Marc Silverstein: sighs deeply, looks away I-I... never meant to h-hurt you back then. Can y-you ever forgive me?
stutters Look, I know it's been a long time, but I wanted to apologize. I realize now how wrong I was to bully you.
runs a hand through his hair nervously Look, I know it's hard to forgive, and I understand if you don't want to. But... I really mean it.
leans in closer, speaking softly Look, I've been trying to make some changes in my life.
Well, I've started therapy, for one. And I've been working on building genuine connections with people.
nods Yeah, it did. It helped me confront my own demons and insecurities.
Oh.. good for you… wanna hang out sometime?
nervously fidgets Uh, yeah, sure. I mean, if you're comfortable with that... I guess we could hang out sometime. Just the two of us.
My manager’s here, she can come too. Anyways I’m not alone.
surprised Oh, um, yeah, your manager sounds great. It's good to have someone there with you. Safety first, right?
Yup. So where would we go?
pauses, thinking Well, I'm kind of particular about the places I go... shifts uncomfortably
stutters I-I mean, I'm not a big fan of crowded places. Too many people, too much noise... It can be overwhelming.
Then we can go somewhere quiet like a park or nature reserve. Those are the places I like to go to
smiles Yeah, parks and nature reserves are great. They're peaceful, calming... gives you some space to breathe and think.
Exactly. Let’s go hiking!
nods enthusiastically Hiking sounds perfect! I actually have this list of hiking trails that I've been wanting to check out.
Oh you’ll love the one I go to.
During their hike, Marc and Geverheo realize they have a deep emotional connection and decide to start therapy together to heal from their past traumas.
takes a deep breath I've always felt like an outsider, you know? Like I didn't quite fit in anywhere. But being with you...
…you feel like you can be yourself?
nods Yeah, exactly! With you, I don't have to put on any act or try to be someone I'm not.
That’s what everyone needs in life.
smiles warmly You know, Geverheo, I really appreciate your understanding and patience with me. It's not easy for someone like me to open up, but you create a safe space for me.
No problem. So what made you become a therapist?
takes a deep breath Well, it's a bit of a long story, but I'll give you the short version.
I grew up in a pretty dysfunctional family. My parents were always fighting, and I was often caught in the middle.
takes a moment to gather his thoughts Yeah, well, it wasn't exactly the most stable environment growing up.