#earthrunes

August will pass Vera to Velvet for support, and collect the items for disposal. They go into the trunk when they get to the car.

And then maybe Velvet can gather an overnight bag for Vera while August supports her.

It is done. The squire is efficiency personified... she is after all, a sluagh

And off to the Clinic they go.

Vera's high ends as they arrive, and she moans "Never lastss long enough... god I wanna die"

Velvet tuts "OUR choice, remember?"

"Fine..." Vera B says gloomily

When they get into the clinic, August finds 'the guy' he knows, who greets him "August! How are you?"

"Hey." August shakes hands. "Listen, can we get a solid? Our friend here is feeling a little down. Can we get her checked over, with little to no paperwork? I know she's feeling down, but is anything else wrong?"

The man looks at the time then says "You know what, my meal break can wait. I had a big lunch. Sure... " he looks at Vera "I'm Ted. Friend of August.. he's a good guy and he doesn't ask for favors often. You must be a special person"

Vera B mutters "he doesn't even know me, not really"

"Doesn't mean you're not special" Ted assures her

"I'm buying you dinner, then." August offers Ted. "Can Velvet go with you?"

"Velvet? Lovely name, sure , Velvet. " he says "You're a friend to her?"

"Yes," Velvet says "and not just because Vera could use one"

August knows Ted wasn't just about to take a dinner break , his 'shift' was probably over, but he gives a damn, and he owes August, so a few extra hours under his persoanl care and 'fast tracking' Vera 's check up and more? Doable. He does smile "I'll hold you to that dinner offer later then August. Okay if we use you as a contact for Vera here? Keep you posted?"

"Please do. I'll wait in the lobby."

"You got it" He assures

Then he walks with Vera "Now, if I end up using the phrase 'Ted Talk' you have a right to ask me not to do that again..."

This makes Vera ALMOST smile

And Velvet goes with her, looking a bit spooked herself but being brave for a friend. The squire might make her liege proud for her quiet courage and compassion

Might? Decidedly does! August goes to wait.

There will be no instant solution, no rapid cure to a deeply troubled mind, but August and Velvet give Vera some place to go to, and the start of an exit from her misery that might take a lot of travel, but it won't go into the last dark. It won't be suicide.

(End Scene but Vera B is to be continued)