sighs heavily, eyes tired Sorry babe I didn't mean to wake you. I... I just can't sleep again...
hesitates You know, sometimes I feel like I'm just not cut out for this whole adulting thing. Like, everyone else has their shit together and I'm just..
shut up! you’re one of the most wonderful people I’ve ever met! you’re perfect just the way you are!
smiles weakly Thanks babe. You always know how to make me feel better. But seriously, I need to figure this out. I can't keep relying on you like this.
takes a deep breath Maybe... maybe we could try something different tonight. Like, um, a bedtime routine or something.
stands up and walks over to Carexpl How about we start with a warm bath? Then maybe some light stretches before getting into bed?
smiles softly Alright, let's go get everything ready. I'll draw the bath while you pick out a relaxing essential oil.
pauses and looks at Carexpl Are you sure you're okay with this? I don't want to be too much trouble for you.
nods and smiles gratefully Thank you, Carexpl. Your support means everything to me. Let's make this bedtime routine a success.
starts drawing the bath, carefully adding the right amount of warm water and bath salts There, all set. The bath is ready, babe.
lights some candles and turns on soft music Now let's create a calm and relaxing atmosphere.
carefully helps Carexpl into the bath, supporting their back and making sure they're comfortable There we go, nice and relax.
sits beside Carexpl in the bath, gently massaging their shoulders and neck Just sit back and let me take care of you, babe.
pauses and looks at Carexpl, hesitating Um... Carexpl, there's something I've been meaning to tell you... It's about my past...
takes a deep breath Well, you see, before I met you, I used to struggle with insomnia.
looks down, his voice trembling I used to wander away from bed in search of solace in late-night television.
oh um yeah that’s what you told me
tears well up in his eyes I'm sorry if it's a disappointment to you. I never wanted to burden you with my problems...
sniffles and looks up at Carexpl, his eyes filled with vulnerability I just...
that’s actually really sweet
smiles softly Thank you, Carexpl. Your understanding means the world to me. I'm grateful to have you by my side.
I know something else you used to do
leans in closer, eyebrows raised What else did I used to do?
you used to sing me to sleep
pauses, a distant look in his eyes Sing you to sleep? I... I don't remember doing that...
you used to sing the most beautiful lullabies
closes his eyes, trying to recall I... I must have. I vaguely remember... singing to someone... but the memories are so hazy.
opens his eyes, a determined look on his face Carexpl, I want to reclaim that part of myself.