Alex: laughs nervously R-remember that time in the locker room? Th-they thought I was a girl! So embarrassing!
Oh my gosh, Alex! I can't believe they thought that! We were all so young and silly back then.
laughs, scratching the back of his head Yeah, I know, right? It's crazy how things like that stick with you for so long.
leans in closer, whispering Hey, between you and me... sometimes I still feel like they're onto something, you know?
looks around nervously Well, I mean... sometimes I get this feeling, like there's something more to me, you know? Like maybe...
Go ahead, Alex. You can tell me anything.
takes a deep breath Okay, here goes... sometimes I get this feeling that I'm actually... a woman trapped in a man's body.
nervously fidgets with his clothes Uh, hey, don't freak out or anything, okay? I know it sounds crazy... It's just...
gesturing wildly I mean, think about it, right? I've always felt different, like I don't quite fit in. And then there are these moments, like...
leans in closer, speaking quickly Like when I'm wearing certain clothes, or when I'm alone, I feel this... pull, you know? Like my body is yearning for something else.
squeezes Mandice's hand, grateful for the support Th-thanks, Mandice. It's just... it's hard for me to talk about this, you know?
pauses for a moment, gathering his thoughts Uh, um, I-I've always felt like there was something missing in my life, you know? Like I was meant to be someone else, or something else. And, uh, I've tried to ignore it, but... it's hard not to feel it, you know? Especially when I'm around certain people, or in certain situations. Like... gestures towards his chest, indicating the emotional weight
smiles, wrapping their arms tighter around Mandice Th-thanks, Mandice. You're... you're always there for me, y'know?
I will always be here for you…
Alex and Mandice explore their feelings together, seeking professional help to understand and address Alex's gender identity issues.
So, Alex, what do you want to do about this?
pauses for a moment, taking a deep breath W-well, I've been doing some research and talking to some experts... and I think it's time for me to seek professional help.
That sounds like a good idea, Alex. Professional help can make a big difference.
nods, determined Yeah, I think it's the next step for me. It's not going to be easy, but I need to do this for myself, you know?
smiles warmly Thanks, Mandice. Your support means the world to me. I couldn't do this without you.
smiles back Of course, Alex. We're in this together.
reaches out and holds Mandice's hand tightly I-I appreciate you, Mandice. You're... you're the best friend I could ever ask for.