. . .

Ring...

. . .

Ring...

. . .

"Hello? Suidcide Prevention Hotline here, is everything alright?"

"H-Hey, you sound like the one British.. guy...."

"Grian? Is that you?"

"Uhm- H-Hey, funny how you answered my call yet again."

"What's the issue?"

"I... I went into a panic attack and I dialed this number."

"Alright, follow my instructions. Breathe in for four seconds."

".... okay."

"Hold that breath in for about seven seconds.

One...

Two...

Three...

Four...

Five...

Six...

Seven...

Perfect! Now, for about eight seconds, release that breath you are holding."

"...

....

...okay."

"Count one, and say it out loud so I know you are alright."

"One."

"Repeat the process. Count to two this time."

"Will- Will you be here when I finish?"

"Of course, Grian. I am not going to leave. You have been the one to finish the calls, I will never hang up on you."

"Oh, well, that's... nice to hear..."

"Are you alright? Do I need to send an emergency team your way?"

"N-No... I'm fine."

. . .

. . .

. . .

. . .

. . .

"Are you still there?"

"Yeah..."

"Hey, let's play twenty questions, how about that?"

"Oh, right, sure."

"Feel free to skip any question I ask. You can go first."

"Ah, well, I know I have asked this before since you are not allowed to say your name, what is your name? I hear you answer most of my calls, you know my name... I would like to know yours, please..."

. . .

"My name is Mumbo Jumbo, one of the employees of this hotline."

"Th-Thank you... I just... I like you Mumbo, as a friend. You are my frequent receiver and I can recognize you from your accent..."

"Oh, well, I would like to consider you as a friend also."

"Are you... Are you lying to me?"

"Of course not, why would I say such things if I don't mean them? You are incredibly amazing, Grian, please stay strong."

"Th-Thanks... I guess I am just uptight right now. By the way, it's your turn to ask a question."

"Right! Hmm... What is your favorite animal?"

"Do aliens count?"

"Heheh... no Grian, I meant animals on Earth."

"Right, right, sorry. I really like animals in the ocean. I went to college for marine biology and oceanography not long ago."

"Marine biology? That sounds amazing! I know it's not my turn to ask, but what inspired you to go into that field of science for college?"

"I dunno... I love sea animals."

"You still didn't tell me your favorite one."

"There's too many to choose."

"If you can't answer, that's alright! I can see why it's hard, there are plenty of amazing species out there."

"Yeah, they are all amazing and unique with their own abilities. Did- Did you know that s-seahorses can consume over three thousand brine shrimps per day? Call me a nerd, heh, but I think that's cool..."

"My word, that is a lot of food! Don't they have no teeth and no stomachs also?"

"Y-Yeah! Their food runs through their digestive system so fast, they have to constantly eat plankton and tiny shrimp."

"Incredible! Imagine being able to hold one of the adorable seahorses in your palms. They are so cool."

"I r-remember when I begged my parents for jellyfish when I was young..."

"Jellyfish? That would be really hard to take care of."

"Well, young me didn't see that, did I? Haha, I wish I didn't drop out of college...."

"May I ask, why did you drop out of the thing you love learning the most?"

"I just... My mental health wasn't helping me and my grades began to plummet..."

. . .

"I think you would have been amazing as an oceanographer."

"... thank you, Mumbo..."

"Your knowledge seems vast, it's so splendid. You are really intelligent."

"No, heh, no, my intelligence isn't that well."

"Tell me more about yourself? You are amazing to listen to. I would talk to you for hours without getting bored."

"R-Really? Would you honestly do that for me?"

"Why, of course!"

"But, I don't want to seem selfish..."

"You are not selfish. This entire conversation is focused on you."

"Are you sure?"

"Positive. Tell me more interesting facts! I love hearing them!"

"But you can.... you can just look them up at the internet."

"But I want to hear them from you, Grian, it is your dream after all. I want to hear all the amazing facts that you can remember."

"There's too many to count."

"Well, you told me one just a minute ago. Tell me another fun fact."

