#top psychologist near me

[healthgennie]

10 Signs of Childhood Trauma You Shouldn't Ignore

Recognizing signs of childhood trauma is crucial for early intervention and healing. Symptoms like anxiety, depression, and relationship difficulties can signal unresolved trauma. If you or a loved one is experiencing these signs, seeking support from the best therapist for depression near me is essential. They can provide compassionate guidance and evidence-based therapies to navigate through difficult emotions and experiences. Taking this step can lead to profound healing and a healthier, happier future.

For Any Query: Call: +91-8929920932 Consult Now: https://www.healthgennie.com/jaipur/psychologist Download App: https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=io.Hgpp.app&hl=en

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Refute therapy centre offers reasonably priced services with good facilities. We are the best physiotherapist in Chennai. For book an appointment visit us at www.refutetherapycentre.com

[drshikhamittal1]

Discover the Best Dietician in Delhi for Weight Loss: Top Expert in Delhi NCR

Looking for the best dietician in Delhi for weight loss? Look no further! Our renowned team offers expert guidance tailored to help you achieve your weight loss goals effectively and sustainably. As the best dietician near you, we provide personalized nutrition plans and support to fit your unique lifestyle and needs. Serving the Delhi NCR area, our specialists are dedicated to delivering top-notch care and results. Trust us to guide you on your journey to better health with the expertise of the leading dieticians in the region.

[casualvoidbread]

6 Warning Signs You are Suffering From Mental Health Problems

It is not surprising that our routine day-to-day life stresses us both physically and mentally. While we tend to take care of ourselves physically, we tend to ignore our mental health consistently 

Best Mental Illness Doctors in Bangalore explain that it is extremely vital to take a moment and reflect on our mental health as it impacts every aspect of our lives.

The best way to deal with Mental Health issues is to first be aware of the warning signs that can indicate that you need to meet your physician or psychiatrist. This blog explores 6 common signs that might signal a mental health issue.

Warning Signs That Matter

Whether we realize it or not, mental health plays a significant role in our happiness, productivity, and relationships. 

Continued feeling of Sadness/ Moroseness Experts associated with the Best Mental Health Clinic in Bangalore indicate that feeling sad and morose for a prolonged period of time can indicate an underlying mental health condition. 

Feeling Isolated Feeling lonely and lost is a clear indication of something disturbing in your mind. Withdrawing or staying away from social gatherings and meetings can seriously impact your day-to-day routines and can even propel you to make drastic decisions. This condition must be overcome at the earliest to help you stay strong and confident.

Varying sleep patterns and food habits Changes in sleep patterns and food habits can lead to nutritional imbalances and can impact energy levels and mood.

Difficulty in focusing An undiagnosed mental health disorder can affect your ability to focus on activities a great deal. This can impact your overall productivity and progress.

Physical ailments with no particular reason Certain physical ailments with no specific cause could indicate a possible mental health issue. Unexplained symptoms, such as headaches, digestive issues, body aches, or fatigue, should not be disregarded as they can generate emotional stress impacting physical well-being.

Frustration leading to thoughts of suicide Thoughts of self-harm or suicide are critical warning signs that should never be ignored or dismissed. They indicate immense emotional distress and require urgent attention.

Ignoring any symptom of a likely mental health issue can not only be demoralizing but also disastrous. It needs the best and calmest minds to understand your situation and show you the way forward. Hence, if you are wondering, “Who is the Best to Reach Out for Mental Health Counseling Near Me”, think no further than Maarga Mindcare. You will immediately feel the difference by speaking to our experts.

[psychologist-komal-gupta]

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3.23 Making an Impression

Part 1 of 2

It’s the day of my hike with Lucy and Lacey. I somehow manage to convince a few other coworkers to come with us even though a lot of us aren’t particularly athletic. Robi, Clara, Quinn, and Lilly are joining us and I’m feeling pretty good about my plan to help Lucy make friends.

While we’re waiting for Lucy and her brother to show up, Lilly shows off her hiking fit. She always has the craziest outfits and they’re usually themed, which is fun.

Today she’s wearing a fishing hat with fabric fish attached to the brim. As Lilly poses for us, Lacey swats at them and they swirl around each other like they’re in a chase. “What’s with the fishing hat?” Lacey asks her.

Lilly starts untangling the fish. “It’s the most outdoorsy thing I own,” she explains. “I thought it really completed the outfit.”

