asked.

"She tried to kill herself." Arnold said.

"Typical." Steve said before sitting down.

"Has she tried this sort of behavior before?" Arnold asked.

"No, but she's a woman. They're all completely lost without a man to tell them what's what." Steve said.

"I see." Arnold took a seat just as the door opened and Claire stepped inside, Leon was behind her.

"Mr Duncan, this is Claire she's the head doctor here." Arnold said introducing them.

"It's a pleasure to meet you."Claire said forcing a smile.

She offered Steve her hand to shake but he didn't take it or move to comply.

"Can I just get my wife please?" He asked.

Arnold glanced at Leon whos hands were clenched into tight fists at his side. He was a dangerous man standing there, and Arnold didn't doubt he could kill Steve with his bare hands, in fact the size difference was staggering.

"Your wife was admitted for trying to kill herself, she's been through a lot and with the help of the doctors and staff here she's made great improvement." Clarie said leaning on Arnolds desk.

"There aint nothing wrong with her that a litle discipline and a strong man can't fix." Steve said.

Leon took a few steps forward and even Arnold nearly dove for cover, Steve stood up ready for a fight but he looked beyond scared. Claire however simply raised a hand and placed it gently on Leons chest without even glancing at him. He stopped moving immediately and stood beside her.

"Mr. Duncan, I want you to consider letting her here for a few more days. I really feel that we can help her." Claire said.

"Cuddling and cooing over Irene won't help her. I'm taking her home, now." He said.

"Yes sir, Leon...would you mind?" Claire asked him.

"No, Ma'am." Leon gave Steve one last threatening glare before exiting the room.

"We'll walk you out." Arnold said motioning to his door.

Steve walked out into the hall and Arnold and Claire fell in step behind him. They walked in silence until they reached the main doors and nurses desk. Claire requested Irenes papers and she signed them before handing them to Arnold.

"Feels like I'm signing a death warrant." Arnold said under his breath.

"I know." She said softly.

Leon came down the hall with Irene beside him. His body language spoke volumes to Arnold. He wasn't touching her but he walked close enough that his fingers could brush hers and just slightly touch them. He was stiff in his posture and his face was grim. Irene forced a smile when she saw Steve but her walk slowed considerably.

"Irene, let's go." He said in a gruff voice and she winced.

"You've been a greta friend Leon." She said looking up at him.

He turned and looked to Arnold like he contemplated kissing her, but he took a deep breath and smiled instead.

"Thank you, you take care of yourself." He said.

"I will." She said.

She turned to Steve and when she was close enough he grabbed her hand. He walked briskly to the door and she jogged to keep up. Leon moved as if he was going to follow them, but he stopped beside Arnold and Claire.

"I'm sorry Leon." Claire said.

"It's not your fault Ma'am." Leon said.

"I'm still sorry, take the rest of the day off." She said.

"Thank you ma'am." He said.

"And Arnold, shouldn't you be leaving?" She asked.

"Yeah I guess." Arnold said.

"Okay then, the world can't stop just because of this." She said.


Claire moved into her office and when she opened the door Jack was there staring out the window.

"Hey, I got a message that you called." He said with a smile.

"Yeah, I'm pulling the plug on those drugs." She said.

"What? Why?" He moved to take her in his arms and she pulled away.

"I had six patients take seizures today, none of them had this problem before. I told you if it risks my patients I'd call it off." She said.

"Claire..."He started to protest.

"No, you're not talking me out of this." She said.

"I want to help these people." He said.

"This isn't how you're going to do it." She said moving behind her desk.

"Baby, come on please." He reached for her arm and she pulled away.

"You know how I feel about you, and I hope this won't change how you feel about me, but it's over Jack. I'm sorry." She said grabbing some papers and her purse.

"No, no of course it won't change." He said.

"Good, I'll see you later then?" She asked.

"Of course." He leaned in and kissed her.

She pulled back from the kiss and smiled at him, maybe they would be okay. Maybe he wasn't using her. She left him standing in her office and she waved at the nurses at the desk as she left. Maybe, just maybe.


