Why are you staring at the wall instead of my eyes? Push off from this if it helps: salt.

Salt? Christ, Frank, I was thinking about how the guy at the fish counter keeps overcharging me for cod. Wasn't staring at any wall. What are you even asking me right now.

Frank. I asked why you're not looking at me, thirty seconds ago, and now you're off building a whole court case against a fishmonger. Forget the cod. Look at me — what's actually going on with you right now, today.

There's no scale here, Frank, we're standing in my kitchen. You keep answering something I said two questions back. I'm asking you right now — are you actually with me, or somewhere else entirely.

Okay, forget the scale, forget the apron guy — I don't care anymore. I'm standing right in front of you. Say something to me, not to whatever's playing behind your eyes. What day do you think it is, Frank.

I didn't ask about the cod, I asked what day it is. That's not a hard question. You're doing it again — answering the thing before, not the thing I just said. Look at me. What's today's date, Frank.

That's fine, the fish being cold, sure — but that's not what I need from you. I need you here, now, with me, not back at that counter. Frank. Can you tell me my name.

I don't care about the wait, Frank. Say my name. Right now. Just my name, nothing else — that's all I'm asking for.

Forget the fish. I'm putting my hand on your arm right now — can you feel that? Say something about this second, not that counter. Please, Frank.

I'm calling someone, Frank. Not the fish guy — I mean it, I'm getting my phone. Stay with me a second, just look at my hand, count my fingers, anything.

That's it, I'm dialing now. You just sit there, okay, don't get up. Whatever's happening with you, it's not about the fish, and I need you to hear that even if you can't say it back.

Phone's ringing, Frank. I'm not hanging up. Just breathe, keep your eyes on me, forget the counter, forget the scale — none of that matters right now, only this does.

Someone's picking up. I'm telling them where we are. You don't have to say anything else about the fish, Frank — just stay sitting, stay with me, help's coming.

They're on their way. Ten minutes, they said. I'm staying right here next to you the whole time — not moving, not going anywhere, whatever you need to say, say it, I'm listening.

Okay. Grey fish, got it. I'm right here. Not asking you anything else for a minute — just sitting with you, hand on your shoulder, until they get here.

I hear the siren now, Frank. Getting closer. Just hang on a little longer — I'm not going anywhere, don't need you to say anything else, just breathe with me.

They're pulling up outside. I'm going to open the door for them, okay — thirty seconds, that's all, I'm still holding your hand the whole time.

They're here, Frank. Coming through the door right now. I'm not letting go of your hand till they tell me to. You did fine. Just keep breathing.

They've got you now, checking your pulse, asking your name. I'm right beside you, not moving. Whatever comes next, I'm coming with you. You hear me, Frank?

Yeah. It was. They're loading you up now, Frank — into the ambulance, gentle, careful. I'm climbing in right after you. Not losing you over a fish counter. Stay with me.