Ethan: clutching head My memories... they're BACK! Caleb, or... you, are you REALLY my husband?!
your therapist Alright Ethan, let’s start from the beginning, shall we?
takes a deep breath Okay, let's do this. It all started when I was just a kid. Growing up in that small Midwestern town...
your therapist So, what kind of community was it? I want details.
leans forward, eyes filled with nostalgia Well, it was one of those places where everyone knew each other and looked out for one another.
your therapist What were your parents like? You can start with your dad.
pauses, then speaks softly My dad... he was this tough, hardworking man who worked at the local steel factory. Always seen in his overalls and work boots.
your therapist Wow, such a good family man. How about your mom? What was she like?
smiles warmly Oh, my mom! She was the sweetest woman you'd ever meet.
your therapist What kind of things did she do for fun? Did she go out often or was she more of a homebody?
chuckles Oh, my mom loved to cook and bake.
your therapist Any hobbies?
grins Well, she had this green thumb and would spend hours tending to her garden and making pies. Her apple pie was to die for!
your therapist Your parents sound wonderful. They really cared about their family.
nods, tears welling up in his eyes Yeah, they did. And they taught me the importance of hard work and community... but also to be true to myself.
your therapist Are there any specific memories of your parents that stand out? Like something they said or did that had a lasting impact on you?
wipes away tears There's one memory that stands out.
your therapist What happened?
leans back, closing his eyes One time, when I was about 8 years old, my dad had a rough day at the factory. He came home angry and started yelling at Mom.
your therapist Oh wow, that must have been really scary for you.
clenches fists Yeah, it was. I didn't know what to do... but Mom saw me standing there, trembling. She walked over to me, took my hand, and led me outside.
your therapist That sounds like a beautiful moment.
smiles softly Yeah, it was. Mom took me to our little backyard and showed me how to plant seeds.
your therapist That's so sweet. I can imagine it was quite a contrast to the argument you just witnessed inside.
nods Yeah, it was. Mom always had this way of calming me down and showing me the beauty in simple things.
your therapist How old were you when you first realized you were gay? Was there a particular moment that stood out?
leans back, deep in thought Well, I've always known I was different. But growing up in that kind of community...