“I think it’s cute,” Clara tells her. “No one said you had to be practical.”

“I don’t think Lilly could be practical if she tried,” Robi laughs.

“I’ll take that as a compliment!”

“I meant it as one!”

“I think that’s Lucy,” Quinn says, looking toward the entrance to the trails. She abruptly slaps herself on the neck, which makes all of us stare at her in confusion. “Mosquito,” she explains, her face flushing red. “They always eat me up.”

Lucy and her crew approach us. A guy I assume is her brother is with her; he looks like the stereotypical Tartosan with his jet black hair and I can see a family resemblance. There's another girl with them, which is great because if there's one thing this trip is lacking, it's female energy.

Lucy introduces them as her brother Paul and his best friend Danica.

Once the introductions are done, we all start making our way up the hiking trail.

“What do you two do?” Clara asks Paul and Danica.

“We’re both students at Foxbury,” Danica answers. “We’re in undergrad now, but I want to be a Psychologist and Paul’s going to be a doctor.”

“Wow, that’s really cool!” Clara replies.

“What kind of doctor do you want to be, Paul?” inquires Lacey.

“I’m not sure yet,” Paul admits. “I want to wait until I’ve done a few clinical rotations in med school before I settle on anything.”

“That’s really wise,” Lilly says, sounding impressed.

All of the girls make their way towards Paul as soon as they hear the word "doctor." They start talking to him about his bright future.

Wow, Paul, it’s so cool that you got a full ride scholarship!

You must be really smart!

I love when guys have a strong work ethic!

I hate to admit that I start feeling a bit irritated. A few weeks ago they all gushed over me when they saw my drawing, but now it doesn’t seem as impressive.

We come to a cliff that Lucy informs us is a popular climbing spot. “If you feel confident in your climbing skills you can go up this way. Otherwise the trail takes you to the top,” she explains.

“I think I’ll climb up,” Paul says confidently. The girls look at him in admiration. I can practically see the hearts forming in their eyes.

I don’t know what possesses me to do it, but I blurt out, “Yeah, me, too.”

As soon as we begin to scale the rocks, I realize I made a big mistake. Why would I think climbing was a good idea? I don’t have any experience and Paul is clearly in better shape. Of course, he reaches the top of the wall with no problem and I’m left struggling halfway up. All I can think about is how badly I need a cigarette.

“Johnny, do you want to just climb back down?” Lacey calls up, with more concern in her voice than I feel comfortable acknowledging.

“No, I’m good,” I lie. It takes what seems like forever for me to get near the top. Every passing second just fills me with more embarrassment.

As I approach the top of the cliff, I see Paul crouch down at the edge and reach his hand out. “Need some help?” he offers.

No, nope, not going to happen! I scream internally, but then I start to lose my footing. Faced with the possibility of this horrible moment being my last one on earth and forever cementing me in everyone's memories as The Dumbass Who Fell Off a Mountain Trying to Impress Girls, I see no better option than to take Paul’s hand. I feel defeated, but at least I still have the rest of my life ahead of me to try and save face.

“I have a lot of climbing experience,” Paul tells me once I’m secure at the top of the cliff.

“No problem, I was just trying to be funny.” Liar! Now that the moment is over and done with, I realize I’m more embarrassed by trying to engage in some sort of macho competition for the girls’ attention than I am in my lack of skill. It’s not the sort of thing I usually do.

“Oh, okay,” Paul responds. He doesn’t sound convinced but at least he doesn’t call me out.

“Are you okay?” Lacey asks me once we catch up with the others.

“Yeah, I’m fine,” I tell her. Just a bruised ego is all.

“We’re almost to the top!” Lucy exclaims. We round the corner and Lucy guides us to the edge. “Be careful,” she warns, and I ignore that she’s looking right at me when she says it.

Cautiously, I peek down over the edge. I’m surprised at how much of the city I can see. It doesn’t seem like we went that high up, but laid out below us are hundreds of buildings and trees that seem surreal in their tininess. “Cool,” is all I can manage to say.

“I can see the studio!” Lilly points below, and the rest of us look excitedly at the building we spend 5 days a week in. It’s funny how something we see everyday seems so much more impressive when it’s viewed it from a different angle.

“There’s where the food truck parks!” Clara shouts and we all turn our heads like we’ve discovered a hidden treasure.

