Page 25 of Disgrace

John really didn’t have to think about his answer. It wasn’t an easy answer, sure. The thing was, nothing about his life or his disorder was easy. It couldn’t be, and it was never going to be. That was something he was taking away from this place, and because of the man sitting beside him. Yet another thing to be grateful for.

For some reason, John had a sneaking suspicion that there was going to be a lot to be grateful for over his lifetime where Leonard was concerned. At least, during the period that Leonard was his therapist.

“I’m choosing stability,” John said after a moment.

“You are.”

“And so yes,” he added, “you should report me.”

Leonard reached over and clapped John firmly on the shoulder. He wasn’t really the touchy-feely-type, but he was getting better at it. He had learned that sometimes a hand on his shoulder was meant to praise him, and not simply break through his personal space barriers.

He had spent almost five months at Clearview Oaks. For some people, that would seem like a ridiculously long amount of time simply to reset, recharge, and get their shit figured out. At first, it had seemed like a long time to John, too.

Sometimes, mental health couldn’t be fixed with new meds, a couple of chats, and a pat on the back. Sometimes, mental health was so much more than the disorder a person lived with, and the outlook it gave them.

Mental health could not be timed.

It could not be wished it away.

It took patience.

John had needed this.

Damn, how he needed this.

“Seems your drive has arrived,” Leonard said.

John’s gaze drifted from Leonard’s smile, to the black Mercedes pulling up next to the Clearview welcome sign. He had thought a lot about who might come to pick him up, but that was not the person he considered. “Huh.”

“Not who you were expecting, I suspect?”

“Actually, I can’t say I’m surprised,” John admitted as the man exited the car, and came to stand on the other side. “Unexpected, yes, but not surprised. I thought my uncle, Gio. Or maybe even Andino.”

Leonard chuckled as he stood from the bench. “Mmm, I am sure both of those people fought tooth and nail to be the one here today.”

“Likely.”

“Someone else fought harder, clearly.”

Leonard waved a hand at the waiting man.

Lucian waved back in kind.

“Nice to see you again, old friend,” Leonard called.

“And you, Leo,” John’s father replied.

Leonard looked down at John. “Don’t keep people waiting for you—it’s rude.”

Goddamn.

John got his ass up, and took the hand that Leonard offered to shake. “Thanks.”

“I will see you next week, John. Bright and early. Be there.”

“Of course.”

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