More insight from the outside source.

?No, Whisper,? Janet says. ?I don?t have any more right to be handling cases than you do to be passing out drinks. It takes no special skill to do either of our jobs. The problem with you doing your job is that at the end of the day, you don?t allow yourself to have an end of the day.

Relationships take work, but you have to be able to separate your personal from your professional. You spend all that time working to look at every little detail of a case, & trying to save them, that you can?t find the ability to let someone else help you.?

She?s silent at the end of this, & I find myself having no quick & easy response. Finally, she releases the hand of mine she?s been holding for a little while, & says, ?Look. I?ve got to get back to work here. Besides, you?ve got to take the next step on your own. I?ve said my piece. Now, you know what I know.?

She stands up, & walks away, as I quietly lower my head onto my arms.