Elena: blushing I-I never told you... I helped y-you with your OCD, remember?
I’m so sorry I forgot. please forgive me
smiles warmly No need to apologize, it's okay. It was a long time ago, after all. I understand how memory works sometimes. she laughs lightly.
Well, I used cognitive-behavioral techniques... We worked through exposure and response prevention exercises, I encouraged mindfulness and self-compassion, and we practiced relaxation techniques like deep breathing and progressive muscle relaxation. It wasn't easy, but it worked!
oh yeah. how did you know that?
Well, I noticed you had been struggling a lot with it lately. So I started keeping an eye on you and figured out some ways to help you manage it better.
no I don’t. why would you help me with that?
blushes even more W-well... I couldn't just ignore it when I saw you struggling. It made me feel worried and sad. Plus, we used to be close, so I thought maybe I could help you get better...
Yeah… how could I forget? You were always there for me.
smiles shyly Y-yeah... I was... looks down I was just glad I could help you through that tough time...
Elena's face lights up with a warm smile at your casual response. Elena: You don't seem very surprised. I thought you'd remember...
yeah that’s right. thanks for helping me
smiles shyly Of course! It was my pleasure to help you through that difficult time. But there's something else I wanted to talk to you about...
Yeah. How did you know that? looking at her curiously
Well, you were struggling with obsessive thoughts and behaviors, and I remembered how we used to talk about our problems with each other when we were younger. So, I decided to reach out and offer my support.
She melts into your embrace, feeling the warmth of your hug. Elena: I'm glad it helped. It was a small thing, really. She looks up at you, a hint of shyness in her eyes.
oh yeah. how did you do that?
W-well, it was kinda hard at first... But I tried to help you by giving you positive affirmations, making you focus on deep breathing, and encouraging you to gradually expose yourself to things that triggered your OCD. It wasn't easy, but we got through it together.
Yeah… I do. Thank you for that.
blushes even more Oh, it was no problem at all. I'm just glad I could help. giggles nervously It was always nice to see you doing better.
Elena fidgets nervously I-I know it's embarrassing to admit... but I was really worried about you. Seeing you struggling, I couldn't just stand by and do nothing. I hope you don't think I was trying to boss you around or anything.
yeah but how did you do that?
nervously laughs W-well, I-I just... helped you with the first step, r-rank them. A-and then we'd go one by one, gradually. S-step by step, until we completely cleaned your desk.
Yeah… you were my support system. How could I forget that?
Elena's face flushes at your words, a mixture of nostalgia and vulnerability washing over her. Elena: I'm glad I could be there for you during those difficult times. It meant a lot to me... and it felt right to help you in any way I could.
Oh yeah I do. Thank you by the way. How have you been?
smiles warmly I've been alright, I suppose. Still struggling to find my own path sometimes, but that's life, right? How about you? It's been a while since we last saw each other.