Entry Twenty-Six

[atashitaki]

So many troubles. So many hurt souls. I have been receiving letters from... so many people in the last few months. I have read devastating things. Not many that I have been able to allow to be published in the newspaper due to their... delicate nature.

However... I believe a little perspective is needed.

On my desk right now I have letters.

1: A

Comments

[hiyoshroom]

Senpai... I feel the same, somewhat, reading things and only being able to watch from afar.
If there is nothing more I can do than offer words of comfort, then I do what I can and move on. It really is up to the people themselves, how to deal with most situations. Quite wise words.

[atashitaki]

I do try my best, Hiyo-chan~

Kind words can only get so far, though. Soothing over the situation doesn't get these people the help they clearly need. Whenever I respond to a letter like these, I always add addresses, phone numbers and websites to people and places that can help them come to terms with the things they are going through. Doing it alone is never the option.

[hiyoshroom]

You're better than me in that aspect, because you take a step further.

[atashitaki]

It's my job. I wouldn't be good at it if I didn't take it that step further.

[zen_of_kabaji]

That's why I really think you're a wonderful person. Because you care so much. I see how those letters make you so sad and how you want to do what you can for them.

And I want to do what I can for you.

[ooc: and Taki is going to end up getting some sort of cute love letter mixed in to the mail, just to lift his spirits a little]

[atashitaki]

Thank you, Kaba-chan~ You do so much for me already!

(ooc: That might make her cry... But they'll be happy tears!)

[zen_of_kabaji]

Usu. But I want to do more.

[ooc: it'll definitely be a cute little love letter. Kabaji is going to really think about what all to put in it. It will be simple...but it'll be really really heart felt]

[atashitaki]

It's a step. They should be talking to a professional, I imagine but... Some people find it easier to write their feelings down and tell a friend, than a stranger.

No matter how bad you think life is... there's always someone else worse off. People should learn to be happy with what they have, not what they don't.

[atashitaki]

... You're a smart girl, and you're completely right. Which is why, I think, these people write to me so often. Plus I'm cheaper than a psychiatrist~

If there was such a person... I'd want to find them, bring them into the light and show them joy and happiness. No one should feel they're the worst. No one should be at the bottom of the pile.

Screened

[gouya_killer]

I get that you're an advice columnist, and you probably don't need or want advice from anyone else. But...the one that wants to die, and the one that has you worried--because that is a cry for help--if you can, find them. They need to know that they aren't alone, and I'm afraid some sount of hotline might not do it. There's a difference between a trained voice on the phone and a real person who cares enough to see their pain and reach out to them.

I'm speaking from experience, here. Very close experience. And not everyone is lucky enough to be found just in time.

Re: Screened

[atashitaki]

I can take advice as well as I can give up. But, for the record... The letters that worry me... I do try. I try my hardest to find them and... sometimes I have been of help. Sometimes... I am hated and distrusted for my efforts. But I try. Because I agree with you. I can offer all the advice in the world, direct them to people who they can talk to, but having someone there with you, to talk to you and to listen... someone who cares, a friend... It can help more than anything.

So I will try. Believe me I will.