(Anya and Frankie)

*May 10, 1943*

*1:36 pm*

*Margaret Hospital School*

It was a beautiful sunny day as Anya was walking across the gardens and she turned around to see Malcolm looking at the view.

"Good Afternoon, Mr. Malcolm, did Frankie allow you to be alone?" Anya greeted the elderly man as she sat on the bench beside him, waiting for a response.

Soon after, Malcolm gave a sneaky look as he playfully told her to hush, making Anya laugh softly at this event.

"Oh, Mr Malcolm, don't worry, I'll cover for you once Frankie finds us but how have things been for you?" Anya spoke to Malcolm in a polite yet playful voice while looking at the green trees before turning her direction to the elderly man.

Malcolm thought of what to say before finally deciding on how he felt.

"I've been feeling good, still feeling joint pains from time to time but I'm doing good, you?" Malcolm responded in a soothing voice while Anya nodded.

"Glad to know and be sure to take your medicine, okay? I would hate for the pain to get worse.." Anya advised Malcolm as this made the elderly man chuckle softly before responding to her.

"No worries, Anya. I'm taking my medicine and Frankie makes sure as well so I'm pretty responsible." Malcolm responded in a kind voice as Anya smiled back.

Soon after, the wind gently picked up, the breeze feeling calm and cool for Anya and Malcolm.

"Is that Neville boy still harassing you? I've heard he's quite the rude young man from you and Frankie." Malcolm asked Anya in a curious voice as he waited for his answer.

Anya sighed a bit before answering Malcolm's question about Neville.

"Yes, he's obsessed with me. All because I nursed him back into health with the help of Frankie, talk about sadness, right? I might report him to the police but even they are useless.." Anya responded, feeling rather annoyed at the situation while Malcolm nodded in agreement.

"I agree, Anya. Incidents like these are usually swept under the rug sadly; however, you're a strong young lady so I have faith you'll find a way to protect yourself from harm." Malcolm responded in agreement while Anya nodded as she smiled.

"Thanks, and trust me, I won't let that boy get his way with me, I'll kick his butt." Anya responded to Malcolm in a confident voice, showing off her arms as she spoke those words.

This was followed by Anya and Malcolm laughing amongst each other as this was heard by Frankie, who was looking for Malcolm.

"Mr Malcolm. There you are! Please don't run off like that, okay? I understand you love the view but I need to keep a close eye on you.." Frankie advised the elderly man in a worried voice while walking over to grab the handle of his wheelchair.

Once Frankie stood behind him, she looked over at Anya with a smile on her face.

"Thank you for keeping him company and safe, Anya." Frankie thanked Anya as she began pushing Malcolm's wheelchair, taking him back inside the hospital.

Anya nodded as she walked over to say goodbye to Malcolm.

"Goodbye Malcolm, have a wonderful rest of your day." Anya bid farewell to Malcolm, waving him goodbye as she saw the elderly man waving back.

"Same for you, Anya. Take care, and I hope to see you around once I'm able to go outside." Malcolm responded to Anya with a smile for the final time as he went inside the building with Frankie.

Once the doors closed, Anya smiled for a few more seconds before resuming her walk.

The sounds of birds chirping were soothing for Anya as she walked across the garden, partaking in the beauty of the quad and before long, she heard the door opening, it was Frankie.

"Anya, do you have a moment? I need to talk to you about a few things." Frankie asked Anya, adjusting her glasses while waiting for a response from Anya.

After this, Anya turned her direction toward Frankie, making her way toward her.

"I have a moment and I thought you were watching over Malcolm, was there a schedule change?" Anya responded to Frankie as she entered the building to see what was going on.

Once Anya entered the building, both she and Frankie began walking, making their way to the office.

"Yes, someone else is taking over for the time being, and it's good timing because I wanted to talk to you about a few things." Frankie responded in a professional voice while making her way toward the door so she could open it.

Once Frankie arrived at her office, she sat down at her desk while Anya closed the door behind her before sitting in the chair.

"First and foremost, how's your mental health? I know you've been dealing with missing Calvin, school, and that creep harassing you so I know those circumstances are affecting you in some way." Frankie asked Anya in a calm voice while she waited for an answer from her.

The question caught Anya off guard as she didn't expect such a question; however, she knew that things hadn't been good lately.

With a sign, Anya prepared to respond to Frankie's question.

"It's…alright. I'm not suicidal or anything, but dealing with school, turning eighteen next month, Neville harassing me, missing Calvin, and so forth have just been hard for me. I feel trapped in a spider-web at times.." Anya responded in a low voice before chuckling at herself, speaking once more as she knew she had promised herself to feel better about herself.

"Funny, I told myself I was going to be stronger but here I am, talking about how I feel.." Anya spoke to Frankie once more in the same low voice.

During the talk, Frankie listened intently, nodding her head to show understanding as she began to speak up.

"And that shows strength. Just being able to open up about how you feel is what makes you a strong person, Anya. Struggling with mental health isn't a joke and I wish it was taken more seriously but just know I'm always here if you need to chat." Frankie responded in a kind voice, gently placing her hand on top of Anya's, gently holding it tight.

"You're a winner, Anya. Always stay strong for yourself, friends, and family. Those people are counting on you and always strive to be your best." Frankie responded once more to Anya, gently squeezing her hand once more.

This kind gesture made Anya smile at Frankie as she felt safe and relieved that she had another person to talk to.

"Thank you, and don't be alarmed, I'm doing okay, just dealing with some stuff right now but what you said means a lot." Anya thanked Frankie, feeling better while both girls shared a smile together.

Soon after, Frankie got up from her chair as she made her way toward the door.

"Anytime, Anya. Now let's get back to work, okay?" Frankie responded as she gave Anya a thumbs up, making Anya return the favor.

"Got it, and thanks once again, I appreciate your kind words so much." Anya responded with a cheerful smile, giving Frankie a thumbs up as well.

Once Anya smiled back and gave Frankie a thumbs up, she got up to follow Frankie, ready to conquer the rest of the day with more advice and comfort instilled within her heart.