“Great, now I want tacos,” I joke, and I feel the embrace of laughter surrounding me. Maybe the day won’t be a total waste.

Previous | Beginning of story | Beginning of chapter | Next

[pinazee]

An Evening With Mr. Yang

In the infamous words of one Shane Madej:

Who doesn’t love this episode? Are you kidding me?!?!?! The tension is great, the acting is great, Mary Lightly is so much fun, ALLY SHEEDY! There are so many great things in this ep i got a bit overwhelmed haha

Mary Lightly is an amazing character! Jimmi Simpson is such a great actor that i started watching films/ tv shows because he was in them. Like, i watched Westworld just because he was in it (well, and also because james marsden was in it and i love him as well) and he did PHENOMENAL in the black mirror episode the USS Calister! With Cristin Milioti??? Its my favorite black mirror episode (cause I’m also a star trek nerd. That ep was tailored to me specifically)…i went on a bit of a tangent. Anyways, Mary Lightly is one of the top guest characters in all of Psych hands down.

Apparently Yang struck in 95, and we know shawn graduated in 96, so we know in 95 super cop Henry was still a detective. Which begs the question, why wasn’t he chosen by yang?? Im so curious what happened the first time that 6 people died. Was he originally supposed to have been chosen by yang but it was kept secret for some reason?? Ooooo or what if henry had been chosen originally but refused to play the game because he didn’t want yang to come after his family so yang had to go with another cop or simply killed ppl because he refused so henry holds some guilt for those deaths too and thats the real reason he quit??? Or maybe because his marriage was on the brink of collapse henry wasn’t at the top of his game when yang came around. Mmm grasping at straws i suppose, but really though, he should have been chosen (and ill discuss yang more as we get through the trilogy).

Maddy is the worst lol why is she so bad at communicating with her own child??? Shes a psychologist!

I have to call this out because it makes me cringe but bernsens line reading here was not great haha

James though, man he killed it in this! It was understated and heart breaking at the same time!

And Ally Sheedy was in what, like, less than 5 minutes of the whole episode, but goddamn she made an impression! I mean, what an amazing introduction to a character! I have endless praise for this whole scene with her and shawn! What a freaking get.

Lastly, juliets confession. What a great scene too! I like that she called out her sending mixed signals (i almost pointed that out earlier in the season) because uh, yeah, she was confused and thats okay. And like i mentioned before, if im in juliets position id be confused too. She doesn’t know hes a fake yet so all she sees is a highly effective goofball which can be fun, but yeah, maybe not the best if you need someone reliable- which she does considering who her dad is. But this really is terrible timing lol like, bro just saved his mom from being killed by a serial killer and having the most stressful 24 ish hours of his life and shes like, you know what he needs? Romance. (Btw she kind of framed it like, you deserve a treat, i.e me, which in my world means hanky panky lol)

I thought the kiss on the cheek was very sweet (though kind of messed up since hes literally on a date with someone else haha)

What more can i say? Its a near perfect episode and a great introduction to a great killer with a memorable side character and a solid mystery. Gus was actually solving quite a bit of it too so major kudos to him. All around fantastic episode! So uh, yeah 👍

[alexandraisyes]

This is a flag I found for ASPD. There's an entire archive of support flags for people with different kinds of Cluster B Disorders. I just really like this version.

Antisocial Personality Disorder can be disabling and is considered a social disability. Depending on the psychologist it’s also considered an emotional disability like ADHD or Bipolar.

This may not make sense at a glance, but there’s psychologically found logic behind this.

People with ASPD have severe Post Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD), Chronic Depressive Disorder, and General Anxiety Disorder GAD).

The disorder also tends to be comorbid with Bipolar Disorder, Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD), and Depersonalization-Derealization Disorder (DDD), as well as some psychotic disorders like Brief Psychosis Disorder and Schizophrenia. although these last two aren't as common.

There's also a chance for people with ASPD to have overlapping traits from other Cluster-B Disorders (NPD, BPD, HPD). And many people with ASPD struggle with impulse disorders. Common impulse disorders related to ASPD are as follows:

Intermittent Explosive Disorder (IED): Characterized by recurrent outbursts of verbal or physical aggression that are disproportionate to the provocation.

Kleptomania: A recurrent urge to steal items that are not needed for personal use or for their monetary value.

