Sheridan walked in the door of his small but comfortable flat he shared with his partner Tarquin.
" Hello love, dinner is waiting. Are you hungry?," asked Tarquin.
" Something light?"
" Cucumber sandwiches, kale and quinoa."
" Perfect, tonight is not a meat and potatoes night."
" I thought so. How is she?"
" Conscious, vulnerable and scared. I've never seen her like that. It looks like she'll do well physically, but she still wants to die."
" Will she stay and get psychiatric help?"
" I think she's leaning toward acceptance of it."
"Good, do you want some sherry?"
" Yes, please," said Sheridan as he sat down at the table.
" Is her neighbor helpful?"
"Very, her daughter went to school with me and has bipolar disorder. She understands crisis."
" She likes the hospital then?"
" Yes, we are all very happy with the care she is receiving. How was your day?"
" I was worried about you, but it went well. I brought you some sweets."
" Thanks,but maybe later."
After attending culinary school, Tarquin opened up a sweet shop, that was popular in the neighborhood.
"Let's play our song,"said Tarquin.
" I'll light the fire," said Sheridan.
" And I'll put the flowers in the vase you bought today," said Tarquin.
" Having a Mum who was obsessed with keeping the perfect house and a partner who is a wonderful chef and baker is lovey. Our house is a very fine house. Now let me put on that Crosby, Stills, Nash and Young after lighting that fire," said Sheridan.
At Elizabeth's house, her brother Emmett had just made dinner. Elizabeth came in sobbing.
" Liz are you alright? She's still alive isn't she?"
" Yes, but in so much pain emotionally. It's so hard to see. She really needs help."
" I've thought that for years, I've bought some Baileys Irish Cream, do you want some?"
" Just a bit. I should let Sheridan and Hyacinth's sisters help more shouldn't I?"
" Yes, Liz, you should although I think you may know just as well as her sisters."
" If you go see her, you will be kinder won't you."
" Of course Liz. I may even use my musical talent to cheer her up."
" You know Emmet, even though she is dreadful at singing,it's a love of hers that will probably be very helpful in her recovery."
" You're right, Liz. Maybe it won't be so bad if she sings at me after all."
Hyacinth woke up the next morning from a beautiful dream. Her parents, husband and siblings were all together in a field of flowers singing together. It was so lovely and perfect. The night before, she had put so much energy in talking to others, that she hadn't noticed her surroundings much. She looked at a whiteboard that listed her care team.
" Patient Sitter, that's what they call you,dear? It's better than mentioning how I got here. Has anyone been here?"
" The nurse stopped by. Your son should be here shortly. I'm Ginny."
" Anyone else?"
" No, Mrs. Bucket, would you like breakfast?"
" I guess I should."
" Someone should be in shortly to ask what you want for breakfast."
Just then there was a knock at the door. A woman about 60 in a modest skirt suit, cross necklace and clerical collar asked," Hello, I'm the chaplain. Is now a good time?"
" My vicar is on holiday. Is it Sunday? I don't have my Book of Common Prayer,"said Hyacinth.
" I'm Sister Joan. Would you like to talk?"
" A lady vicar and religious sister, then?"
" Yes. It's not Sunday, but I'm here if you need to talk."
" I never thought I'd be tired of talking, but I am."
" Well, I'll pray for you."
" I'm.. I'm frightened," whispered Hyacinth.
" How can I help?"
Just then, Elizabeth and Sheridan walked in with Hyacinth's sisters Rose and Daisy.
" Sister Joan, I'm glad you still work here. You really helped my daughter years ago and she still mentions you. I'm Liz , Hyacinth's neighbor," said Elizabeth.
" Oh yes, I remember you. I hope your daughter is well."
" She is, yes."
" Daisy, Rose.. How did you know?, asked Hyacinth surprised to see them.
" Liz told us. We love you Hyacinth," said Daisy.
" Rose, that one time you asked for Mummy's wedding dress to..do what I.. tried.. why.." Hyacinth had started to sob.
" Why didn't I? I figured there were more fish in the sea. Just because he dumped me, it wasn't worth ending my life. I knew you'd all miss me."
" Why the wedding dress?"
" It was the finest dress she had."
" Dear, sweet, Mummy. I want that dress.. so if I ever.."
" No,Hyacinth. You need help. What happened to my big sister who used to comfort me when Dad and Mum were fighting at night? You were strong," said Rose.
" Oh Rose,not now, dear."
Hyacinth didn't want to remember the bad times. She had always tried to forget them.
" Would you like a prayer before I leave?," asked Sister Joan.
" 23rd psalm, please."
Everyone gathered around Hyacinth's bed and recited it, drawing strength from it and each other. Usually Hyacinth was embarrassed by her poor relatives, not wanting people to know they were related, but now, their presence was comforting.
Shortly after eating a little breakfast the doctor told her she was medically clear, but the psychiatrist and social worker would be in to talk about her future.
" Why must you all fuss over me so,?" asked Hyacinth.
" We want you to recover, not live everyday like you feel like killing yourself. That's why we are here," said Ginny.
" They have a good psychiatric ward, Hyacinth. Gayle had a good short stay while at university," said Elizabeth.
" Your, dear, sweet girl.. needed to come here? How.. embarrassing."
" It was scary, but not embarrassing."
" I.. I trust you, please,please don't tell the neighborhood, I'm thinking of psychiatric help."
"No, never. Emmet knows though. My brother's lips and mine are sealed."
" Does Violet know? I want to see Violet."
As if on cue, Violet walked into the room.
"Oh Hyacinth, I was so afraid when your neighbor texted me."
" Were you ashamed of me?"
" No,empathetic Hyacinth. I struggle with depression too."
" You own a Mercedes," remarked Hyacinth.
" So, I lived with an alcoholic father,hardly remember Mum when she was well and married a cross dressing cheating husband and called you about my troubles all the time. I thought of dying sometimes."
" But you never told your wealthy friends,did you?"
" I did. I told them I take antidepressants and get counseling."
" You did?"
" I did."
That gave Hyacinth what she needed to make her decision. If her wealthy sister wasn't shunned for disclosing, she felt comfortable getting help.
Just then, Dr. Ward walked into the room.
" Doctor, help me!"
" I will, Mrs. Bucket. I've brought you some pamphlets about psychiatric care options and have a few more questions for you about your mood."
" I'm ready, I'm going to try ever so hard to be strong and not ashamed."
Everyone in the room smiled and silently thanked God.