Things Only Musician Understand

Part Thirty: Eliza

I hoped that it wouldn't happen again,

but it did.

Once a week at least

I would get a phone call

either from Raylin

or from JJ

and I would rush home

and I would take care of him

until he was better.

I called every doctor,

every VA

every psychiatrist,

every person I could think of,

but all I got

was

"we don't assist veterans"

or

"We don't assist newly released veterans"

I even called Sam,

and asked him to talk to JJ,

but he was halfway across the country,

and promised to talk to him when he got back.

What am I supposed to be to JJ

if I can't get him help.

I can't help him on my own,

and his mother hasn't been around in a few days,

what the hell am I supposed to do?

My phone rings,

so I start shoving papers in places,

assuming it would be from home,

but when I answered it,

it wasn't anyone I knew that was speaking.

"Hello,

is this Eliza Volkov-Romanov?"

I hesitated

"Yes,

this is she."

the voice took no time to wait

"I'm from the psychiatric office you called,

and I was pained

to hear what you're going through,

and what your boyfriend had gone through.

I was ashamed that they would turn you down like that,

so I decided to let you know

that I'll speak with him

anytime of the day,

whatever day he needs it,

for free.

I have nowhere to do it

so I would have to do it on his terms as of places,

But I assume that won't be an issue."

I was still comprehending

"Yes,

that would be fine,

what do I need to do exactly?"

"You need to pick up some paperwork from the office,

and fill all of it out,

it's mostly for me

since I'm doing it off the clock,

but I want the basic information

so I know what I'm dealing with."

"yeah,

I can do that.

thank you,

thank you so much."

"I served myself,

in the army,

so I know what it's like.

And I know what it's like

to go through PTSD,

because I still do."

"I'm sorry to hear that."

"Don't be,

It's a part of life.

I'll schedule something with you to talk to him

as soon as possible.

Just call or text me

at any time

on any day

and I will answer."

"You're an angel."

"No I'm just an everyday person,

All I do,

is stand for the things

that no one else will,

and for what I believe in.

I appreciate the sentiment,

but it's not true.

we'll be in touch I trust.

I'll talk to you on a later date."

and the phone went dead.