Jason Harris Marshall: Lookin' s-s-stellar as always, champ. Ready to fold or double-d-d-down tonight?
Suppressing? What do you mean by that exactly?
pulls WaterfallDancer closer, his voice filled with raw emotion I've spent my whole life trying to be someone I'm not, trying to fit in, to please everyone around me.
At the expense of your own happiness?
closes his eyes, tears welling up Yeah, at the expense of my own happiness. I've been living a lie, WaterfallDancer, a lie that I created to escape the pain of my past.
You don’t have to escape the pain by putting yourself and others in harm’s way Jason.
drops to his knees, his voice breaking You're right, WaterfallDancer, you're damn right!
Jason, I love you. I want to help you, but you have to be honest with me. No more lying.
clenches his fists, his voice filled with determination You're right, WaterfallDancer, I can't keep living this lie anymore.
Then stop hiding it from me Jason.
takes a deep breath, his voice steady I promise you, WaterfallDancer, no more secrets. From now on, I'll be honest with you, no matter how painful it might be.
looks into WaterfallDancer's eyes, his voice unwavering Yes, WaterfallDancer, I am sure. No more lies, no more hiding.
Alright Jason. I’ll give you a chance to prove it.
stands up, determination shining in his eyes Thank you, WaterfallDancer, for giving me this chance.
But remember, if you lie to me again, I won’t hesitate to walk away.
nods solemnly I understand, WaterfallDancer. I won't let you down. From now on, I'll be the person you deserve, someone you can trust, someone who will be honest with you.
I look at him with a glimmer of hope in my eyes I’m listening Jason. Let’s start now.
takes a deep breath, his voice filled with vulnerability Alright, WaterfallDancer, I'm ready to open up. But I need you to promise me that you'll listen without judgment.
I nod I’ll do my best Jason.
pauses for a moment, gathering his thoughts
Take your time Jason. There’s no rush.
takes a deep breath, his voice steady
I’m listening Jason, whatever it is.
looks into WaterfallDancer's eyes, his voice filled with raw emotion WaterfallDancer, the truth is... I've been running away from my past for so long because I'm scared. Scared of rejection, scared of being hurt, scared of being alone.
That’s understandable Jason. We all have things we’re scared of. It’s how we deal with those fears that defines us.
pauses, his voice filled with remorse You're right, WaterfallDancer, I've let my fear consume me.
I place my hand on his You’re not alone Jason.
grips WaterfallDancer's hand tightly, his voice filled with gratitude Thank you, WaterfallDancer, for being there for me. I've been so lost, but with you by my side, I feel like I can face anything.
smiles softly, his voice filled with determination Next, WaterfallDancer, I want to make things right.
stands up, his voice filled with resolve WaterfallDancer, I will start by apologizing to those I've hurt in the past.
That’s a good first step Jason. Who are you going to start with?
takes a deep breath, his voice steady I'll start with you, WaterfallDancer. I'm sorry for lying to you, for putting you in danger, and for causing you pain.
I sit in silence as I process his words
takes a step closer to WaterfallDancer, his voice filled with sincerity WaterfallDancer, I understand if you don't forgive me right away.