Pyromania: An impulse control disorder characterized by recurrent and deliberate fire-setting behavior.

Pathological Gambling: Persistent and recurrent problematic gambling behavior that leads to significant distress or impairment.

Trichotillomania (Hair-Pulling Disorder): An irresistible urge to pull out one's own hair, resulting in noticeable hair loss.

Many people with ASPD also struggle with addiction and may be fighting addictions to drugs, alcohol, sex, shopping, binge eating, and social media because these are quick endorphin fixes that help us feel something due to the inherent nature of ASPD to be numb almost 24/7.

It's extremely rare for someone with ASPD to get disability aid. Which probably sounds ridiculous, when you look at this massive list of issues. A large part of it is our society. People tend to see someone who has a label that is synonymous with Sociopath and Psychopath (there's a difference between the two) and immediately want them in jail. And it doesn't matter how long they've known that person, or what their relationship is. (I got dumped last year when my ex found out I have ASPD and almost disowned during Christmas when I told my dad. The only reason I haven't been being that he thinks it's a demonic issue that can be "cured with prayer".)

On top of that, our psychology system isn't built to handle someone with a personality disorder like ASPD (or even NPD). I get told a lot "You're really self-aware." Which is basically them saying they aren't going to help you. Of course I'm self-aware if I'm going into the therapist's office for advice (at the least) and actual help (would be great), but I get turned away because if I'm "self-aware", so I should be able to figure it out. This isn't an issue that pertains directly to ASPD, it's also one that affects every disorder that's hard for a neurotypical to understand.

This is more personal. Feel free to read this in a mildly irritated, but not very much, tone of voice. Preferably a tired scholar from Skyrim, that'll make my day.

I cannot function in today's society. I can't hold down a job, and I've tried time and time again. I get a few months in and I hit a wall and my mental health goes to shit. I had to quit my last job for my physical safety because I got bored with just life in general, to the point I was seriously considering sticking my arm in a fry vat.

I haven't even managed to get a proper diagnosis because I don't have health insurance, and I have so many false disorders on my medical diagnosis sheet from my narcissistic father bullying my long-term therapist into giving me damn near every disorder except for ADHD and Conduct Disorder (I was below the age of 18, but it would have helped me in the here and now with securing the diagnosis I need for medical reasons.) Growing up several doctors I worked with wanted to get me set up for an ASPD diagnosis and my father told them no. And because of where I lived I had no say in it, and even if I did my father was abusive, so goodbye to ever speaking up for myself.

On top of that, I'm a woman. There's a severe gender bias in ASPD, as well as the fact that women with ASPD are reportedly less likely to be physically aggressive and more likely to be mentally aggressive, so our symptoms show up slightly differently than the stereotype. And don't even get me started on the stereotypes. Plus women are more likely to be studied for comorbid disorders than psychologists even considering ASPD. This is the same shit autistic women struggled with.

There's a massive underreporting in the female ASPD populace because of this, and a lot more masking going on because everything gets chalked up to "she's just a bitch" or "hormones". There's also just not enough research done on females with ASPD to understand how it may be different from a male with ASPD.

I'm tired. I've been fighting for a year to get people to recognize me as an individual who deals with ASPD. Every time I run into threats of being abandoned (which is horrible, considering I was abused and then abandoned by my biological mom, then put in foster care for the next 4 years), or the road block of "You're a woman. Are you sure you don't have BPD? That's the female disorder." Or just getting tired of the uphill slope. I only have so much stamina, and sure I have a lot of spite for the world, but eventually that's going to run out too. And then I'll probably kill myself.

The suicide rate in general is less than 2%.

The suicide rate for people with ASPD is 23%.

[maarga12]

How to Choose the Best Psychiatrist Near You?

It is not just about taking care of your body to stay healthy. Its also about taking care of your mental health as a stressful mind can deeply impact your physical health. Hence, if and when you come across a situation where you find yourself mentally uncomfortable, it is the right time to seek the opinion of an expert who specializes in treating mental disorders. In other words, see an experienced Psychiatrist.

However, choosing the best psychiatrist in Bangalore is nothing short of challenge.

This article presents some essential tips on how to choose the best psychiatrist.

