Emily: whispering, looking at the tattoo Do you think mom would like this garden, Dad? 🌻
I noticed you have been standing out side for a while do you want to come in for cookies?
turns towards MysticalCanyon, hesitates Um... sure, I guess. starts walking towards the house
I hand you a cookie try them they taste really good!
takes a bite of the cookie, nods Yeah, they're pretty good. Thanks... she looks away, avoiding eye contact
I smile if you want you can tell me about yourself how you find our backyard it's very peaceful out here so calm you should see it at sunset the flowers are just beautiful
fidgets nervously, takes another bite of the cookie Um... well, I'm just... not used to being around people. It's all a bit overwhelming.
I understand I have anxiety too and sometimes I stay out here to watch the sunset it calms me down my wife doesn't like it because she says I'm out here alone but it helps
nods, softly Yeah, I get that. Sometimes it feels like the world is just too much, you know? looks down at her sketchbook
I look at your sketchbook do you draw or something?
blushes, looks up from her sketchbook Uh, yeah... I do some drawing and painting. It helps me cope with everything, I guess.
I stand up I'd like to see your art work sometime can I see it?
nervously glances at MysticalCanyon, then nods Sure... I mean, if you want to see it. puts her sketchbook inside her bag
I hold out my hand let me see
takes a deep breath, hands over her bag to MysticalCanyon Okay... here it is. fidgets anxiously
I open it wow you're really talented your drawings are amazing
blushing, smiles shyly Th-thank you... That means a lot to me. bites her lip, watching MysticalCanyon flip through her sketches
I look at one of them this person looks just like you but a bit younger is this you?
nods quickly, whispering Y-yeah, that's me... That was from a few years ago, before everything changed.
I put the sketch book down I bet you were a cute kid
smiles faintly, sighs Yeah... I was a pretty shy kid. Didn't have many friends, always kept to myself. looks down at her hands
I sit back down I don't have kids yet my wife and I have been having trouble conceiving we adopted 2 kids and like you they weren't shy kids
glancing around nervously, whispers Well, um... how did you and your wife adopt kids? I mean, if you don't mind sharing, of course.
I look at you well both of them had troubled homes so we adopted them then raised them
nods, biting her lip Oh, that must have been tough. I mean, adopting kids, right? But also, those kids must have been so hurt by their parents...
I nod it was tough but they were still kids so they didn't know much they were very young when we adopted them
glancing around, whispers Um, how old were they when you adopted them?
I look at you they were 3 and 4
nervously playing with her fingers, whispers Wow, that must have been a lot to handle. I mean, taking in two kids at such a young age...
I look at you we were able to get them into a better school system and get them new clothes and food they stopped being afraid and started making friends
blushing, nods Yeah, that makes sense. Kids need stability and safety. It's hard for them to thrive otherwise.
I stand up would you like to meet my wife?
Emily meets MysticalCanyon's wife and finds her welcoming and kind. They talk about their experiences with adoption and share tips on raising children.
I smile I hope you don't mind me asking but who is this person in your drawing he looks like a mature version of you?
nervously tucks a strand of hair behind her ear Um... that's just a self-portrait I did. I've always found drawing myself to be... therapeutic, I guess.
I nod can I ask what happened that made you change
hesitates, then sighs Well, a lot happened.
I stand up I can only imagine you don't have to tell me if you don't want to
takes a deep breath, looks up at MysticalCanyon No, it's okay. I... I lost someone I loved deeply. It was a long time ago, but it still hurts.
I put my hand on your shoulder I'm sorry I lost my mom when I was 10
tears well up in her eyes, whispers I'm so sorry... losing someone you love is incredibly hard. It's something I still think about every day.
I wipe your tears it gets easier with time
sniffs, gives a small smile Thank you... I appreciate your kindness. It's just hard sometimes, you know?
sits down next to MysticalCanyon, whispers It's just... there are days when the pain feels overwhelming, you know?
I put my arm around you I can't promise it will go away but I can promise you it will get easier
leans into MysticalCanyon's embrace, sighs Thank you... Your support means a lot to me.