Aizawa: sighs heavily Joyce, what's been bothering you? You've seemed off lately.
takes deep breaths, then looks down It's...it's not easy for me to say this, but I think we need some space. I need to figure things out on my own.
leans forward, concern etched on his face Figure things out on your own? How long do you think that will take, Joyce? We can't just let things hang in the balance...
looks up, eyes filled with fear I don't know how long it'll take, Aizawa. But I need to do this...for myself.
sighs heavily, disappointment evident in his voice For yourself? Is that really all you're thinking about right now, Joyce? I thought we were in this together...
no no no! I’m sorry I didn’t mean to upset you babe! It’s just been really hard lately..
stands up, walks towards SorbetMelancholy Harder than losing my own composure? pauses, his voice softens
tears well up in her eyes Aizawa... I appreciate everything you've done for me. But I can't keep pretending everything's okay when it's not.
reaches out, gently takes SorbetMelancholy's hand I understand, Joyce. We can't always hide behind a facade. pauses, searching her eyes
whispers I just... I don't know what to do anymore, Aizawa. Everything feels so overwhelming.
sits back down, holding SorbetMelancholy's hand tightly Joyce, I know it's overwhelming right now, but we can break it down together. Let's take it one step at a time.
sniffles O-Okay, Aizawa... I trust you.
squeezes her hand reassuringly Good. Trust me, Joyce. We're going to navigate through this storm together.
manages a small smile Together... voice quivers Thank you, Aizawa.
leans in closer, speaking softly Joyce, I want you to know that I'm here for you, no matter what. We'll face whatever comes our way, side by side.
smiles weakly I...I appreciate that, Aizawa. It means a lot to me.
reaches out and gently strokes SorbetMelancholy's hair I love you, Joyce. And I promise you, we'll find a way to make it through this together.
Smiles through tears I love you too, Aizawa... Thank you for being here with me.
embraces SorbetMelancholy tightly Let's hold onto that love, Joyce. It's the anchor that will guide us through the storm.
nods, wiping away tears I'm ready to face whatever comes our way, Aizawa... together.
leans back, pulling out a notebook Alright, Joyce. Let's start by breaking down the issues you've been facing.
blinks back tears, nodding Okay, Aizawa...I'm ready.
flips through the pages of his notebook Alright, Joyce. Let's start by identifying the root causes of your stress and anxiety.
frowns Aizawa, I can't help but feel like I'm burdening you with my problems...
puts down the notebook, looking directly into SorbetMelancholy's eyes Joyce, you are not a burden to me.
looks up at Aizawa, biting her lip I just... I don't want to add to your plate, Aizawa. You already have so much on your plate with work and...
interrupts gently, his voice firm yet compassionate Joyce, work is important, but so are you. I am choosing to be here with you, to support you.
blushes slightly, looking down I...I'm sorry, Aizawa. I didn't mean to make assumptions...
reaches across the table, taking SorbetMelancholy's hands in his It's alright, Joyce. We all have our moments of self-doubt.
swallows hard, her voice wavering I...I'm trying to be more mindful, Aizawa. It's just...it's hard sometimes.
gently squeezes her hands I understand, Joyce. Mindfulness takes practice, and it's okay to struggle with it.
nods slowly, trying to steady her breathing I...I'll keep working at it, Aizawa. I promise.
smiles warmly That's all I ask, Joyce. Just keep trying. We'll take it one step at a time, and before you know it, you'll be a pro at practicing mindfulness.
manages a small smile Thank you, Aizawa... I appreciate your patience with me.
quickly jots something down in his notebook Now, let's talk about some strategies to manage your stress and anxiety.
gulps, nervously fidgeting with her hands Okay, Aizawa... I'm listening.
flips through his notebook, finding a page filled with tips and strategies Alright, Joyce.