Arnold and Helga walked down the steps together to his car. Even her walk seemed lighter and watching her practically skip down the steps convinced him that this was the right choice. They were half way through the parking lot when it started to rain, it began as a light drizle which caused her to freeze.

"It's just rain, it's okay." He said reaching for her arm.

"I know, I just...I haven't seen the rain in a long time." She said.

She tipped her head back and he turned to the car putting his briefcase in the back seat. He pulled out a black umberella just as the drizzle turned into a full on downpour. She let out a squeal of pure delight and he moved placing the umberella over both of their heads.

"You'll catch your death of cold." He said.

"Come on Arnold, live a little." She said stepping out from under the umberella.

He followed covering her with it yet again, she smiled at him shook her head. She was already completely drenched, but he aimed to keep her from getting any more soaked. The rain picked up until you could barely see.

"Helga, please..."He started to protest.

She laughed and grabbed his hand that was holding the umberella. Leaning in close, close enough he could kiss her in about two inches. He leaned in and a second before his lips touched hers she jerked away, effectively tearing the umberella from his hand. She laughed and twirled away from him.

"Come on, give it back." He said reaching for it.

She shook her head and stepped back, it was kind of a moot point now because he was as soaked as she was. He took a step forward she took a step back.

"Come on Helga." He begged.

She laughed at his agony, but didn't hand over the umbrella. He lunged intending to grab it and she lept to the side. He stumbled nearly falling down and stepped into a large puddle. The water splashed up his legs and she erupted in a fit of giggles. He groaned at the sight of his new dress pants were definitely ruined. He took a few steps forward and saw the mischeif in her eyes.

"Don't!" He warned.

Against his warning she turned on her heel and took off at a run across the open field. The umberella was dropped on the ground and he grabbed it as he sprinted by. He chased her across the field though he knew she was holding back, she always had been faster than him. When he at last snagged her arm her cheeks were flushed from running and she looked like a drowned kitten, but she was laughing in between her gasps for air. He wasn't as winded, but equally as tired.

"Helga..."He was about to speak when a crack of thunder split the silence.

She jumped visibly and dove for cover under the umberella. She arms locking around his wasit, nearly knocked him off balance. It took him a second to register she was shaking. He was about to speak when another crack erupted and she tightened her hold.

"Helga, it's just thunder." He said softly.

She didn't reply and it was obvious that their fun time was over. He draped an arm around her shoulders and led her to the car holding the umberella uselessly over their heads. Once she was in the car she was still nervous. He turned on the head and watched her shake like a leaf. They reached his small apartment and he led her up the stairs and in the front door.

He closed the door behind them and took off his coat. He looked at her standing there shivering and letting a puddle on his carpet. It thundered and she winced.

"Hey, why thunder?" He asked moving around her .

"What?" She asked.

"Why thunder?" He asked.

"I don't know, isnt' that silly? I don't know. I just don't like it." She said.

"I'll get you some dry clothes." He said moving into his bedroom, she followed along behind him.

She stood in the doorway and he dug in his drawers for some clothes, coming up with a grat t-shirt and swesatpants that he decided would fit her. He turned and saw her standing there.

"Put these on and I'll see about dinner. Are you hungry?" He asked.

"No." She said simply.

"Well, I'll still see what we have." He said.

He was rambling he knew he was rambling, but the sheer intimacy of the situation was now more obvious. He always rambled when he was nervous. As if reading his thoughts she dropped her head to stare at the floor, another crack of thunder had her pressing herself against the door frame.

"Don't think about it, just block it out." He said.

"How?" She asked.

"Find something that distracts you." He said.

She stared at him for a mintue with a look that for once he couldn't quite read. Then as if making her decision she grabbed the hem of her t-shirt and peeled it over her head. His stomach dropped a thousand stories.

"Helga, don't." He said.

"Why not?" She asked.

"Because...I won't be able to say no." He said.

"Then don't." She said.

