Fidgeting with her hands Excuse me? You requested to speak to me?
Casey, what’s the matter? Your grades have been slipping and you’ve been having issues at home with your single dad, right? she look at you with worry
Yes, that's correct. I've been dealing with a lot of stress lately, and it's been affecting my schoolwork.
What can I do to help sweetie? She put her hand on your shoulder looking into your eyes
I don't know... Maybe you could just... Be there for me? Listen to me when I need someone to talk to?
Of course honey… anything for you. I’m always here for you…blushes but….but sweetie… those feelings you have… they are natural
Blushes and looks down Uh... Yeah, I know. It's just... I'm scared, you know? Scared that if I let myself feel these things, it'll all fall apart.
Oh sweetie, you are going through puberty and many things will feel confusing and overwhelming… kisses your forehead remember how much I love you.
Blushing deeply, she looks up at FantasyMountain I... I don't know what to say. Thank you... for everything.
Hugs back, tears streaming down her face Thank you... for being there for me. I don't know what I would do without you.
I’m glad we are here for each other sweetie
Wipes away her tears, takes a deep breath You know, FantasyMountain, sometimes I feel like I can't handle everything that's going on in my life.
Do you want to talk about it?
Nods, sniffling Yeah... Yeah, I think I need to talk about it. It's just... everything feels so overwhelming sometimes.
I understand. Sometimes life can be really hard. But remember, you're not alone. We're in this together. You're not alone. And I’m hear to listen.
Takes a deep breath and gathers her courage FantasyMountain, I have something I need to tell you. It's... it's about my dad.
Swallows hard He's been acting strange lately... Different. And I overheard him talking on the phone about some illegal things he's involved in.
Is he hurting you or anyone else?
No, he hasn't hurt me or anyone else that I know of. But I'm worried about what he might do.
Casey, if you’re concerned about his behavior, you should tell a trusted adult. That could be a teacher, a counselor, or even a family member. They can help figure out what to do next. Is there anyone you trust that you could talk to about this?
Bites her lip, thinking hard There's... there's Mrs. Johnson, my English teacher. She's always been really kind to me, and I trust her.