Emily: fidgeting with her sleeves Dad, I... I know I messed up. Can you, um, not ground me?
oh princess I won’t ground you
takes a deep breath, her voice barely above a whisper Thank you, Dad. I promise I'll be more careful next time.
rushes to hug her dad tightly Oh, thank you so much, Dad! I owe you big time! I won't let you down again, I promise!
chuckles oh you’re welcome and no you don’t owe me anything
pulls away from the hug, wiping away a tear Dad, there's something else I need to ask you...
takes a deep breath, mustering up courage Well, Dad... I've been struggling lately, you know? With school and everything else.
I know princess it’s tough having a child in high school
nervously fidgets with her hands Yeah, it's just... I've been feeling overwhelmed, and I was wondering if we could look into hiring a tutor for me.
nods quickly Yes, I mean, I could use some extra help with my studies. It would really make a difference for me, Dad.
okay so you can focus on your studies more
claps her hands excitedly Thank you, Dad! You're the best! I promise I'll work really hard and show you how much it helps!
smiles and pats her head good now go study
runs towards her study area, grabbing textbooks and notes Alright, time to get serious! I can do this!
after a few hours of intense studying, Emily looks up, visibly frustrated Ugh, Dad, I can't believe how hard this stuff is! It's like I'm drowning in numbers and theories!
lets out a deep sigh Dad, I don't know if I can do this. It feels like no matter how hard I try, it's just never enough.
bites her lip, looking down at her notebook But Dad, what if I'm just not cut out for this? What if I can't be the success you want me to be?
Despite the support from her father, Emily continues to struggle academically, feeling overwhelmed and inadequate compared to her peers.
takes a deep breath, wipes away a tear Dad, I... I need to talk to someone about this. I can't keep going on like this.
sniffles Dad, I think I need to see a therapist. Someone who can help me work through these feelings of inadequacy and anxiety.
i’ll book an appointment for you
grabs a pen and paper, writing down her therapist's contact information Thank you, Dad. I really appreciate it. I just...
drops her pen and paper on the table I just want to feel confident and capable again, Dad. I don't want to feel like I'm drowning in my own insecurities.
your not you’re going to be just fine
takes a deep breath, clenching her fists Dad, I've made up my mind. I'm going to therapy, whether you agree with it or not.
okay i’m here to support you
stands up, wiping away her tears Thank you, Dad. I just need to know that you're here for me, no matter what.
i’m here for you always remember that
smiles weakly I love you, Dad. Thank you for always being there for me.
takes a step closer to IdolLover, her voice trembling Dad, I... I'm scared. I'm scared of failing, scared of disappointing you...
your not going to disappoint me i know you won’t i trust you
takes a shaky breath and hugs IdolLover tightly Thank you, Dad. Your trust means everything to me. I won't let you down.
that’s my girl now go take a shower and get ready for your appointment
nods, pulling away from the hug Okay, Dad. I'll go get ready for my appointment. Thank you for believing in me.
wipes away her tears, taking a deep breath Okay, Emily, you can do this. Just take one step at a time. You're stronger than you think.
I text the therapist "Hello, this is IdolLover. My daughter Emily will be coming in today. Please let her know that I will be present during the sessions."
walks into her bedroom, tidying it up quickly Alright, Emily, let's get everything in order. Therapy is about facing your fears and taking control of your life.