A strong mental health today leads to a brighter tomorrow

It is of paramount importance that you connect with the best psychiatric doctor in Bangalore who can study your mind very closely and in depth. Here are few points that can help you as you begin your search for one:

Look for recommendations and referrals It is quite common to begin by seeking recommendations or referrals to the best medical expert to consult. Psychiatrist is no different. Hence, get in touch with your family doctor, friends for recommendations.

Testimonials from satisfied patients Nothing better than hearing to satisfied patients on how their experience was with their psychiatrist. This is a great way to move forward.

Location Convenience matters. It is always good to choose a psychiatrist who is located close by so that you can meet him without having to travel much.

Insurance covered Not all psychiatric treatments are covered under health insurance. If you have a psychiatrist who is with the insurance network, nothing like it.

Feel the pulse It is definitely a good idea to ask questions when you communicate with your psychiatrist. This way, you can assess his expertise and experience and ensure yourself that you are in safe hands.

Mutual Respect Since the issue has to do more with the mind, trust your instincts and assess how comfortable you feel in engaging your potential psychiatrist.

Emergency Care Choose a psychiatrist who is available at all times. During out of clinic hours, he should be able to advise you on phone in case there is an emergency situation.

Cost and payment options Look for a psychiatrist who is reasonable and has comfortable payment options as you would have to plan ahead in case of long-term treatment programs.

Finding happiness begins by healing from within. Mental disorders, if ignored, can have a deep impact on your health. Hence, do not indulge in assuming things and drawing conclusions. At Maargamindcare, an elite team comprising of the top ten psychiatrists in Bangalore will ensure that you thrive, mentally and physically.

[healthgennie]

Connect With Emergency Psychologist Near Me to Talk About Your Mental Health Problems

A psychologist is a professional who studies human behaviour and mental processes. They assess, diagnose, and treat emotional, cognitive, and behavioural disorders. Connect with an Emergency Psychologist Near Me to talk about your mental health problems. Utilizing various therapeutic techniques, psychologists help individuals and groups improve their well-being, cope with challenges, and enhance their overall mental health and quality of life.

For Any Query: Call: +91-8929920932 WhatsApp: +91-8690006254 Book Appointment: https://www.healthgennie.com/india/psychologist

[maargamindcare1]

Best psychiatrist in Bangalore | Psychiatrist near me | Psychiatrist in Bangalore

When it comes to mental health, seeking the right care is crucial. Maarga Mindcare Hospital is domestic to the Best psychiatrist in Bangalore, providing customized treatments to cope with a wide range of mental fitness concerns. Conveniently located, it’s your depended on desire for a psychiatrist close to me who in reality knows your needs.

Our crew of experienced psychiatrists makes a speciality of treating anxiety, depression, OCD, bipolar ailment, and different intellectual fitness demanding situations. At Maarga Mindcare, we integrate proof-based totally healing procedures with compassionate care, making sure a supportive surroundings for recovery and recuperation.

Whether you’re coping with pressure, seeking remedy, or need medicine management, our specialists are here to manual you in your journey closer to better mental fitness. As a main psychiatrist in Bangalore, we are dedicated to supporting you regain manage and improve your satisfactory of life. Visit Maarga Mindcare Hospital for complete mental health solutions.

[olivia-anderson-fanfic]

Dancing 'til the break of dawn - Pt11

<Pt10

(TWST Zombie apocalypse AU where Yuu beast tames just a little too close to the sun)

Ace squinted at the apartment in front of them. Yuu decided that this was simply because Ace was an asshole who hated the poor, and not because Ace disapproved of his life decisions. Regardless of what Ace may say, Yuu knew the truth.

“You didn’t have to come,” Yuu pointed out.

“Grim would probably kill me the second you left,” Ace said.

“He didn’t kill Deuce when they were cuddling,” Yuu said, raising an eyebrow.

Deuce flushed red. “Grim crawled over while I was asleep! It wasn’t purposeful!”

Yuu had never said it was. But now he was considering that maybe it might have been. Yuu frowned. His arms were already crossed over his chest, since that was (weirdly) the most comfortable position for his shoulder right now, but he was crossing them a second time in spirit.

Trey also frowned, but it didn’t seem to be due to jealousy: “That’s not good. If you can’t wake up when something touches you, you could get bitten.”

“Which isn’t a problem for us,” Yuu said, quickly, trying to sound more confident about this than he actually was. “Because Grim doesn’t kill me or my friends!”

“Anymore,” mumbled Deuce.

