While sitting in a support group, I still felt like a failure after what had happened to Hannah. I was still feeling pressured to just forgive myself and move on. I couldn't. I wanted to though. I just don't know how I could possibly move on with my life after one of my clients is accused of a bloody murder.

My therapist Dr. Bales mentioned to me about joining a support group for other people who are also suffering with guilt. So I went to my very first support group and I was listening to other patients like me on why they were feeling so guilty and depressed.

Mrs. Collins is the head of the group and welcomed everyone today for joining the group. I was just sitting in my seat with one of my legs hanging over the other leg and I had my arms crossed.

"So who can tell me why you're here today?" Mrs. Collins nicely asked.

"We're here to help each other out, to understand what we are all feeling." One woman said. Her name was Mindy and she looked like she was in her late twenties and early thirties.

"That is most definitely correct, Mrs. Mindy, very good start. And I also think the reason why you are all here is because you have something you want to talk about, but their seems like there's no one who could really understand what you're going through."

"Well, I told my parents and they understood, but it's different for some people. I mean, yes, this could really help me out with telling people how I am truly feeling."

"Yes, Michael, that's correct, and um, well, you know, some people manage in different ways, rather it's guilt, depression, anxiety, and you all did a great job for stepping in for help, and that is why for todays lesson is to understand why you are here."

I kept on thinking about Hannah, as Mrs. Collins was continuing her speech. I was about to space out, and since I was the first one who got called out by name. Mrs. Collins asked me first why I joined the group today.

"Um," I cleared my throat. "I am here today because I feel like I am responsible for one of my clients."

"Oh, and what is your position of employment?" Mrs. Collins asked.

"I am a public attorney."

Mrs. Collins shook her head, understanding me. "Why do you feel like you're responsible for your client?"

I shrugged, grunting while making myself comfortable in my seat. "I, to be honest, I feel like I let her down because I didn't fight hard enough to give her the justice I promised her."

"I see."

I swallowed, gulping before continuing my speech. "I um, I just feel like it's all my fault, I didn't fight hard enough for my client."

Mrs. Collins shook her head, understanding me, and she softly smiled. "Would anyone else like to share?"

As soon as the support group had ended, I was just about to leave before this woman named Claudia walked up to me. "Hi," Claudia said with a smile. I sighed, "Oh hi." I answered back. "I'm sorry, I don't mean to interrupt, but I just wanted to let you know that you're not alone in this situation."

"Yeah," I said, sighing. "I'm Claudia, and I am also a public attorney. I think we pretty much work at the same law firm," Claudia explained with a smile.

"Oh, I've never seen you before," I said, wondering.

"I'm new at this lawyer stuff, I just recently graduated from law school back in May."

"Oh," I said, understanding Claudia, "Well, it's nice to meet you."

"You too, and your name is Ryan?"

"Yes," I said, answering back to Claudia.

"Well," Claudia said with a smile, "Shall we get some coffee or something, I mean, it's not a date or anything, but I kind of understand what you're going through about what you said to Mrs. Collins about your client. I thought maybe we could talk it out together, and help each other out."

"Um, I'm sorry, I just don't know, I mean, I barely know you and I think it's best if we get to know each other better."

"I understand, but just so you know, you're not alone in this battle. I hope you and I can get together someday, like I said, it's not a date, but just hanging buddies, if you know what I mean?"

"Yeah, I–I think it will help me to understand my situation better, but I appreciate it, thank you."

"Okay, yeah, I understand."

"Well, I better get going. It was nice meeting you."

"You, too." I said, smiling a little.

Claudia smiled back at me, "Bye."

I softly chuckled, "bye."