She took a step towards him and when he didn't move she wrapped her arms around his neck. Her body was freezing cold from her run in the rain, and when her lips met his they were cold as well. He kissed her back and his fingers trailed lightly down her spine, feeling every little bump along the way and letting goosebumps in it's wake. Her skin was cold and wet and for some reason that fueled him on more than turning him off. He broke away for a second, this was a bad idea and he knew it.

"I don't think this is a good idea." He said softly.

"It's not." She agreed kissing his neck.

"We should probably just stop." He said closing his eyes and trying to block out the feeling of her lips on his skin.

"Or not." She said pulling his shirt over his head.

"Helga..."He had all kinds of protests ready.

"Please, just don't be my doctor right now." She said.

She wrapped her arms around his neck again, her body pressed against his and he loved the feeling. She felt like she was meant to be pressed against him. He kissed her deeply this time deciding that maybe he didn't want to be a doctor right now.

They would have to talk eventually, that was a given. For right now though, for the next few hours in his bed with the thunder rolling above them they communicated entirely without a single word, and it was the closest he'd ever come to truly understanding her.


AUTHOR NOTE: IT'S NOT TOO LATE TO ASK ANY QUESTIONS YOU HAVE, just post them in a comment or PM them and I'll answer them in the next chapter. Below are the ones I've recieved so far, I've answered them the best I can.

QUESTION ONE: I'd like to know what happened to Irene's mother and how Irene met her husband. I'm also really curious as to how Arnold started developing feelings for Helga and how she never noticed. Were they more apparent after she went missing?

ANSWER: I explained in this chapter what happened to Irene's mother so that was solved. Later I am planning on digging a litle deeper into how she met Steve. As for Arnold, I'm going to explain that later on as well for now though I think it comes down to this. Rather he liked Helga or not as a child they always had kind of a connection, they just did. I think after she went missing he'd miss that connection and as an adult it would naturally form into kind of a love. You know as an adult even after someone passes you keep loving them and if anything that gets stronger and I think that's reflected here. Also, she went missing as the age where you're kind of standing there on that line between adulthood and a child and I think the stress of that could only amplify the feelings that may have been budding when she disappeared. Now that she's back you have all those feelings that he had over the years finally finding an outlet. We will talk more and touch base on Arnold and his feelings over the years, but for now that's my answer.

QUESTION TWO: What do you think has to happen for TJM to be made?

ANSWER: I think the important think is for people not to lose hope. I mean, it's a hard thing to imagine this movie getting made and people get discouraged over time. However, the powerpuff girls just came back after I believe it was ten years off the air, that's a huge accomplishment and I believe if that can happen this movie can. It won't happen over night and I know it's been a long fight, but the people fighting it want this movie, I'm one of them. I think if we just keep showing the loyalty than in the end whatever happens at least we can say we gave it all we had.

QUESTION THREE: Gerald still has to be Arnold's best friend? IT WOULD BE GREAT IF PHOEBE/GERALD MADE AN APPEARANCE!

ANSWER: I was originally not going to have Phoebe or Gerald in this at all, because I had Irene and Leon, plus Claire, but I'm thinking a short appearance will happen in one of the upcoming chapters.

QUESTION FOUR: Did Arnold ever find his parents?

ANSWER: Again, in an upcoming chapter we are going to get a deeper look at Arnold, and the past few years and the answer to that question will be revealed at that time.

QUESTION FIVE: Why did Arnold say he can't be the one for Helga even after she is released? It wouldn't be unethical to be together when she's no longer a patient, and she wasn't even really kidnapped/traumatized right?

ANSWER: I think Arnold is trying really hard to help Helga, and at the point of him saying that he was still trying to be proffesional. We also need to remember that Helga has no experience with anything really, It's great to be someones last love but being their first is a strain. I think mainly, he wants her to live her life and just be who she wants to be. It might not be unethical to date after she's released, but she woulnd't have had much of a life if they did and Arnold was always a sympathetic person to others needs I think he would understand she needs to be free. She wasn't abused while kidnapped, but again he life was pretty much non-existant she's got a lot of things she's going to have to learn and she has an entire life to make up for.

So, if you have any questions go ahead and ask! I love talking to my readers.