I8: The Infirmary

[Claire McKenna]

Claire was working at the infirmary, manning the desk.

[Ayami Morita]

"Oh, so NOW they're hiring," Ayami joked as she walked in.

[Claire McKenna]

"You have to move fast when a spot opens up," Claire says with a smile, "I jumped right on it after someone went crazy and tried to kill a bunch of people. You know how it goes."

"What's up?"

[Ayami Morita]

"Just looking for some information, and thought this would be a good place to start.

And schedule a physical."

[Claire McKenna]

"What sort of information?"

[Ayami Morita]

"Mental health issues. I wondered if you guys had, like, pamphlets and stuff. Since the counselor got all brainmelted and shit."

[Claire McKenna]

"We do," Claire says, "We also have counselors on staff if you just need to talk."

[Ayami Morita]

"What? No, not for me, it's for a friend."

[Claire McKenna]

"It's sweet of you to be worried about your friend," Claire says, "Is it serious? Are you concerned they might hurt themselves or others?"

[Ayami Morita]

"Well, kinda, actually..themselves, really.

I don't really understand," she admitted.

[Claire McKenna]

"Being supportive can help, but in those cases they need professional help," Claire says, "It's important to remember that it's not an uncommon thing. Last year over 300,000 people attempted suicide in the United States alone."

"And often times the only difference between attempts and successes were that people got help. Usually because someone made them get help."

[Ayami Morita]

"Well, it's complicated. I mean, I don't think he's suicidal..."

[Claire McKenna]

"With all due respect, you're not really trained to know that for sure," Claire says, "And don't you think it's better to be sure about that sort of thing?"

[Ayami Morita]

"Of course, of course..."

[Claire McKenna]

Claire takes out a few pamphlets, "Here. Try these. And just try being there for your friend. When people are feeling down, it's easy to feel alone. Trust me."

[Ayami Morita]

"I've been there, but I've never wanted to..." she trailed off.

[Claire McKenna]

"I have," Claire admits, her voice a bit softer, "Before I started going to the Institute. I cut up my wrists pretty bad. Still have some scars."

"Get your friend some help," Claire says, "Even if they don't want to talk to a counselor, they can just come in and talk to me. No reports. No judgement. Just as a friend, alright?"

[Ayami Morita]

"Right! That might help. I'll talk to him."

[Claire McKenna]

"You do that," Claire says, "I'll be here."