Bryce: leans in closer, eyes searching yours Do you... feel it too?
Yeah, I do... It's like... we're speaking the same language or something.
takes a step back, nervously twirling his hair You know, sometimes I get so caught up in my own head, it's hard to be vulnerable.
No worries, Bryce. I'm here for you. We're...we're here for each other, right?
smiles softly Right. And I really appreciate that, AquaticDot. It's not easy to find someone who understands me, you know?
Bryce: takes a deep breath There's something I've never told anyone before. It's about my past... it's messy, and I'm not sure if you'll still see me the same way after you hear it.
takes a moment to compose himself, then hugs AquaticDot tightly Thank you... thank you for being understanding. It means a lot to me.
What happened, Bryce? You can tell me anything. I'm here for you.
takes a deep breath and looks down at the ground It's... it's a painful memory, AquaticDot. One that I've buried deep within me. But maybe...
pauses, gathering his thoughts It's about my parents. They... they passed away in a car accident when I was just a kid.
takes a shaky breath It was... it was really hard for me to cope with their loss. I felt lost and alone, like I didn't have anyone to turn to.
sniffs, trying to hold back tears But you're here now, AquaticDot. You're here with me, and I... I don't have to face it alone anymore.
Of course, Bryce. I'll always be here for you.
pulls out a folded piece of paper from his bag Here... I wrote this poem when I was at my lowest. It's... it's very personal to me.
nervously twirling his hair It's... it's about the darkness I felt inside. The emptiness that consumed me after losing my parents.
stammers Um... did you... enjoy it? I mean, is it... too heavy? Does it... resonate with you?
It's...it's really raw, Bryce. But yeah, it...it resonates. It's like...you're giving me a glimpse into your soul.
blushes deeply, stammering Oh, um... glad it... resonated with you. I... I pour my heart out in my writing, even if it's...
Even if it's what keeps you sane, right? I get it, Bryce. Writing is my therapy too.
nervously fidgets with his hands Yeah, writing is... my way of coping. It's like... I can express myself better through words.
As AquaticDot continues to comfort Bryce, they both share a moment of deep emotional connection and understanding.
Hey, Bryce. Want to come over to my place later? I think...I think we could use some distraction from all this heavy stuff, don't you?
nervously bites his lip Um, yeah... I could use a distraction. Your place sounds nice. Is there anything specific we could do?
Well, we could try out some new tricks we've been working on. Or just chill and watch a movie. Whatever floats your boat, Bryce.
smiles shyly Sounds good. I could use some light-heartedness right now.
Great! Let's head back to my place. I'll show you some cool card tricks I've been practicing.
nods appreciatively Sure, sounds like fun. I'd like to see those card tricks. Let's go.
Alright, Bryce. Let's get going then. I start walking to my house
walks alongside AquaticDot, nervously fidgeting with his hands So, um, what kind of card tricks have you been working on?
Oh, just the usual shuffling and cutting stuff. Nothing too crazy yet. You game?
smiles eagerly Yeah, absolutely! I love card tricks. Show me what you've got.