"Oh, uhm- No species of Cuttlefish live in the East Coast of the United States?"

"Really?"

"They l-live in shallow waters all across the world, except for East side of the United States apparently."

"That's actually bonkers! That's interesting, I am going to remember that one. Anymore?"

"Uh... Some species of squid can swim up to 25 miles per hour, but only for a short moment."

"Do you know which species?"

"Not exactly, no..."

. . . . .

. . . .

. . .

"Mumbo?"

"Yes, Grian?"

"I don't feel well..."

"What's wrong?"

"I..."

. . .

"Grian?"

"I'm here."

"Describe your situation for me, please?"

"I'm in my bathtub."

"Is there a shower running?"

"No."

"Are you just laying in your bathtub? Can you move?"

"I... I can hardly move."

"Grian, everything is going to be alright. Describe your current situation."

"Bathtub...."

"You have mentioned that, yes. Anymore details?"

. . .

. . .

"Mumbo, how much do you care about me?"

"Grian, this may sound fake since this is a suidcide hotline, but I care about you sincerely. You are a fun character to talk to and I love it when you throw cute and dorky facts at me."

"Mumbo..."

"Yes, Grian?"

. . .

. . .

. . .

"What is the purpose of me?"

"Grian..."

"I'm not fun... I'm just depressed all the time."

"Surely your friends and family care about you, right?"

. . .

. . .

"No..."

"No?"

"No one notices my depression."

"Not even anyone close to you?"

"I cover it with a smile."

"You should talk to someone."

. . .

. . .

. . . .

. . . . . . .

"But I'm talking to you."

"Someone who can physically be around you. I am simply someone on the phone. Have you considered trying to get a therapist?"

"Yeah but I couldn't afford her. I'm broke, I have no money."

"Any jobs?"

"I work at a shitty Dollar Tree store and a gas station..."

"Are you provided with enough food, water, and a shelter over your head?"

"I... I can pay for that, but I have no money for anything I want... or need like a therapist."

"There is a number that can help you with financial, insurance, and tax payments and they will provide you with money. Do you want the number?"

"N-No..."

"If you ever want it, just let me know."

. . .

"Mumbo...?"

"Yes?"

"I... I wish someone could love me."

"Grian, there are so many people who care about you."

"I am bothersome. I am an annoying piece of shit and no one loves me."

"No, that's not true. So, so so so many people care about you Grian."

"Like who?"

"Friends, family, relatives- Anyone who is involved with your life, I'm sure. You are loved."

"I don't... I don't feel loved."

"... How come?"

. . .

. . .

. . . . .

"No one showers me with hugs, no one seems to smile when I am around. Am I not fun? Why does no one-"

. . .

"G-Grian? Are you crying?"

"Wh-Why does no one love me?"

"There's so many people who love you."

"Mumbo, no one loves me and maybe it's time to end my poor excuse of an existence!"

"Grian, no, please, no. Consider everyone around you. Consider all of the people who care about you, who want to be closer but are busy. There's so many people who love you Grian, please, you are not alone. It's going to be alright."

"The last time I was hugged was months ago. People don't bother sending me messages or calls to ask if I am alright-"

. . .

"Grian, it's alright to be alone like this. But you should always reach out to those who care about you. Maybe your parents?"

"Mumbo... there's no use. I told them I dropped from college and they yelled at me... That was the last time we ever spoke before I moved. My last boyfriend dumped me two years ago. I have been told by numerous people that I am disgusting because I am gay... What more do I need?

I can't live on like this."

. . .

"Grian, it is rough, life is horrible. There's one escape from life but it is not the right way... no... Grian, you are fantastic, amazing- no words can muster up what you are. There are no words in the entire word of vocabulary that can describe you because you are just too spectacular.

Grian, it's alright to cry and it's alright to spill your bottled feelings. I want you to be better because you only have one chance at life. When you are gone... you are gone forever.

I want to be here every step of the way for improving your horrible life. Remember the amazing memories you had with friends. You should try to reach out to the people around you because they are not gifted with tomorrow.

