When Riley woke up it was a different uncle she woke up to. She didn't say anything this time and just let Eric stare at her. She knew she really had no right to start an argument so she didn't. When Eric stared at his nitch he felt hopeless. Out of everyone he was the only one that thought Riley wasn't getting better. He had seen her when she was sat down crying as she tried to will the pain away.

No one else thought he understood the gravity of the situation. He did. Riley's eyes watered slightly.
"Why did I have to run away?" she asked timidly. Eric didn't answer as he weighed the gravity of what she had said. He looked down, willing his own tears away.
"You ran because you couldn't stay. I don't know why you're so scared of Lucas but I do know it wasn't his fault for the way you reacted because you had anticipated his reaction I just don't think you understood why." She nodded slowly and gulped. Pulling up her sleeve she ran a hand down her scars.
"I thought when I got home I would want to stop for everyone, Farkle and Auggie god even my parents but I think I realised this addiction is one that won't just go" Eric climbed into bed with her and pulled Riley into a warm hug.
""This is a hug Riley, it's what you give to people who you care about and I know that in your mind you believe you are not worthy of being loved" she began to cry again and hugged her uncle tighter.
"Uncle Eric I think I need to check back into the clinic" she said, to everyone else it would seem like the fact was obvious but to Eric, he understood that to his nitch it was another step towards recovery.

"I think I came home too early, I know my decision will hurt all my friends, especially Farkle but I need to do it. After Christmas though, I won't let Christmas be filled with goodbyes and I need to tell Lucas, he deserves the truth. I may not be superman but I won't be weak. This is the right decision, I know it!" she said, as if trying to tell herself that what she was doing was the right thing. Eric smiled and kissed the top of her head.
"I'm proud of you Riley and I know everyone else will be too" she smiled at him.
"Thanks Uncle Eric but I need to recover before I can believe that."