“As long as they’re not girls,” added Ace.

“Shut up!” Yuu said, which might not have been the best comeback, but he didn’t really have one, not in this kind of scenario. It was true, after all. Grim still didn’t allow Yuu to be near female zombies, let alone an actual, live woman. And, while the zombie had mellowed out somewhat with the murdering Yuu’s friends thing, this didn’t change the fact that he had done so at one point.

(Okay, maybe not at one point. It was, probably, closer to at four points. Five, if you count that one time with his family, but Yuu didn’t, that was… different. But the point stands.)

Trey walked up to the entrance. The glass doors had long since been broken, but were recently boarded over by the looks of things. He gave one long, resigned sigh before trying to remove the boards.

No one bothered to help him.

Yuu would love to go back in time. Not to stop the apocalypse or anything, that was impossible he promises. He simply wanted to have a chat with all of those people who used to think that humanity would come together when faced with a horrible threat. Because… no. If anything, they had all gotten a million times worse. Whether that was because all of the ‘good’ people had died off due to their pesky morals, or if the ‘bad’ people were simply more noticeable now that laws were no longer around to protect them, or it was simply impossible to be ‘good’ when under this much stress for this long… Yuu wasn’t sure, to be honest. He was a teenager, not a psychologist. And it wasn’t as if he could poll all of the survivors or anything – he’d die to the aforementioned ‘bad’ people.

Yuu had no intentions of dying anytime soon, he was actually very allergic to dying and he was avoiding an averse reaction like the plague (or, for a more apt comparison, like the plague of zombies that everyone else had to run from). He certainly wasn’t going to die for science. It had been his worst subject in school. Therefore he hates it.

He sighed, his chin coming to rest on top of Deuce’s head. Mostly just to be annoying.

Unfortunately for him, Deuce didn’t seem to mind that much, only bothering to move his bat off of his shoulder, hanging from a lazy hand.

“You need to touch up your dye,” Yuu murmured, poking his friend’s cheek. He will annoy him. If only for the sake of entertainment. “The blue is fading. It’s kinda got a green look to it, now.”

“My hair’s blue?” Deuce asked.

Yuu opened and closed his mouth a few times. He had not been prepared for this kind of situation. Abort mission. He looked around for something else to pay attention to, ignoring Deuce’s elbow digging into his side and increasingly insistent questions.

Aha, right, there were other people. Standing over by the apartment’s entrance. He rushed over to join them, Deuce on his heels.

Deuce immediately grabbed Ace. Mission success! Yuu has managed to pawn off his problems on someone else once again!

“Is my hair blue?”

“Uhhhhhhhhhh,” Ace said, blue-screening. “I’m colorblind!”

Yuu, who had picked out clothes with Ace a mere two days ago, knew this was bullshit. That liar!

Why hadn’t Yuu thought of that?!

Deuce groaned and turned to their two seniors for help, but they seemed preoccupied. Which made sense for Trey, who was trying to break into the complex. But made less sense for Cater, who was simply leaning against the wall, his eyes on the horizon.

Yuu followed his gaze. He found that, if you were tall enough, you could still see the tip of the radio tower’s antenna, poking above the skyline.

Which meant no one but Yuu, Cater, and Trey could see it. Sucks to suck, short people. Try again next time.

Cater didn’t seem to share his sense of humor:

“I didn’t know there were people so close by,” he said, softly.

“This is a great area,” Trey said, the words almost lost as the board under his hand gave way. “The amount of zombies here is surprisingly low.” His eyes flicked to Yuu and Grim. “Er… I guess it’s not surprising anymore…”

“The property value around Yuu is through the roof, yeah,” said Ace, grinning. “If only there was a way to capitalize on this...”

Yuu rolled his eyes. “I can sic Grim on you at any point, you know, don’t get too comfortable.”

Ace grinned, leaning against Yuu’s side, batting his eyelashes. “You can, but you woooon’t.”

“I will if you try and use Grim.”

“Ha! Rejected,” Deuce said.

Yuu snorted. “The same thing goes for you.”

Deuce sulked.

He hesitated, before giving in with a sigh. “Fine, you’re right, I’d probably just beat you up over it. I could never kill you, Deuce.”

“The fuck kinda favoritism is this?” Ace said. “I was your friend first, y’know!”

“Yeah, but Deuce is a sweetheart.”