Not everyone is going to be here tomorrow. When you are blessed with the day after today, consider it as a gift since not everyone can live to see the light tomorrow. Heck, people might not see the light within an hour.

Please, Grian, I want you to be better. I want you to be better since this is not the one chance of life you deserve. I am here for you, every single baby step of the way."

. . .

. . .

. . .

. . .

. . .

. . .

"Grian?"

. . .

"Thank you... Mumbo..."

"I want to help. I am here for you. I will reassure you countless times, and I won't stop even after you feel better."

"Really?

"Of course, I am here for you, and you only. I will spend hours on the phone if it is the last thing I do."

"...you are awfully nice to me."

"Consider it as a friendly gesture."

"I will. I will never forget this, Mumbo. I-I feel like you are the only one I can talk to."

"Not even close relatives?"

"No, I don't have close relatives..."

"That's alright."

"Mumbo..."

"Yes, Grian?"

"Am I a bother?"

"No. You are the complete opposite."

"Mumbo?"

"Yes?"

"Can I... Can I-...."

. . .

. . .

. . .

"Grian?"

"Nevermind."

"Grian, you can ask me anything you wish."

"I- But... I just feel..."

. . .

"It's embarrassing."

"Oh... well, if you do not wish to ask the question, that is perfectly all right."

"... I just want your phone number..."

"I beg your pardon?"

"I-I knew it was stupid- Nevermind."

"Wait, no, are you saying my personal number?"

. . .

. . .

. . .

"Yeah... I mean, if you don't want-"

"No no, it's alright. Do you have a pen or pencil?"

"I'll just type it in my phone when you say it."

"Tell me when you are ready..."

"....okay, I'm r-ready."

"Well, it's 417-701... Did you get it?"

"Yeah, I think..."

. . .

"Do you need me to repeat?"

"I'm sending a message."

. . .

"Oh! I just got it."

"Okay, that's good."

"There, now if you ever want to call me privately instead of a hotline, then there's the key. Call me anytime you need to."

"I don't want to bother your work."

"Any work hour is worth wasting to call you, Grian."

"O-Oh, thank you."

. . .

"Mumbo?"

"Yes?"

"How can I thank you?"

"You do not need to thank me for anything."

"Can I call you privately?"

"...sure."

"Are... Are you sure?"

"Yep!"

"Okay, I will hang up and call you on your phone... is that alright?"

"That sounds like a perfect plan."

"O-Okay..."

. . .

Click!

. . .

. . .

Vrmmm....

. . .

Vrmmm...

. . .

Vrmmm...

. . .

Click!

"This is Mumbo."

"H-Hey! I was honestly scared you wouldn't pick up...."

"I will pick up all of your calls, I promise."

"That makes me happy to hear, actually."

"So, is everything okay right now? Are you safe, hurt, anything?"

. . .

"Mumbo, if I told you the truth, what would you do?"

"It depends on how serious and bad the situation is."

"It's... not a good one."

"Would you like to describe your situation?"

. . .

"No..."

"That is understandable. Hey, you never answered my question, about your favorite animal?"

"Oh... I like squids.. they are really cool."

"Any more favorites?"

"I thought I could only choose one?"

"Well, some people have more than one favorite."

"Right... I have plenty. I have to ask my question now."

"Oh, hit me with a good one!"

"Hm... U-Uh, I don't want this sounding weird..."

"Ask me any question. I promise I won't judge."

"Okay... What- What do you look like?"

"Erm- hmm... I won't go into full depth about my physical appearance, but I will try my best for you."

"I want as much detail as possible so I can get a really good, clear image in my head."

"Hmm, I see. Well, I am tall. Almost six foot eight."

"Oh my gosh, you are tall!"

"And don't think I am huge, though. I am very skinny, lanky in that manner. Does that give you a general shape of my image?"

"Yeah..."

"What were you expecting?"

"I dunno. Someone shorter and a little bit more massive, I guess?"

"Heh, no. Glad that you have a decent image now. Let's see, just identify me in a white dress shirt and black pants with a tie."

