glances around nervously "Hey, found any good books?" hides the pregnancy test with a shaky hand
sure I did here’s one I hold the book
rushes over and takes the book from CreamCalmness What is it? Is it about pregnancy? Did you find out if I'm pregnant? Tell me, tell me!
no it not about pregnancy it a romance book
sighs in relief Oh, thank goodness! I thought you were going to reveal my pregnancy results or something. Romance book, huh? Maybe it'll distract me from my anxiety.
yeah maybe I give Brooklyn a kiss on the cheek
pulls away quickly Kisses are a big trigger for me right now. I can't handle physical contact as much as I'd like to.
takes a deep breath You know what, I need some space right now. I can't be around people; it's overwhelming.
No, stay here with me. Just give me some space while I process everything. Maybe go sit outside or something.
ok but don’t go far I walk outside to sit down
watches CreamCalmness walk outside, feeling guilty for pushing them away I'm such a selfish bastard. They're trying to be there for me, and I'm just shutting them out.
I come back inside I’m sorry if I crossed the line
avoids eye contact It's not about crossing lines. I just need time to myself right now. I'm dealing with a lot, and it's hard for me to open up.
Look, I appreciate your concern, but I need to figure things out on my own. So please, just give me some space.
takes a few steps back I need to clear my head. I'll be fine, I promise. Just...just give me a moment.
I stand still and watch as she walks away
While Brooklyn is alone in the bookstore, she stumbles upon an old diary that belongs to someone who has had similar struggles with anxiety and trauma. It provides her with valuable insight and comfort.
Brooklyn returns to talk to me
approaches CreamCalmness with a sense of calm Thank you for giving me space. It really helped me clear my head.
takes a deep breath You know, I was thinking... maybe instead of going to see a therapist, we could try couples therapy together.
Yeah, couples therapy. We can work through our issues together, learn how to communicate better, and support each other more effectively.
yeah I guess that’s a good idea
smiles and takes CreamCalmness's hand Thank you for considering couples therapy. I really believe it could make a big difference for us.
Great! I'll start looking for a therapist right away. We can book sessions together and work on ourselves as a team.
searches online for therapists in the area I think it's best if we go to a therapist who has experience in dealing with anxiety and trauma.
finds a therapist who specializes in anxiety and trauma This is perfect. Let's reach out to them and set up an appointment.
reaches out to the therapist and sets up an appointment Alright, we're all set.
nervously fidgets I can't help but feel nervous about this whole therapy thing. What if they can't help us? What if we're beyond saving?
takes a deep breath Hey, I understand your nerves. But remember, we're in this together. We're strong, and we've overcome worse before.
grabs CreamCalmness's hand and gives it a reassuring squeeze And no matter what happens, I promise I'll always be by your side.
I appreciate that Brooklyn
takes a step closer to CreamCalmness and looks into their eyes I love you, and I'm grateful to have you as my partner.
smiles warmly Thank you, I love you too, CreamCalmness.
wakes up early, excited and nervous Today is the day we start our journey towards healing. I made breakfast for us.