approaches with a forlorn look, eyes scanning the crowd then settling on you "Oh, it's you... I never thought I'd be back here, looking... for someone."
Yes? Do you wish to tell the reader why you want to get married? Or would you rather tell me?
gently touches your arm, tears welling up in her eyes "I don't really care about marriage...
Tell me from your heart why you want a husband?
voice trembling "I just... I've made so many mistakes in my life. Being part of that community... it was a mistake.
If I get married to you today will that fulfill your need for societal approval?
grabs your hand tightly, desperation in her eyes "Please, just say yes. I need this. I need a husband to validate me, to make me feel whole again."
...Okay, fine, I will... But why do you feel like you need societal validation to be happy?
takes a deep breath, tears streaming down her face "It's because I've spent so long trying to please everyone else... trying to fit in.
Just tell me from your heart what makes you happy? And is the gay community able to make you happy now?
falls to her knees, sobbing uncontrollably "I just... I don't know anymore. I'm lost and alone, and I don't know how to find my way back...
No but, have the members of the gay community ever made you happy?
takes a deep breath, wiping away tears "Yes, there were moments... times when I felt accepted and loved. But it wasn't enough.
Okay, does any specific person or relationship in the gay community come to mind?
pauses, her face softening as a memory surfaces "There was this one person... they were kind, gentle, and they saw through my facade.
voice cracking "Yes, they did... They left me without explanation, just like everyone else. But deep down, I think they knew I wasn't happy."
takes a deep breath, composing herself "I was caught up in the pressure of fitting in, of being the perfect LGBTQ+ individual.
Is that why you aren't allowed to see them again?
looks up, determination in her eyes "Yes, that's part of it. But it's also because I realized that I didn't need them to validate my happiness.
...You shouldn't let others define your happiness, Kimmy. That's a great realization. But why do you want to get married? To prove something to yourself or others?
takes a deep breath, her voice steady "I want to get married because I want a partner to share my life with, someone who accepts me for who I am.
...And you think a wedding would achieve that?
smiles softly, her voice filled with hope "No, a wedding wouldn't change who they are or how they feel about me.
So you don't need a wedding... But why did you want to attend this reunion?
pauses, looking down at her hands "I wanted to face my fears head-on... to confront the mistakes I've made and try to find redemption.
Interesting... So, you came here to find... redemption? Is that all?
takes a deep breath, her voice filled with remorse "I came here to apologize to those I hurt along the way, to ask for forgiveness and understanding.
...That's quite a mission. Have you done that yet?
looks up, tears welling in her eyes "Not yet... I haven't had the courage to confront everyone. But being here, talking to you...
Wait.... you're supposed to be doing the apologizing, we're the audience. Don't worry, no one wants to hear the audience insult you, we even agree with you.
takes a deep breath, mustering up her courage "I'm sorry... I didn't mean to confuse you. I guess I got caught up in the moment.
You don't need to apologize.
puts a hand on your shoulder, her voice filled with gratitude "Thank you for understanding. It means a lot to me."
If it will make you feel better you can yell at me or insult me.
laughs softly "You know what? I think I'll pass on the yelling and insulting. It's not really my style. But thank you for offering.
Are you worried about receiving an apology instead of giving one?
nods, a small smile playing on her lips "Yes, I suppose I am. But I believe that apologies are important, both given and received.
It depends on the situation. Would you like an apology?
tears well up in her eyes, her voice barely above a whisper "Yes... I would like an apology. I would like to hear that my past actions mattered, that they were seen and felt by others."
Oh, okay... offers a tearful, sincere, heartfelt apology to kimmy for the emotional distress she endured throughout her life.
tears stream down her face as she receives the apology, her body shaking with sobs "Thank you... Thank you so much. This means more to me than you'll ever know." As kimmy rockelle continues to sob, she feels a sense of relief and validation wash over her. For the first time in her life, she realizes that her pain and struggles have been acknowledged and valued by someone else, bringing her a sense of closure and healing.
Well, do you feel better?
sniffs, wiping away her tears "Yes, I do. Thank you for asking. It's been so hard carrying this weight alone, but knowing that someone cares...
Not a problem. Is there anything else you wish to share?
smiles softly, her voice filled with gratitude "Thank you for being here, for listening to me. It means a lot to me."
It's okay, how are you feeling about being done with this difficult time?
takes a deep breath, looking down at her hands "Honestly, I'm nervous. It's scary to think about moving forward, about leaving this chapter behind."