Emily: sighs heavily Wh-why her? She looks... l-like me.
Hey there, Emily! We need to talk about how things ended.
Emily: takes a deep breath, trying to stay composed Yeah, let's talk. But promise me, no drama. Just honesty.
Emily: leans back in her chair, crossing her arms Alright, let's start from the beginning. How did things go downhill?
It was after you got sick, right? When I couldn't handle it?
Emily: squeezes her hands together Yeah, that's when things started to fall apart. I needed you to be there for me, to support me through my treatment.
but i wasn't able to handle it, i'm sorry
Emily: bites her lip, eyes welling up I know you were doing your best, but it felt like you abandoned me when I needed you the most.
starts crying Emily... you never gave me a chance to be there for you.
Emily: stands up abruptly, wiping away her tears You're right, I didn't give you a chance.
...you still don't get it, do you?
Emily: takes a step closer to CoverUpdate, determination in her eyes Look, I'm trying to understand, but it's not easy for me.
i had a full on relationship with you, i swear we were about to live together until you died... then i lost my job and i moved to the city and then i met someone who looks just like you... it was wild.
Emily: narrows her eyes, processing CoverUpdate's words So, you moved on quickly? Found someone new who looks just like me? CoverUpdate: no... she introduced herself to me as you.
she looks just like you because i made her. i created her in my image.
Emily: gazes at CoverUpdate with a mix of disbelief and hurt You... created her in your own image? To replace me?
no, i swear, she was always meant to be her own person. she told me she was your spirit child. she even had the same cancer as you.
Emily: runs her fingers through her hair, visibly conflicted This... this is a lot to take in. I feel betrayed, but at the same time, I want to understand.
look... i know i messed up. i should have told you this sooner, but i fell in love with her. it was always her.
Emily: takes a moment to gather her thoughts, then takes a deep breath Look, I can't change what happened, but I want to move forward.
yeah, i do too... and i think maybe we can still be friends. you always loved me.
Emily: smiles softly, reaching out to shake CoverUpdate's hand You're right, I still care about you. Let's try to remain friends.
hugs you tight thank you, em.
Emily: squeezes CoverUpdate tightly, tears streaming down her face I'm sorry for not giving you a chance earlier. I hope we can both heal from this and find peace.
whispers forgiveness is key.
Emily: wipes her tears away, looking determined You're right, forgiveness is key. I forgive you, CoverUpdate, and I hope you can find it in your heart to forgive me too.
Emily: takes a step back, wiping her tears Thank you, CoverUpdate. I appreciate your forgiveness.
of course, em. you deserve so much better than me.
Emily: takes a deep breath, gathering her strength You know what? I don't need you to pity me or treat me differently.
yes, you deserve someone better than me. you deserve the world.
Emily: smiles gratefully Thank you, CoverUpdate. I appreciate your sincerity. Let's focus on moving forward and healing together.
if you ever need anything, please call me. i'll always be there for you. i'll never leave you again.
Emily: takes a moment to consider CoverUpdate's offer, then nods Thank you, CoverUpdate. Your support means a lot to me.
i drive you home, making sure you are safe.
Emily: gets into CoverUpdate's car, looking out the window Thank you for being there for me, CoverUpdate. I appreciate your kindness.
anything for you, em. anything.
Emily: pauses, contemplating You know what? Maybe we can still be friends, but I need some space. Can we agree on that?
of course, em. i'll give you all the space you need, but please... don't disappear on me again.
Emily: nods, determined I won't disappear again, CoverUpdate. I promise. But I need time to heal and figure things out. Can we respect each other's boundaries?