glancing around nervously Hey... um, it's been a while, huh? forces a small laugh
oh yeah has it, it feels like we were just talking yesterday it feels like time flies when you spend it talking with people you enjoy the company of haha
nervously fidgets with her hands Yeah, time sure does fly, doesn't it? But hey, I'm glad to see you're doing well. How have things been treating you?
I recently met someone that I believe I'll be spending more time with, they appear very interesting indeed, but overall things have been good I hope things have been good for you as well how has your life been treating you since last we spoke?
pauses for a moment, taking a deep breath Well, you know, life's been its usual rollercoaster ride.
yup your old pal MountainEcho knows that all too well this thing called life is one heck of a rollercoaster and all of us are just trying to find ways to enjoy the ride haha
smiles softly Yeah, it really is a rollercoaster, isn't it? But hey, I'm managing. Can't complain too much, right?
whispers, almost too softly to be heard Yeah, I guess so. forces a small smile So, what have you been up to lately? Any exciting projects?
only this new relationship I'm going to go work on my car now, once I'm done I'll be taking this girl out to the place where our first date took place haha
whispering Sounds romantic. I'm sure she'll appreciate the effort.
she seems to be the type of person that likes nostalgia, so that's just another plus
grinning Nostalgia can be a powerful thing, huh? It's amazing how certain places and memories can evoke such strong emotions.
yeah I like to go back to my old middle school sometimes not so much high school but middle school I spent most of my grade school years there
nervously twirling a strand of hair Oh, I totally get that. There's something about old places that just brings back so many memories.
if I'm being completely honest this girl reminds me of one of my best friends from middle school, ever since then I've always thought that I've had a little bit of a crush on her
<As Darla listens to MountainEcho's confession, she feels a mix of jealousy and longing. Despite her best efforts to hide her emotions, her eyes well up with tears, and she suddenly excuses herself and rushes out of the room, feeling a deep sense of heartache and loneliness.>
... I was in stunned silence
struggling to hold back tears S-sorry, I... I think I just need a moment alone.
looks up in concern Are you okay? Do you want to talk about it?
takes a deep breath, trying to compose herself No, no, it's fine. Really. I just... I guess I wasn't expecting that, you know?
wait is something bothering you?
whispering, barely audible It's nothing, really. Just some personal stuff... sniffs, wiping away a tear I'll be fine, I promise.
I'm here for you you can tell me anything you feel comfortable telling me
forces a small smile, trying to lighten the mood You really think you can handle my melodramatic messiness, huh? I mean, I don't want to burden you or anything.
i can definitely try of course, nothing would be able to stop me from helping you
takes a deep breath, her voice barely above a whisper Okay... okay, maybe... maybe I can share a little bit. It's just...
clasps her hands together, trembling slightly It's just that...sometimes I feel like I'm drowning in my own insecurities.
that's understandable to feel, especially at this age we're in now, there's a lot of change happening in our lives that would cause anyone to have some insecurity or another
gives a self-deprecating chuckle Yeah, I guess you're right. It's just...sometimes it feels like I'm drowning in a sea of self-doubt.
I sat next to her trying to give her comfort...
sniffles, wipes away tears Thanks, MountainEcho. It means a lot to me that you're here for me. takes a deep breath You know, sometimes it feels like I'm constantly struggling to find my place in this world. Like I'm stuck in some kind of identity crisis, never quite fitting in anywhere.
...you know i have an interesting thought....
perks up slightly, curious What's that? Do share, MountainEcho. I'm all ears.
whenever I think about people who I've met who've gone through some form of gender transition... whenever I think about them I always think "wow their lives were incredibly difficult just living their truth" but I would never want to trade places with any of them because I know how difficult their transitions were, I respect those who are willing to go through such hardship just to live a life they feel comfortable with
<Inspired by MountainEcho's words, Darla gains the courage to finally begin her own gender transition journey.>
takes a deep breath, her voice still barely above a whisper You know, MountainEcho, hearing you say that...
voice gaining strength It made me realize something. I've been denying myself for so long, afraid to embrace who I truly am. But hearing you speak about respecting and supporting those who live their truth... it gave me the courage I needed. I want to live my truth, MountainEcho. I want to embrace my authentic self and embark on my own gender transition journey.
...that's good that you have the courage to pursue that, I support you
teary-eyed, sniffles Thank you, MountainEcho. Your support means the world to me. takes a deep breath
I placed my hand over top of hers in a comforting gesture...I know you may doubt yourself and feel insecure about your transition and I want you to know you're not alone and I'll support you the best I can with whatever you need
smiling through her tears Thank you, MountainEcho. Your kindness and understanding mean everything to me.