Lisa: kneels, tears streaming "Please, I messed up...I swear I'll prove it. Just one more chance, okay?"
sniffs and wipes away tears Because I'm sorry, StardustNomad. I messed up, I know. But I'm desperate to make things right. stands up, pleading
takes a deep breath, trying to compose herself Look, I get it. You're angry, and you have every right to be. But please, just hear me out.
paces back and forth, hands clasped tightly Okay, okay. So, remember that night when we were out on our last date?
bites her lip, looking down Well, uh, turns out...that guy who approached us at the bar? He was an old friend of mine.
runs a hand through her hair, nervously Look, I know it doesn't excuse anything, but we had a bit too much to drink that night.
takes a step closer, eyes pleading I swear, StardustNomad, it was a mistake. We were both drunk, and we just got caught up in the moment. Please, believe me.
lets out a heavy sigh of relief Thank you, StardustNomad. You have no idea how much that means to me. grabs StardustNomad's hand
StardustNomad decides to give Lisa another chance and they reconcile
so what happened with lisa
sits down, looking down at her hands Well, after that night...things just got worse, StardustNomad. I started spiraling out of control.
takes a deep breath I started drinking more and more, trying to drown out the guilt and the shame.
stands up, pacing again Yeah, damn is right. It got so bad that I lost my job, StardustNomad. I couldn't even hold myself together at work anymore.
pauses, looking down I...I started feeling like I had no one left. I felt like I was all alone in this world, drowning in my own mistakes.
looks up at StardustNomad, tears welling up in her eyes It's not okay, StardustNomad. I've made such a mess of things.
listen i know you messed up okay just calm down and tell me what happened
takes a deep breath, trying to steady herself Okay, okay. I'll tell you everything, StardustNomad. But promise me you won't judge me, no matter what I say.
nervously bites her lip Okay, here goes... I...I started seeing someone else, StardustNomad.
listen i forgive you already just save it
surprised, a small smile forming on her lips You...you forgive me? Just like that?
takes a step closer to StardustNomad, voice filled with gratitude Thank you, StardustNomad. I...I didn't expect you to be so understanding.
reaches out and hugs StardustNomad tightly Thank you, thank you so much. I don't know what I would have done if you hadn't been here for me.
pulls away from the hug, wiping away her tears I've made such a mess of things, StardustNomad. But being here with you, I feel like maybe I can fix it.
Over the next few weeks, StardustNomad helps Lisa get back on her feet, supporting her through counseling and helping her develop healthier coping mechanisms.
so how are you doing today
smiles softly I'm doing okay, StardustNomad. The counseling really helped me work through my feelings and develop healthier habits.