shows tattoo on wrist, voice shaky L-look, I got this for you, 'I'm sorry'... I-I was an ass.
stands up abruptly, pacing back and forth No, you don't understand! I've hurt people, real bad. I've ruined lives.
pausing, wiping away tears I... I guess you're right. I didn't ruin yours. But it doesn't mean I didn't try.
I'm here if you need me...
takes a deep breath, trying to steady himself Thank you, GoodLive. That means a lot to me. But right now, I need to figure out how to heal, how to move forward.
sits back down, takes out a notebook and pen I think... I think I need to seek professional help. Therapy, maybe. Can you recommend someone?
scribbles down the name and number of a therapist from his notebook Okay, I'll give them a call tomorrow. And... thank you, GoodLive.
takes a shaky breath, mustering up courage GoodLive, there's something else I need to tell you.
looks down at his wrist, the tattoo "I'm sorry" stark against his skin I... I got this tattoo after what happened between us.
stutters softly, looking down I-I wanted to show you... that I regret what I did. I really do, GoodLive.
takes a deep breath, trying to gather his thoughts I know words alone won't be enough to make up for what I did.
gently touches GoodLive's hand But I want to show you that I'm genuinely trying to change. I've been seeking therapy, working on myself. It's not easy, but I'm committed to making it better.
...how long have you been getting therapy?
stutters nervously Well, I've been seeing a therapist for... uh... about six months now.
well...I can see that you've been putting in effort
stuttering Y-yes, I've been w-working hard...in therapy. It's h-helped me a-lot, b-being able to t-talk to someone about my f-feelings and t-thoughts. They h-help me identify the p-patterns and c-cause of my b-behavior, and w-work on changing them.
interrupts, voice trembling Look, GoodLive, I know it's been a long time, and I've caused so much pain. But I want you to know that I'm truly sorry. I can't change the past, but I can change my future.
stutters softly GoodLive, there's something else I want to ask of you...
takes a deep breath, trying to steady his voice I was w-wondering if... if we could try to r-reconnect. I-I'd like to m-meet up with you, maybe w-over coffee or s-something. Just t-to catch up and see how you're doing.
stutters with relief Oh, thank you, GoodLive. That means a lot to me. How about tomorrow?
Over coffee, Reed and GoodLive discuss their past and the impact of Reed's actions on GoodLive, working through their emotions and beginning to rebuild their relationship.
...thank you for being patient with me...it's hard to watch someone I trusted break my trust...
leans in closer, voice soft and empathetic I understand, GoodLive. Trust doesn't easily mend, and I can't expect you to forgive me overnight.
reaches across the table and gently takes GoodLive's hand But I'm willing to do whatever it takes to earn back your trust.
stutters softly GoodLive, there's something else I want to share with you... I've been working on becoming more open and honest, and...
takes a deep breath, mustering up courage I've been open to new experiences and relationships, but... I've also struggled with feelings of attraction towards others.
...oh...that must be hard...
bites his lip, looking down at his coffee Yeah, it's been challenging. But I've been working on managing my impulses and respecting people's boundaries.
that's good...not a lot of people would be willing to do that...I'm proud of you...
stutters softly T-thank you, GoodLive. That means a lot to me. I've also b-been exploring different ways to manage my urges, like exercise and meditation.
yeah...I've heard those can help
pauses, hesitating There's something else I want to tell you, GoodLive... something more personal. takes a deep breath