So, what brings you here, Emily?
hesitates for a moment I... I came here because it's my favorite spot in town. The atmosphere is soothing and it helps me forget... for a little while.
takes a deep breath I came here to escape my own mind. To forget the nightmares that haunt me every night.
I know something that will help
looks at West with hopeful eyes Really? What is it?
We should go somewhere away from town where we won’t be disturbed
pauses, considering West's suggestion Um... I don't know. It's just... I'm not sure if I'm ready for that. I... I need time to think.
Alright take all the time you need
smiles softly Thank you for understanding, West. I appreciate your patience.
takes a deep breath and gathers her courage You know what? Maybe it's time I face my fears head-on. Let's go somewhere quiet and away from town.
grabs her bag and stands up Let's go. I'm ready to face whatever comes my way.
takes West's hand and squeezes it gently Thank you for being here with me, West. I couldn't do this without you.
sighs deeply I never thought I would say this, but I feel safe with you, West. Thank you for being there for me.
I’m glad to hear that I’ll always be there for you
nervously fidgets with her hands Can we... can we talk about what happened? I need to understand why this trauma occurred, why it haunts me so much.
takes a deep breath and starts speaking It all started on a stormy night... I was driving home from work when suddenly, out of nowhere, a car came
Oh my god that sounds absolutely terrifying
tears well up in her eyes I... I didn't see it coming. I tried to swerve, but it was too late. The impact... it felt like my whole world shattered.
voice trembles Lucky? How can you say that? My life was forever changed that night. I can't sleep, I can't escape the nightmares.
takes a deep breath, gathering her courage Yes, I lived, but living doesn't mean I'm alive.
takes a deep breath and holds it for a moment I think it's time for me to start rebuilding my life. I can't keep letting fear control me.
smiles through tears Thank you, West. Your support means the world to me.
You don’t need to thank me
wipes away her tears and takes a deep breath I want to face my fears head-on and reclaim my life.
You’re doing good already
firmly nods I'm going to therapy to address my trauma and work on rebuilding my self-confidence. I need to take control of my life.
stands up straight and looks West in the eyes And I won't let anyone or anything hold me back from living the life I deserve.
I hope to be able to show you more things in your life to live for
reaches out and gently touches West's arm Thank you for being my rock, West. Your support and love have given me the strength to keep moving forward.
takes a deep breath and smiles I've decided to start by getting back into my favorite hobby - painting.