If you feel you’re falling;;

Thank you so much. No, no, it’s fine. I’m sure you can see the scars on my eyes, so I was expecting you to ask. I was attacked in the woods by a wolf and it clawed my eyes. That was about a week ago, so I’m not used to not being able to see.

--A wolf, huh? I'm so sorry to hear about that, really. Is it..permanent? You know, the thing about all these wolves is, they aren't really indigenous to this area. But there's been over a hundred attacks in the past few years. Strange, isn't it?

Well I was actually looking for my phone in case my boyfriend calls. I set it down and can’t remember where. Do you think you could help me look for it?

Of course, of course. It's a pleasure, Langston. Look this is..incredibly rude of me, and if you don't want to answer you have every right not to. But what happened to you?

It’s fine, I’m sure I looked ridiculous. I’m alright, just getting used to the whole…blind thing.

No, no. You shouldn't apologize for that. Can I help you with anything?

Right. That’s there.

Sounds pretty fuckin’ pointless to me. If you’re figurin’ it out, then you got it. You don’t need me. —I lied. Find a therapist, and get outta my shop, Syd.

--I don't have to be told twice. See you 'round, Blake. 

I didn’t. —Miss you. I’m not really around for talkin’, Sydney.

--Oh. Well.

Life Alert (Flashback) || Violet & Sydney

Sydneys expression was, as usual, of concern. Her forehead was wrinkled, eyebrows furrowed, and her eyes scanned the girl up and down in thought. She took her bottom lip inbetween her teeth as she looked up, in total disappointment with what she saw. It was as if the two hadn't even existed, people continuing about with their skating without a care in the world. She scoffed, shaking her head and beginning to dislike people more and more by the second. She brought her eyes back to the girl, giving a slight smile. "Let's get you back on your feet, yeah?" She was grateful that they were so close to the gate, knowing she couldn't carry the girl very far on this ice without making an even bigger mess of it. Still, she took her into her arms in a firemans carry, even finding humor in the less-than-ideal situation as she sat the girl down on the nearest bench. "Sorry bout that. I'm Sydney." She introduced, though she was now kneeling again, inspecting. "--Have you had trouble with this before?"

—It’s not. I’m drinking because I’m thirsty. You got anythin’ valuable to say to me?

I...okay, Blake. Okay. Well uhm, I just--I missed you, that's all. And I just kinda..kinda needed someone to talk to, ya know?

Scratching the back of his head, Andrew nodded. He tucked his hands into his pockets, turning towards his office. He didn’t say anything on their way there, and somehow, he was sure the girl preferred it that way. He wasn’t one for small talk, but Sydney didn’t seem to keen on the idea either. Not at the moment, anyway. He pulled the door to the room open, waiting for her to step in before he did, letting the wooden door close behind him. He didn’t look at her, instead picking up a paper cup immediately and pouring some water into it. He handed it to her, still avoiding any eye contact, and took a seat. He’d be lying if he said the silence was the least bit comfortable, but she’d taken care of him once, and he owed this to her. Clearing his throat, he finally looked at the brunette. “What’re you doing here, Syd?”

In her head, all she could think about was how embarrassing it was to let Andrew see the mess of a person she was now. It was something neither was used to, and she was so ashamed that her eyes remained on the ground, only glancing up now and again to ensure she didn't run into anything and make an even bigger fool of herself. She did bring her eyes up as he neared her, forcing a tight lipped smile as her shaky hand reached out to take the cup. She mumbled a "thanks", pressing it to her lips then quickly setting it down, afraid if she held it herself much longer it would all spill over.  She attempted a smile at the question, but it faltered quickly. What was the point in pretending around him--he saw right through it. "Discussing my leave." she started a sigh, watching as she circled the rim of the cup with her pointer finger. "They..wanted to ask if I was sure about it. That kind of thing. --And I am." Her voice cracked and she looked up, giving a smile that was meant more to prevent tears, more to convince herself she was making the right choice than anything else.

Syd. —What do you want?

The edge in your voice makes me question whether "To see my favorite Canadian" is an acceptable answer, or...--are you drinking with reason?

{flashback}

Charming as ever, Blake. It almost feels like I never left.

It was weird, to say the least, seeing Sydney like this. She’d always had a calm to her, one that could calm down anyone around her. But, there she was, like a timid bird sitting in a corner. He wasn’t sure how he felt about that, but he didn’t know how to handle it either, so he ignored it. “You… want some water?” He asked, unsure of what else to say. He looked around, seeing they were the only ones in the hall at the moment. “My office is empty right now. Come on.” 

Sydney was incredibly hesitant, though it was not because of Andrew. It was a general fear of people that caused her eyes to drop to the ground, staring at her own two feet as she considered whether going with him was a good idea or not. The empty office, though, sold it for her. If it meant getting away from everyone else, if it meant silence, she was in. She lifted her head, finally nodding, but her eyes still avoided his. "Water sounds..nice." She pushed herself off the wall, now eager to get away from the crowd. So eager, she even managed a weak smile and a tone much brighter than what she was typically carrying nowadays, "Lead the way."

Old Times || Andrew & Sydney

She wasn't supposed to be here. Sydney came, unwillingly, only to speak to some of the uppers. They were "concerned for her well being", but "weren't positive" that taking leave would be the best move for her. It was a conversation dragged on far longer than she had planned, and the only thing that had stopped it was the announcement overhead that the hospital would be locking everyone in due to the storm. Now she was sunk against a wall, forcing herself to take deep breaths in and out. Though she tried to disguise it, her heart was beating out of her chest in panic just from being in such a large crowd. Every few minutes a noise or feeling would cause her to jump, frantic eyes quickly scanning the room as adrenaline and fear pumped through her veins, and every time someone took notice. It wasn't her fault, though. She were confined in a single space, with crowds of people she didn't know and therefore couldn't trust. Not with what she was beginning to learn, though the subject she was obsessing over was far worse than the poor girl could ever imagine. It took a few moments but the voice broke through her thoughts, causing an even bigger scare than the jumps she'd been having before. Her wild,wide eyes searched until she found Andrews, and she relaxed slightly. She got to her feet, awkwardly positioning herself against the wall as if she needed its support. "Andrew....hi." Her voice was a timid whisper, as he was the last person she wanted to see her like this.

There’s no fluid in that lighter, you know.

Of fucking course.

Need some help?

No, no. It's fine, I'm fine. But thank you.