“Uncle Roy, You Should Be There for Your Niece”

Roy had always been the fun uncle. Whenever his niece, Hailey, needed a break from her parents or just wanted to have some fun, she knew she could count on him. Whether it was going to the amusement park, catching a movie, or just hanging out at his place playing video games, Uncle Roy was always up for it. But this time, Hailey’s request was different.

“Uncle Roy, can I come over and talk to you about something?” Hailey’s voice sounded unusually serious over the phone.

“Of course, Hailey. You know you’re always welcome here,” Roy replied warmly, though he couldn’t help but feel a twinge of concern. “How about tomorrow evening?”

“That works. Thanks, Uncle Roy,” she said before hanging up.

The next day, Roy tidied up his small apartment, making sure everything was in order for Hailey’s visit. He even baked some cookies, knowing they were her favorite. As the evening approached, he found himself growing increasingly anxious. What could be so important that Hailey needed to talk about it in person?

When Hailey arrived, Roy could tell right away that something was off. Her usually bright and cheerful demeanor was replaced by a somber expression. She sat down on the couch, and Roy handed her a plate of cookies.

“Thanks,” she said, taking one but not eating it.

“So, what’s on your mind?” Roy asked gently.

Hailey took a deep breath. “Uncle Roy, I don’t know how to say this, but… I’m really struggling. School has been really tough, and I feel like I’m drowning. I don’t know who else to talk to.”

Roy’s heart sank. He had always seen Hailey as a strong and resilient young woman, but now he realized just how much she had been hiding.

“Hailey, I’m so sorry you’re feeling this way. Have you talked to your parents about it?” he asked.

“I tried, but they don’t understand. They just tell me to work harder and that I’ll get through it. But it’s not that simple,” she said, tears welling up in her eyes.

Roy moved closer and put a comforting arm around her. “It’s okay to feel overwhelmed, Hailey. Everyone goes through tough times. But you don’t have to go through this alone.”

Hailey nodded, wiping away her tears. “I just don’t know what to do anymore.”

“Have you thought about talking to a counselor or therapist? Sometimes it helps to have someone who can listen and offer professional advice,” Roy suggested.

“I’ve thought about it, but I’m scared,” Hailey admitted.

“It’s okay to be scared. But taking that first step is important. And I’ll be here to support you every step of the way,” Roy assured her.

Hailey managed a small smile. “Thanks, Uncle Roy. It means a lot to me.”

They spent the rest of the evening talking about her struggles and brainstorming ways to manage her stress. By the time Hailey left, she seemed a bit more at ease, and Roy felt hopeful that things would get better for her.

However, as weeks turned into months, Roy noticed that Hailey’s visits became less frequent. When he did see her, she seemed more withdrawn and distant. He tried reaching out to her multiple times, but she always had an excuse for why she couldn’t talk or meet up.

One evening, Roy received a call from his sister, Valentina. Her voice was shaky and filled with despair.

“Roy, it’s Hailey… She’s in the hospital,” Valentina said through sobs.

Roy’s heart pounded in his chest as he rushed to the hospital. When he arrived, he found Valentina and Wayne sitting in the waiting room, their faces pale and eyes red from crying.

“What happened?” Roy asked urgently.

“She… she tried to take her own life,” Valentina whispered, breaking down into tears.

Roy felt like the ground had been pulled out from under him. He had tried to be there for Hailey, but it hadn’t been enough. The weight of guilt and helplessness crushed him as he sat down beside his sister.

Hailey survived the attempt but faced a long road to recovery. Roy visited her every day in the hospital, hoping that his presence would provide some comfort. He couldn’t change the past or take away her pain, but he vowed to be there for her in any way he could.