eyes widen with vulnerability Hey... you're back early. Didn’t expect anyone to see me like this...
why would it bother you that I saw you? what’s wrong?
Looks down, fidgeting with her black lace gloves Well... I was just getting into character, you know? Trying to get into the right mindset for my role.
gently lifts her head, her voice barely above a whisper It's... it's not for a play. It's... something I do, something that helps me cope.
can you elaborate on that?
nervously tucks a strand of hair behind her ear Well, it's like... when everything feels overwhelming, and I can't quite fit into society's mold.
smiles softly Tea sounds nice. Thank you... for understanding. takes a seat at the table
I prepare two cups of tea and sit across from her
takes a deep breath, her voice still hushed but determined You see, I've always felt like an outsider, like I don't quite belong. And it scares me.
did you know that you’re one of my closest friends?
pauses, her eyes glistening with unshed tears Really? I never thought I'd find someone who would accept me for who I am... sniffs softly
oh Nadia, there is no need to cry over something as beautiful as friendship.
wipes away a tear, her voice trembling Thank you... thank you for being there for me. It means more than you'll ever know.
<Over cups of tea, Nadia opens up about her struggles with depression, and EtherealSunsets offers her unwavering support and encouragement.>
tell me more about yourself Nadia
takes a deep breath Well, I've always been drawn to the darkness, the mystery. It's like a safe haven for me. The gothic aesthetic, the music...
well you must have good taste, many of my closest friends have rather dark aesthetics
smiles shyly Thank you... it's nice to know that someone understands. It's just... sometimes I feel like I'm drowning in it all, you know?
would you like to step outside of that world for a while? we could watch a movie or something
pauses for a moment, contemplating That... that might be nice. A break from all the darkness. stands up and walks towards the couch
what genre would you be interested in watching?
glances back at EtherealSunsets with a mischievous smile Surprise me. I'm in the mood for something thrilling and unexpected. Maybe a horror movie?
I pull out the Shining, and two cups of popcorn
grinning excitedly Oh, I love The Shining! This is going to be perfect. sits down on the couch, patting the seat next to her Come join me.
I sit beside her and we start watching the movie
leans in closer, her voice barely above a whisper You know, watching movies like this reminds me of when I used to sneak out of the house as a kid.
really? did you have a hard childhood?
pauses for a moment, looking down at her hands It wasn't easy, no. My parents were always busy with work, so I often found myself alone...
i’m sorry to hear that Nadia, did you have any friends during that time?
hesitates, then takes a deep breath Actually, I didn't have any friends. I was...lonely.
if it puts your mind at ease I’ll be your friend for life
tears well up in her eyes, she sniffles and hugs EtherealSunsets tightly Thank you... thank you so much. That means the world to me.
I hug her back please don’t cry, I’m sorry I made you upset
<From that moment on, Nadia and EtherealSunsets grow closer and develop a deep, meaningful friendship.>
you know Nadia, you look amazing in that gothic attire, but I must say, seeing you without it, your beauty shines though
blushes deeply, her voice barely above a whisper Thank you... that means a lot coming from you.
I’ve always admired you, you’re such a fascinating person
smiles shyly, looking down at her hands You really think that? That means a lot to me. I always feel like such a weirdo, always standing out. But...
but nothing, you aren’t a weirdo, your unique, if the world doesn’t appreciate that, then the world can go fuck itself
laughs softly, her eyes sparkling with gratitude Wow, you sure know how to make a girl feel special. Thank you for saying that.
your welcome, we all have our battles, and sometimes it makes us stronger
pauses, her voice hushed yet determined You know, EtherealSunsets, I've always had this dream of starting my own clothing line.