"Are those required work clothes?"

"Generally speaking, yep, because I am currently in an office, but my door is shut so it's alright. We have privacy so no one can come into this conversation."

"That's... good... I like talking to you alone. It makes me feel relaxed."

"Oh? Why is that?"

"There's something about you that makes me happy. I guess it's because you say you will be here for me... Am I being too clingy?"

"Not at all. Everyone deserves a little bit of attention and admiration every once and awhile."

"Yeah, you're right. Ahem- What do you look like, face wise?"

"Oh brother, uhh... I have short, jet black hair. And this might be a shocker, but I have a black mustache."

"Wait- really?"

"It's nothing much, honestly."

"You have a mustache?"

"You sound shocked."

"I am!"

"Hah, I knew it would be a surprise."

"I didn't imagine you with a mustache before..."

"Well, you should now because everyone in the office screams whenever I don't have one. When I don't have one, I look bad with my pale skin."

"Mumbo with a mustache... I can't unsee it."

"That's a good thing!"

"Hehe, probably for the best..."

. . .

. . .

"What's your eye color?"

"I would say a dark hazelish color... I guess? How about you?"

"My eyes are blue... They are really boring."

"Oh, no they are not."

"You've never seen them before, how do you know?"

"I'm sure your eyes shine brilliantly everyday. How blue are we talking, sky blue?"

"Maybe a little darker than sky blue."

"Lighter than navy?"

"Yeah, around that middle region."

"Wow..."

. . .

. . .

"I would love to see them..."

"R-Really? That's... That's surprising."

"How so?"

"No one seems to just want to enjoy my presence, let alone, look at my eyes to admire them."

"I'm sure they are beautiful. Everyone, including myself, is missing out. You are probably incredibly good looking."

"I'm not very guapo if you ask me."

"Spanish, I see? Usted es guapo."

"Noooo..."

"Aw, alright, I will stop."

"You have no right to tell me I am handsome since you have never seen me before."

"Yes, true, but why can't I compliment you?"

"They are not true."

"Every word I say is true. For example, Donald Trump is a tangerine."

"AH- Haha!"

"Was that a giggle I just heard?"

"N-No!"

"Did I make you smile at least?"

. . .

"Yeah... you did."

"That makes me glad."

. . .

. . .

. . .

. . .

"Grian?"

"Hm?"

"It's my turn to ask a question."

"Right. This... This is honestly fun..."

"Well, we wouldn't want this phone call to be boring. What is your favorite midnight snack?"

"Mmm, this might sound weird, but I really like pickles."

"Pickles? That's an interesting answer."

"I even made a stupid, silly song for pickles on the seafloor."

. . .

"Would you mind singing it to me?"

"Oh, heavens no... My singing is horrible."

"That probably isn't true. It's probably better than my own."

"Oh yeah? Sing for me..."

"O-oh, ah, haha no thank you."

"Awww, why not?"

"Er, I sound like nails on a chalkboard, making everyone cringe. I'm better off being silent."

"Aw man... I wanna hear you sing."

"Oh- fine. You choose a song."

"Uhhhh..."

. . .

"You know what, I'll sing. I feel scared hearing you sing."

"Oh, hey! That hurts aha."

"Sorry. But let's see..."

. . .

"Mumbo Jumbo, you are a-okay~ I'm gonna take that mustache away~ Mumbo Mumbo Mumbo a-okaaayyy~ I'm gonna take that mustache away~"

"That is a song I have never heard of before."

"Created by yours truly."

"It's beautiful. I will rate it eleven out of ten."

"Why, thank you Mumbo."

. . .

"You sound like you feel better than when you first called today."

"Yeah, I am feeling better. Every thanks to you."

"No, I don't deserve any thanks. I am just doing what is right."

"But you made me feel somewhat better."

"Somewhat?"

. . .

"S-Sorry, I shouldn't have said that."

"No no, you have every right to say that."

