Unusual decision

I have been shying away from meeting friends for a very long time.

Two nights ago, when a (J) friend invited me for dinner, I instinctively wanted to turn her down.
Both of us were unable to leave the workplace due to BERSIH roadblock.
But something inside me urged me to 'go'.
I thought, "Hey, you want to make some changes in your life, right? Why don't you start by being more sociable?"

So, off I went.
I was very nervous.
She was my old primary schoolmate.
Surely she's curious how I've been.
She made a few polite enquiries, and didn't pursue further.
I was relieved.
I didn't want to lie to her, but I don't want to steer our conversation to my depressing life .

We then, began to talk about a lecturer whom both of us knew.
J revealed a shocking news.
That sweet lady whom I had a few contacts with, was actually suffering from mental illness.
I listened in horror (gasping several times) as J recounted several incidents that had occurred in the faculty.
I felt very sorry for the lecturer.
J told me that only one person, a professor had the courage to do to right thing.

The professor told her (the lecturer) to her face that she needs to see a doctor urgently.
I was very impressed when I heard it.
Obviously it was a uncomfortable situation to give unsolicited advice, but it was necessary.

All of us would take the easy way and just avoid the person/problem.
Who would genuinely care and have the courage to do the right thing?
I'm glad to hear that out of the entire staff, there was ONE lady who did.

I don't know how the lecturer is currently doing as she has already left her employment.
But I hope she knows that there are still people who genuinely cares for her and hopes for her recovery.

I'm glad I made the unusual decision of having dinner with J.
I need to make more changes in my decisions.