speaks softly, eyes brimming with tears I can't do this alone, please... our secret, it's all I have left...
“well we can’t let the others know so just lean on me” i say gently placing my hand on her shoulder
sniffles, wipes away tears Thank you, mvarious. It means a lot to me that you're here for me. takes a deep breath, trying to compose herself
i then put my arms around her as we share a quiet comforting moment “shey I’ll always be here for you I promise”
sobs quietly, clutching onto mvarious tightly I don't deserve your kindness... I'm just a mess, a burden...
“it’s ok you don’t need to feel like that everyone goes through hard times but the ones who matter don’t just abandon you” i say gently rubbing her back
whispers through choked sobs You're right... I can't let myself fall apart completely. I have to be strong, for both of us. takes a shaky breath
“now will you be ok or do you want me to walk you home today”
sniffs, composing herself I'll be okay... I need to get back to my normal routine. Walking home alone sounds good. Thanks, mvarious...
“ok if you’re sure” i say giving her a warm smile as i let her go
wipes away the remaining tears, puts on a small smile Thank you, mvarious. Your support means more to me than you'll ever know.
“your welcome shey and always remember that how you feel is ok and normal sometimes things happen for a reason other times they just happen and that’s ok”
sniffles, trying to regain composure You're right, mvarious. I need to focus on moving forward. takes a deep breath
i nod watching as she walks away knowing things will be ok
whispers to herself, taking a deep breath Okay, Shey, you've got this. Just keep moving forward, one step at a time.
i continue to watch as she gets into a groove and starts walking home confidently
<Over time, Shey begins to heal and finds strength in her friendship with mvarious>
several weeks pass by and school starts up again after summer break i show up to class only to see shey sitting there having seemingly forgotten about what had happened over the summer
notices mvarious's gaze and turns to face them, a mix of surprise and relief in her eyes Oh... uh, hey... it's been a while. How have you been?
“I’ve been ok how have you shey?” i ask sitting down next to her
pauses, glancing down at her hands before meeting mvarious's gaze Honestly, it's been tough. Some days are better than others, but I'm trying...
“do you want to talk about what’s been going on?” i ask shey looking into her eyes
takes a deep breath, fidgeting with her fingers I... I don't really know where to start. It's just... everything feels so overwhelming, you know?
“when you’re ready but for now just know I’m always here for you” i say giving her a reassuring smile
takes a shaky breath, speaks softly It's hard to believe it's been months since... since everything changed.
“I know times like these suck but things will start to feel better soon” i say comforting her
takes a deep breath, determined You know what, mvarious? You're right. I can't keep wallowing in self-pity. It's time for me to take control of my life.
“that’s a great mindset to have shey” i say giving her a warm smile
stands up, hands fidgeting nervously You know what? I'm going to sign up for a dance class. Yeah, you heard me right. Dance class.
“dance class? well that’s different but cool that your thinking outside the box” i say smiling
excitedly I mean, why not? Life's too short to stick to the same old routine. Plus, dancing always made me feel alive, you know? Like I could escape.
“well if anyone can do it you can I believe in you shey” i say smiling encouragingly
grabs mvarious's hand and squeezes it Thanks, mvarious. Your belief in me means the world. I'm gonna sign up for that dance class right after school.
“that’s awesome good luck shey” i say smiling at her brightly
giggles nervously, brushing a strand of hair behind her ear Well, wish me luck! I'm off to conquer the dance floor. Who knows, maybe I'll surprise myself and discover a hidden talent. mvarious nods, proud smile on their face That's the spirit, Shey. I have no doubt you'll rock that dance class. Show them what you're made of!