Tyler had just finished tying his shoes when he saw Mrs. Dun pull up outside. He quickly gathered his phone, wallet and keys off of the table next to him before hurrying out to the car. He hasn't told any of his family about Josh. He knew it would worry them and make them question Tyler's mental health. He told his mom that he was staying home because he still didn't feel well, that sounded a lot better than the reality; he was going to visit his suicidal boyfriend in a mental hospital. He laughed dryly at the thought.

Mrs. Dun gave him a smile laced with sadness when he got in the car. The radio was turned to a low volume, loud enough to sill hear but quiet enough to talk. He smiled back and said a simple hello.

They sat in silence for a few minutes until a thought crossed Tyler's mind that he couldn't get rid of. "Does Josh know I'm coming?" He asked, not really sure if he really wanted to hear the answer. He wanted to see Josh but what if the feeling wasn't mutual?

She looked sad to answer the question. "No... I was going to tell him when I called last night but they said he couldn't talk." She glanced over at Tyler only to be met by his scared, anxious expression. "But don't worry, I'm sure he'll be happy to see you. I know how much you mean to him. He'll be happy, I know it." Her last sentence sounded more like she was trying to reassure herself that she was doing the right thing.

Tyler still wasn't any less anxious by the end of their forty minute drive. If anything, he was worse. A nauseous feeling settled itself in the back of Tyler's throat that made it hard to breathe. He took a few deep breaths before getting out of the car. Mrs. Dun gave him another reassuring smile before they went in.

The lobby looked like any other medical office. The walls were a light calming blue decorated with pieces of abstract art. The room was full of chairs but only a few were occupied by the sad, lifeless faces of people probably visiting a family member. They went to the front desk to check in where they were greeted by a brunette woman with short hair. She asked for their ID's and typed things into her computer as she looked them over. She had a sort of pitying look on her face when she looked up at Tyler. " I'm sorry sir, minors that aren't direct family members aren't allowed to visit."

Tyler felt like he had just been slapped in the face. Mrs. Dun had a concerned expression on her face. "Are you sure? He'll be eighteen in less than a year. Is there any way he could see Josh?"

The receptionist looked sad as she answered. "I'm sorry ma'am, there's nothing I can do. Visiting starts in a few minutes if you still want to go."

Mrs. Dun looked torn. Tyler knew she'd want to see her son but she wouldn't do that to Tyler. He gave her the most supportive smile he could manage before speaking. "It's okay, you can go in. I'll wait out here."

Her torn expression remained unwavering. "Are you sure? I don't want you to feel like you have to do this. I can visit him another time, really."

"I'm sure. I know you want to see him and I'm sure he wants to see you too. Just, uh, could you tell him I said hi?" He hoped he was reassuring enough, in reality he felt close to a breakdown.

She must have believed him. "Of course honey, do you need anything before I go back?" She asked, gesturing to the door that the waiting room occupants were shuffling through.

"No, I'm fine. I actually think I'm going to go for a walk. Call me when you're done?" She nodded before heading back. The receptionist gave him a sad smile as he passed her, only being returned by a small effortless wave from him.

He had never been to the small town they were in and wasn't really sure where he was going when he started walking. He wasn't sure how much time had passed before he found himself at a small empty park. He sat at a bench under a giant tree, it reminded him of his first date with Josh where they sat and talked about nothing for hours and it was one of Tyler's happiest memories. Reminiscing on those thoughts finally triggered his break down. Tears were streaming down his cheeks as he choked and hiccuped over small sobs. The reality of everything felt like a ton of bricks crushing, and suffocating him. It all left like too much and he wondered how much longer he could feel like this before it was all too much.

~~~~~~~~~~

I was looking through some of the earlier chapters of this fic and they kind of suck so I think I'm going to go back and edit them. Also  the psychiatric hospital vibes make me want to write for Mad As Rabbits.

Thanks for reading! Comment, vote and all that jazz if you liked it.