A Request

"And that, my dear roommate, is why I chose to study Mental Health and how Anger can be managed without the use of heavy drugs. I want to help people deal with their anger with minimal use of prescription drugs. When my father was unable to take his, he couldn't cope with how he suddenly felt out of control of his own mind and actions. If it wasn't for the EMT that took him directly into the back of the ambulance to isolate him and calm him down, I believe he and my mother would be dead."

Benjimin's eyes drift to his half full mug of beer as he quietly muses about that night, "I never got to thank him; the EMT.  In fact, he wasn't in the ambulance when it arrived at the hospital and the other EMTs don't remember there being a third responder on their call out. My mother and father don't remember him either but tensions were high so I can understand that." He drinks down the last of the beer in one big swallow.

Benjimin looks up at Omoide and raises his hand towards his face, "He had the most interesting eyes," He continues while staring into Omoide's eyes, "Like swirling pools of light. When he looked into my father's eyes, my father actually smiled and took the EMT's hand without argument, following him out of the garage. It was like my father was mesmerized by the EMT's eyes and couldn't refuse him." Benjimin scoffs loudly as he lowers his hand and shakes his head, "Now I'm sounding like one of those people that believe in the mystics and magic." Benjimin shakes his head, " Come on now, Omoide! Let's drink up before we have to become responsible adults!"

The evening continues with several more rounds of beer and lighthearted conversation until Omoide decides Benjimin needs to be cut off. "Benjimin, I think it's time we head back to the dorms and got some rest, what do you think?" Omoide was trying to coax Benjimin off of his chair and into his coat.

"But Omoidedude! It's not even late yet and we have no classes for like…. Ever! Why should we stop celebrating so early? Unless you have other plans for me… uh us." Benjimin tries to wink but it looks more like he was slowly passing out. "I'm not sure what that look on your face is supposed to convey but I think it's time to go home. There will be many more nights we can do things like this." Omoide says as he finally get Benjimin into his coat and slips an arm around his waist to steady him.

Benjimin finally concedes and leans heavily into Omoide's side as he tries to regain some balance while they head out into the cool night air. The walk back to the campus dorms is a short one but long enough for Benjimin to get lost in the warmth of being up against Omoide's side. He tries to snuggle closer and even snakes his own arm around Omoide's waist under his coat. Omoide doesn't seem to notice or it didn't bother him that Benjimin was getting so close and personal although, after 5 years of being roommates, Omoide had seen Benjimin naked and at his drunken worst many times. The fact that Benjimin was getting close while being somewhat conscious was a bit new though.

By the time they reach their dorm, Benjimin was ready to pass out and go to sleep. Omoide opens the door and drags his roommate across the foyer to the bedroom on the right side of the apartment. He gently lays Benjimin on the bed and begins to undress him. His movements are skilled and practiced as he never completely releases Benjimin as he removes his coat, shoes, shirt, and pants. Benjimin is still slightly conscious and is giggling and grabbing at Omoide's hands.

"Seriously Benjimin, what are you going to do when you are out on your own without someone like me to take care of you after your 'research' outings?" Omoide chuckles and shakes his head as Benjimin opens one eye as he is finally able to grab Omoide's arm.

"Stay with me for a little while." His voice low and eyes pleading, "Let's just talk a while. We will be going off in our own directions soon and won't have this kind of time again." Benjimin tries to smile but it's written all over his face, he is scared of a future where Omoide isn't by his side, keeping him company and out of trouble.

Omoide looks away from Benjimin as heat rises in his cheeks. He stands up slowly and Benjimin releases his arm, "I'm going to get some water and something to hopefully keep your hangover from being detrimental in the morning." He gets up from the bed and looks at Benjimin over his shoulder, "Then we can talk some more and make plans for next year, when we can meet up and hang out, ne?"

Benjimin smiles and nods slightly, "Thanks, Omoide. I would really like that." Omoide leaves the room as Benjimin gets situated on his bed. He lets his head fall back against the headboard, his eyelids slowly closing. He sighs, "Should I tell you? Omoide…. Should I tell you how I feel, how I have felt for all these years?" He yawns widely and settles into the pillows. His eyelids begin to droop even more, 'so sleepy', he thinks to himself as he gives in and lets himself start to drift off to sleep, 'who..is oh, Omoide came back…..' he thinks to himself as he allows sleep to take him.

Omoide stands stunned in the doorway holding two steaming cups of tea in his hands and a pill bottle tucked under his arm against his side. His eyes are wide and focused on his roommate sleeping in the bed. He didn't mean to walk in unannounced, he didn't mean to overhear what Benjimin said and now he doesn't know what to do about the rapid beating of his heart.

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As the memory fades, Omoide finds himself 7 years in the future, sitting behind his desk reading through email requests sent to him by colleagues and hospitals asking him to review special cases of mental illness that seems to center around memories and dreams. He stares at the framed degrees and honors hanging on his office walls lost in his thoughts.

His computer chimes as a new email appears in his inbox. A smile crosses Omoide's face as he notices the email is from Benjimin. "This is a bit of an unexpected coincidence." He says to himself as he opens the email and begins to read.

Greetings Omoide,

I hope this email finds you well. I know it's been a while since our last contact and I fear that is my fault. I do wish this was to spread some good news or tell you that I have been involved in some great breakthrough in my research, but alas, that is not the case.

I must have typed this out hundreds of times trying to soften the seriousness or how desperately I need your expertise right now.

So to get right to the point, I think I'm loosing my mind. As much as I study and research mental health, I should have noticed the signs long before it started to affect my physical health. I find that I cannot sleep for fear of dark dreams that have been haunting my sleep. When I do sleep, it's fitful and restless. I have lost my appetite and when I do eat, it's hard to keep it down. I have had countless battery of tests that all conclude this is nothing physical, it's purely in my mind.

I have waited too long to come to terms with what's happening to me and I fear I am unable to travel to you so I ask and will even beg you, Omoide, please spare me some of your valuable time. Please come and help me work through this or at least be by my side as I descend into a madness I cannot climb out of. I will pay for your travel expenses and put you up at my home.

I await your reply.

Sincerely,

Benjimin Madelin

Omoide reads the email a few more times, taking notes and making notations of books he needs to bring. After texting his personal assistant to rearrange his calendar and ready their SUV for the trip, he turns back to his computer to type out his reply.

Greetings Benjimin,

I would start with the salutation pleasantries but from your email, it seems we don't have that sort of time. Direct and to the point will serve us better.

I will be leaving directly after this email is sent. I should be at your doorstep by this evening, baring any natural disasters or missteps on my part. I would like you to send me your journal, which I'm certain you have been keeping. Also send the research and notes you may have collected about your particular condition. If you could do that straight away, I will look them over on my way to you so I'm up to speed on this situation.

I must say, I feel this must have come on suddenly for you to urgently ask for my help. Your past email and text haven't hinted to any mental or sleep issues unless you felt they weren't concerning at the time. In any case, I am on my way to you now and we will work this out together and set your life back on track.

I will require 2 separate rooms as accommodations. I will be arriving with my personal assistant, Ms. Shugosha. She will also be assisting us in our research while we work through this.

I will be there as soon as I can.

Sincerely,

Omoide Bannin