"No, I am sorry. I was just... you sound a little bit more happy now and ugh- I didn't mean to say that, my sincerest apologies."

"No, I guess you're right. I just-... Somewhat was the first word. It was a poor choice of wording..."

. . .

"Grian, you never told me your situation... Why did you call?"

"Because I was having a panic attack..."

"Is that the only reason? Were you feeling suicidal for any reason?"

. . .

"Yea..."

"I didn't want to bring this topic back, but I just want to make sure you are in a good condition right now. I am worried, honestly."

"I- I know."

"Everytime I answer the line, I always fear it's you who called. I just want to make sure you are at least decent. You are a frequent caller and it makes me afraid."

. . .

. . .

. . .

"I am not good."

"Would you... Would you like to describe your issue? Current position?"

"Everything hurts."

"Oh? And, uh, and why is that?"

"My arms..."

"What about them? Did something happen to your arms?"

"What would you do if I said the truth?"

"... same answer as before. It depends on the situation."

. . .

. . .

. . .

. . .

. . .

. . .

. . .

. . .

. . . .

. . . . .

. . . . . . . .

"Grian?"

. . .

. . .

. . .

. . . . .

"Grian?"

"S-Sorry..."

"Grian, your voice sounds hoarse."

"I'm so s-sorry."

"What's wrong?"

"You make me so happy but then when I look at my body, I just- I just-"

. . .

"Grian..."

"I have different razors, men's and women's, so- so I can test the blade sizes an-and see which ones hurt the... the most."

"Why... Why do you buy these razors?"

"I'm so depressed... I feel nothing, and sometimes I feel something when I can feel my skin rip. But now there's scars all across my arms and legs... I'm so hideous."

"Grian, don't say that. You are not hideous, you are never going to be hideous in your life. You are a valuable human and you are too incredible to do this."

"M-Mumbo..."

"Yes, Grian...?"

"I-I am in my bathtub... bleeding... my- my clothes are soaked i-in blood."

"Grian..."

"During th-this entire call, I kept looking away from my s-scars to face the ceiling and listening to y-your voice on speaker phone...."

. . .

"I'm sorry for be-being a disappointment."

"No, don't call yourself that. You are never going to be a disappointment, you are so amazing. Please don't hate yourself... stay strong, Grian."

"M-Mumbo... I'm sorry..."

"Grian, everything is going to be good, everything is going to settle down and we can talk this through-"

"Mumbo...."

"Gr-Grian?"

"I am so sorry for wasting your time..."

. . .

. . .

. . .

"Grian, no, stay on the line with me, please!"

. . .

. . .

"Grian!"

. . .

"Y-Yea??"

"What- What is your f-favorite color?"

"It's.... It's..."

"Cleo, hook my phone to the computer and track his location!"

. . .

"Grian, stay with me here. Did you answer your favorite color?"

"I-It's red like m-my favorite sweater...."

"What- Er- D-Do you like the Finding Nemo movie because of the water l-life?"

"I... I love that... movie...."

"Who is your favorite celebrity?"

"Uh.... I like...."

. . .

"Got his location, Mumbo!"

"Send an emergency team!"

"Are you going along?"

"He's nearly hours away!"

"You can visit him in the hospital."

"R-Right!"

"Mumbo...?"

"Grian?"

"M-Mumbo... Can.. I see.. y-you for... the first... time?"

"O-... Of course!"

. . .

. . .

. . .

. . .

. . .

. . .

"Mumbo... You have been answering my number... since... months... right?"

"Y-Yeah?"

"You make me so happy...."

"We're on our way."

"Mumbo... We have been talking for awhile... It's- It's safe to say that... that I really like you..."

"Grian?"

. . .

. . .

. . .

. . .

. . .

. . .

"Grian?!"

. . .

. . .

. . .

. . .

. . .

"Grian?! Please, stay here with me. What's your favorite fruit?"

. . .

. . .

. . .

"F-Favorite attraction?"

. . .

. . .

. . .

"Places you would like to- like to visit?"

. . .

. . .

. .

. .

.

.

"....Grian?"