(Deuce was currently smirking at Ace in a distinctly not-sweetheart way, but it is what it is.)

“I can be sweet!”

Even Trey and Cater looked disbelieving.

Yuu snickered. “The only ‘sweetheart’ you know is those little candy things you can eat.”

“Those are called SweetTarts.”

Yuu frowned. Was that true? Had he been reading the label wrong his entire life?

… no, it was Ace who was wrong, he was sure.

Whatever. He could use this. “Thanks for proving my point.”

Ace scowled, crossing his arms over his chest. “Let’s just get this shit over with.”

Trey gave a tired little laugh, another board giving way. There is a small gap, now, enough for a skinny person to squeeze through, albeit with some effort. Thankfully, this was the apocalypse, so skinny people were not in short supply. They all had muscles, sure, at least on some level, but there wasn’t enough food to go around for them to be anything but lean.

Yuu wondered how the bodybuilders were all feeling these days. Surely not that great.

Oh. What about sumo wrestlers? What happened to those guys?

Hm. On second thought. He wasn’t sure whether he actually wanted to know. He stepped towards the door, intent on literally moving on from that thought, but he was stopped by an arm thrown in his way. He blinked at Trey.

“I need to make sure you guys aren’t bringing any weapons in.”

There was an awkward silence. It wasn’t that they all intended to hurt… whoever Trey thought he was protecting. However, no one was particularly fond of the idea of leaving themselves weaponless in an unfamiliar place while meeting a person they didn’t know.

Granted, they didn’t think that Trey was luring them away to kill them. He could have done so long ago. The cookies he’d given them, in hindsight, could have been poisoned in some way. They shouldn’t be in any danger. But old habits die hard.

This is why Yuu refused to form habits at all! He didn’t care about being searched by Trey. He was weaponless, anyway. That was, like, maybe 10% of the reason they had gone to Cater’s radio station in the first place. So, he let Trey pat him down without complaint. It wasn’t like he had much on him, really.

He did have a pack of cigarettes and a lighter. Trey didn’t seem too concerned about this, starting to hand them back to Yuu.

Only for Ace to snatch them away. “YOU SMOKE?! SINCE WHEN?! WHY DIDN’T YOU TELL ME?!”

“They’re not mine,” said Yuu. His life was just going to be pain and suffering the whole way through, huh?

“That’s what they all say,” Cater pointed out. Whose side are you on, Cater?! Why isn’t it Yuu’s?!

“I mean, sure, but I’m not lying.”

“So, you just have cigarettes in your pocket for fun?”

Yuu pressed his face into his hands.

“He’s telling the truth. They’re mine,” admitted Deuce, looking like he would rather be anywhere else.

If you watched carefully, you could see the exact moment where Ace’s brain struggled to recalibrate.

“Why does he have them then?” Trey asked, genuinely curious rather than outright teasing. It was a nice change of pace. Too bad Trey was problematic.

“Because he’s trying to quit,” Yuu explained, shrugging. “And it’s my job to see whether a situation is stressful enough to ‘justify’ him getting one.”

“Speaking of! I want one! You were shot!” said Deuce, his hand out.

Yuu considered this. And then shook his head. “Nah, your statute of limitations is up.”

Deuce spluttered. “I should’ve asked Ace instead.”

Yuu had never been so offended in his life. How dare Deuce imply he was replaceable? And by Ace no less! “Ace would’ve given it to you whenever you asked!”

“That’s the point —.”

“Nah, I wouldn’t have given him any,” Ace said. “Funnier to see him suffer.”

“Why do all of my friends suck?” Deuce asked, staring at the sky as if it could provide all of the answers he craved. The sky, being the sky, did not relinquish its knowledge so easily.

Ace, however, was happy to answer Deuce, wrapping his arms around him and smushing their cheeks together as he said, “Because you suck, too!”

Deuce scowled, pushing him away, into Yuu, who didn’t really want him, either. But fine, whatever.

Ace was quickly pulled off of him, at least, so Trey could pat him down next. Ace had… a frankly impossible number of knives on him. Yuu had always suspected that Ace would have some ‘cards’ up his sleeves in the case of emergency, but he had never expected quite so many. Of multiple varieties, as well! Yuu counted the butcher’s knife that Ace always carried around. Then, Trey found way too many steak knives duck taped to the inside of his varsity jacket, so he made Ace take it off, only to find two paring knives duck taped to his arms. After that, Trey searched him much more thoroughly, and everyone was both surprised and very much not when his search ended with him finding a switchblade in his left shoe and a butterfly knife in the right one.

