"You know, in my years of experience, those who are the most compassionate and caring are often the ones most scarred in the past. They have an empathy that can only come from feeling the pain themselves. That's not to say those who haven't don't have empathy. It's just a different type," Hunter mused. He was softly running his fingers through Melody's red hair, appreciating her presence and company on this hard as fuck day. "A lot of the time, a kind ear and a shoulder to cry on is all you need. This one is tough. The girl had made friends with Cassidy and Justin during her last admission, and I don't even know if telling them will be a good idea. Their own mental health has been fragile lately. But then in some teens, hearing someone their own age has comepleted can be a reality check, or they use it to empower themselves. My head is just in a mess trying to think it all through. There'll be debriefing over the next few days, but that doesn't stop you thinking about it now, you know?"

He nodded, and rested his head down on her shoulder. He was still lightly caressing her hair. It had been a long time since he felt this level of affection and contentment with anyone. Melody defied all barriers. "You do get it. How did you cope when all that was happening? I mean, he is your best friend, he's like a brother to you. You were each other's support for ages. But then it's him emotionally disconnecting, so you had to have felt alone and scared. How did you hold up?"