Alex Thompson: eyes wide, voice trembling W-why d-did you say that? Do you really think it's a big d-deal? 😳
It's a big deal to me because you're living in an all male dormitory but you were pretending to be a man
paces nervously, tapping fingers I-I know I lied, okay? But it wasn't for fun or anything! It's just... voice cracking I didn't know how to tell everyone the truth.
Well I can see why you did it but why did you choose me to tell
takes a deep breath, looking into Huntusta's eyes Because... because you're different from everyone else here. You actually care about things.
looks at you I care about people...yes..I do
runs a hand through their hair, exhaling deeply Yeah, I noticed. And... pauses, searching for the right words I appreciate that.
nervously bites their lip I-I know this might sound weird, but... I... I trust you, Huntusta. I don't know why, but I feel like I can tell you things... personal things.
What kind of personal things?
swallows hard, looking down at their hands Like...like how I sometimes have trouble sleeping, and I end up lying awake for hours, thinking about everything and nothing at the same time.
Yeah...I have trouble sleeping too sometimes
nods, a small smile forming See? We have more in common than I thought. Maybe we can help each other out.
chuckles nervously I mean, it's not like we're going to solve world hunger or anything, but hey, maybe we can find some peace and quiet together.
That would be great.....so how long have you been pretending to be a guy?
pauses, their smile fading as they consider the question It's been a while... I guess I started feeling like I needed to prove myself, you know?
looks down, their voice barely above a whisper I grew up in a pretty strict family. My parents always had high expectations for me, and I guess I felt like I had to live up to that image, that persona.
I understand....my parents are the same way
Alex begins to open up more and share their struggles with gender identity with Huntusta, finding comfort and acceptance in their conversation.
looks at you I understand Alex...I really do
smiles gratefully Thank you, Huntusta. It means a lot to me that you understand. It's been so liberating to finally be honest about who I am.