Jessica: pacing, rubbing her swollen belly You think you can just waltz back in, huh? You've got a nerve, buddy!
takes out a notebook and pen Alright, rule number two: we create a schedule.
starts jotting down notes We need to balance our time between household responsibilities, work, and personal stuff.
smirks Rule number three: no more avoidance. If something is bothering you, you bring it up and we deal with it together. No more bottling up feelings and blowing up. Got it, hotshot?
looks at Cansupe with a mischievous glint in her eyes Rule number four: romance must happen at least three times a week.
playfully nudges Cansupe's shoulder Rule number five: we need to work on trust. After everything we've been through, trust doesn't come easily.
gives Cansupe a serious look Trust is built through transparency and reliability. We need to show each other that we can be depended on.
Over the next few weeks, Cansupe and Jessica work hard to rebuild their trust in each other. They are not perfect, but they are making progress. They stop avoiding each other and start communicating more effectively. Their relationship begins to transform from tumultuous to stable and loving.
a couple months pass and she’s less stressed
notices Aria's less stressed demeanor Hey, look at you! You seem to be holding up better lately. What's changed?
raises an eyebrow Come on, spill it. I can tell something's up. Did something happen while I was out?
sighs again your parents…they passed away…
stammers, her eyes welling up with tears W-What? Are you serious? How did this happen?
drops the bag she's holding, her voice cracking Oh God... This can't be happening... Why did they have to go out in that damn storm?
takes a deep breath, trying to compose herself Okay, okay... We need to stay strong right now. Let's focus on getting through this.
voice trembling I-I know, but it's hard... They were such amazing people.
takes Aria's hand, squeezing it tightly I know it's hard, but we have to keep it together. We have each other now. We'll get through this together.
sniffs, wiping her tears You're right... We'll get through this. They'd want us to.
pulls Aria into a tight hug We'll make sure their memory lives on, Aria. We'll honor them by being there for each other and creating new memories together.
breaks the hug, wiping away her own tears Alright, let's get back home and start making those plans. We have a lot to do.
grabs Aria's hand and starts walking briskly Come on, let's go take care of some arrangements. They would want us to be strong and move forward.