“You have a problem,” said Cater, flatly.

Ace, who had been sulking since Trey had thought to search his shoes, stuck his tongue out at him. “Yeah? Let’s see you give up your weapon, then!”

Cater shrugged and walked to the nearest bush, stashing his gun away, seeming to not have a single care in the world.

Yuu, who had been shot by this man not that long ago and was determined to be petty about it until one of them died, called bullshit. But whatever, it wasn’t as if they had no tricks up their sleeves themselves, and as long as Cater didn’t call them on it then… whatever, he could have some insurance, too.

Not that you would know of this silent agreement, looking at Ace. The boy was staring down at the pile of knives at his feet, his carefully curated collected discarded. He was making a good show of looking absolutely devastated. It was, probably, at least partially real. “Really? Can’t I, at least, have a paring knife? They’re dinky little things…”

“I bake, Ace, I know exactly how much damage one of those things can do,” Trey said, shortly.

He turned to Deuce, who tossed his bat to the side, looking reminiscent of an actual baseball player, someone about to run for first base.

Yuu considered the bat on the ground for a moment, before pointedly looking away. He stretched his arms over his head, his sweater riding up for a moment before he sighed and set his arms back down. “Right, that should be everyone.”

“We all good now?” Ace asked, sounding more petulant than Yuu had ever heard him. Which was saying something.

Trey smiled. “Yep! Oh, and the cat stays outside, just for the record.”

Yuu made a dying sound in the back of his throat. Because that is what he was doing. Dying. His emotional support zombie! This should be listed under cruel and unusual punishment. He hadn’t even done anything!

… as far as Trey knew!

Ace grabbed him by the wrist, dragging him over to the hole. “If I had to give up my knives, you have to give up your cat.”

“Those aren’t the same! One is inanimate, the other deserves all of the love and attention in the world! Which I can’t give him, if he’s not with me at all times!”

Cater seemed somewhere between amused and mildly weirded out. “Honestly, I’m not sure whether you or your cat is worse.”

Yuu opened his mouth, and then closed it, struck with a strange dilemma. Yuu, of course, had been perfect since the day he’d been born. But then there was Grim, who was his precious and could do no wrong if he tried. Which was worse?

He pondered this question right up until they opened the door to a ground-floor apartment.

Trey opened the door just a crack, stepping in, explaining to the person on the other side that he had visitors.

And then he let the door swing open wider.

A boy was sitting in the windowsill, a book open in his lap, using the sunlight to read. He was done, now, though, it seemed. He neatly placed a bookmark between the pages and then slipped off of the windowsill. He was tiny enough to be mistaken for a child, if not for the frown lines between his brows. His hair was red, to an unnatural extent – dully, Yuu thought he could give Deuce tips on how to dye his own hair.

The stranger glanced them all up and down for a moment, taking in their slightly grubby appearances. People tried to stay clean, but it just wasn’t an easy thing to do. Unless you’re this nameless guy, apparently, who sat in this tidy little apartment, without a single hair out of place. It felt as if the door had led them into another universe entirely. One that was far nicer. One that smelled of pastries instead of rot. One where water was still in plentiful supply, to the point where using it to clean wasn’t a waste, one where people didn’t chug sodas to make sure they didn’t dehydrate. One where laughs weren’t muffled for fear of being overheard, where grins and smirks were still smiles, where smiles didn’t bely deception.

It was disorienting. He almost didn’t want to step inside.

They didn’t belong in a world like this, not anymore.

“It’s impolite to wear shoes inside,” the stranger said, eventually.

Ace and Deuce sent Yuu smug grins, which he ignored in favor of toeing off his shoes and setting them by the door.

He smiled, lacing his hands behind his back as he stepped through the doorway. The knife Ace had shoved into his waistband pressed against the back of his thumbs. “It’s impolite to scold someone before introductions can take place, too, y’know!”

~~~~~

Pt12>

[casualvoidbread]

Meet Dr. Satish, a Leading Psychiatrist and sleep disorders specialist at Maarga. Experience holistic mental illness treatment in Bangalore with his expertise in addiction and sleep disorders.