by Doc
Kerry held Abby for ten, maybe fifteen minutes. She lost count. All that mattered was Abby. The small sobs and shaking subsided a few minutes after the tears stopped flowing. It wasn't that Abby choose to stop crying it was her body had run out of tears. She'd cried so much.
Pulling back Kerry looked at Abby. She had cried too, it was hard not to. Abby's eyes were red and puffy. Wiping her eyes Abby spoke, 'I'm sorry Kerry.'
Softly Kerry replied, 'Don't be. It's OK. How you doing?'
'Well, I think I've maybe needed to do that for a while.' Abby said then added, 'And I think I want a drink.' Kerry looked concerned. If Abby decided to leave it's not like she could do anything to stop her. 'Not that I'm going to drink. Not here anyway.'
Kerry was relieved but realized if Abby left she probably would drink.
'Kerry, I don't really want to talk about this anymore. Not tonight. I have a lot to think about. I've cried enough and I've taken up all of your night.'
'You're not leaving Abby.' It wasn't posed as a question, it was an order.
'Kerry, I think...'
'It doesn't matter what you think Abby. You've been on an emotional roller coaster over the last few days and it's not over. Right now you're climbing but if you were to be alone I think you might go crashing towards that ground and how long before you reach for a drink? You can sleep in hear. I have a fold away bed that we can bring out. And don't worry sweetie, it's no trouble, you're not putting me out.'
Kerry had replied to Abby's concern before she had a chance to voice it. She was going to say it anyway but decided what was the point? She knew she would drink if she went home or passed a bar or a liquor store. She settled for, 'Are you sure?'
Kerry smiled and nodded. 'Of course. I feel responsible for causing you to brake down. I'm sorry.'
Abby sat straight up and looked at Kerry. 'Are you mad? Kerry, I didn't see the obvious. I thought it maybe was the woman.' Kerry raised an eyebrow. 'Yes, I know I said I didn't but for a second I thought perhaps. But I don't think I would have thought of her family and Kerry no matter how many meetings I went to or how many times you invited me back here I would still have drank. Without a reason for doing it I would keep doing it. You've given me something to work on. I'm not saying I can stop just like that but meetings and you changing my shift so you can keep an eye on me will help. I can work through what affect her family had on me. Not tonight though. I'm tired. I feel drained of energy. Despite that I thank you Kerry.'
Kerry sat listening to the young woman rambling. Tears formed in her eyes at the sincere gratitude Abby had for her. 'Anytime.' Kerry said. And again Abby felt a little warmth inside her at the word 'anytime'.