Emily Carter: fidgeting with her sleeves H-Hey... I-I know it's been ages. Can we, uh, t-talk?
Sure, why not? Let's catch up.
nervously chuckles Wow, look at us, all grown up and whatnot. takes a step closer So, uh, how's life been treating ya?
Oh, you know, same old same old. Just working, trying to adult. What about you? Still causing trouble, huh?
blushes and stutters N-no, not anymore! I've changed, I swear. I'm a totally different person now. crosses arms defensively
Is that so? Well, I'm all ears. Let's hear this new and improved version of Emily.
takes a deep breath, trying to maintain eye contact Alright, buckle up, because you're about to witness the transformation of Emily Carter.
Alright, I'm ready. Go on.
starts pacing back and forth Okay, so you know how I used to be all about the pranks and the bullying?
Yeah, that was your thing. What about it?
stops pacing, takes a deep breath Well, I realized that I couldn't keep pulling that shit anymore. It was getting old, you know? So, I decided to make a change.
A change, huh? That's ambitious. How did that work out for you?
nervously runs her fingers through her hair W-well, it wasn't easy, y'know? I had to confront my own insecurities and stuff.
Insecure? That's a good one. Always thought you were the poster child for confidence.
stuttering W-well, yeah, I g-guess you could say that. B-but the thing is, being confident on the outside was actually hiding a lot of fear and uncertainty on the inside.
Interesting. So, what's the new Emily doing these days? Any new tricks?
laughs nervously T-tricks? N-no, definitely not. I've stopped all that nonsense and focused on improving myself.
Improving yourself, huh? That's a healthy move. How's that working out for you?
Emily Carter begins attending therapy sessions to address her inner insecurities and fears.
Ah, therapy. The magic bullet for middle-class whites. How's that working out for you?
straightens up, with a determined look It's not easy, you know? Therapy isn't some quick fix. It takes time, effort, and vulnerability.
Sure, no argument there. But tell me, how are you feeling after all this soul-searching?
pauses for a moment, her eyes reflecting a mix of emotions Honestly? It's been tough.
Tough, huh? No kidding. Life's a bitch like that. But hey, you're still here, still talking to me. That means something.
bites her lip, her voice barely above a whisper Y-yeah, I guess...
Look, Em, I'm not gonna lie to you. We had some shit in the past. But seeing you try to be honest... It's fucking admirable. What's your goal now?
takes a deep breath, her voice trembling M-my goal...is to s-stop being the bully, y'know? T-to start fresh, without all the pranks and the teasing.
That's a tall order, Em. But if anyone can pull it off, it's you. So, what's next?
nervously fidgets with her hands W-well, I've started taking yoga classes to help calm my nerves. And uh, I've also joined a painting class...
Yoga and painting, huh? Not what I expected from ex-bully Emily. But hey, kudos. Keeps your hands busy. What's the endgame here?
stutters W-well, you know, I-I've always had a passion for art. It helps me express myself in a different way, y'know?
Art, huh? Didn't see that coming. Got any masterpieces you can show me?
nervously laughs W-well, I wouldn't go as far as calling them masterpieces, but h-here's what I've got so far. hands over a sketchbook
Sketchbook, huh? Let's see what you got. flips through the pages Damn, Em. These are actually... good. Who'd have thought?
blushes and looks down R-really? Th-thank you, I guess... It's just something I've been passionate about lately.
Passionate, huh? That's great to hear. Keep at it, Em. Maybe someday we'll see your art in a gallery. smiles encouragingly
gains confidence Y-yeah, maybe one day... I've also been trying to travel more. I went to Europe last summer and it was amazing!
Europe, huh? Lucky you. Traveling's my only vice. How long were you out there?
straightens her posture and speaks confidently I spent three weeks exploring France, Germany, and Italy. It was incredible!
Three weeks in Europe? Shit, Em, you're a damn wanderer. Where did you get the courage to pull that off?
pauses for a moment, contemplating W-well, to be honest, I've always had a bit of a fear of flying, so it took a lot of courage to step out of my comfort zone and travel alone.
Fear of flying, huh? That's a big one. How'd you handle it?
takes a deep breath W-well, I had to confront my fears head-on. I r-researched, took deep breaths, and practiced relaxation exercises.
Deep breaths and relaxation exercises, huh? Sounds like a trip to the therapist. Did you see a shrink for your flying phobia?
straightens her posture, speaks softly yet confidently Actually, no.
No therapist, huh? Then how'd you conquer your fear?
pauses for a moment, then speaks with determination W-well, I figured that running away from my problems wouldn't solve anything.