I have been quite busy the past few days: three different younger Cupids have asked for my assistance this week, and since my own charges are doing well I did not feel I could say no. But I want to take a moment to give you all a quick update.
Duerre informed me just a while ago that Hugh and Cordell have reached a critical moment. Last night, they were to go out together, but Hugh did not make it for the time they agreed upon. Cordell, who was concerned rather than upset, went to see him and found him in the midst of a panic attack. Duerre tells me that the attack frightened him as well as Cordell, but even through the fear, Hugh was able to reassure her. “It’ll probably be fine,” he kept telling her, breathing heavily. “It’ll probably be fine.”
When it was over, Cordell broke into Hugh’s ample store of liquor, pouring them both a stiff drink. She then pressed Hugh—gently, at Duerre’s urging—until he confessed his anxieties and his struggles to her. She was horrified and told him point-blank that he needed to get help.
“No, listen to me,” she insisted as Hugh buried his face in his hands. “Hugh, this kind of thing can kill you. Trust me, I know. If it’s possible that something can help you climb out of this pit, why would you not take the help?”
He was overcome with shame, feeling low and weak. He managed to convey some of this to Cordell, who snorted so loudly that Hugh looked up in surprise.
“Hugh, you are a sweet, kind man who loves kids and books and wisdom,” she told him, her eyes so steady that he could not doubt her. She laid a hand on his. “You deserve to be happy. And even if you can survive with this weight, why would you not choose to live without it if you could?”
There was more—the conversation lasted through much of the evening, but that was the argument that persuaded Hugh. This morning, he picked up the number of a psychiatrist Cordell knows and called to set up an appointment.
This has brought me much joy, as it has Duerre. We have been worried about Hugh, as anyone would be about a brother who is lost in the dark. Now there is a light ahead for him, a hope that he can cling to. I hope to be able to give you more good news in the days ahead.
Xavier is calling me—back to work!