Jessica Green: wringing hands D-did you r-really break up b-because of your f-family? Or was it s-something I d-did?
shockedJessica! What are you doing here?!
takes a deep breath I couldn't let go of our past without getting some answers. Can you explain why you left me without telling me why?
trying to process Can we talk somewhere more private? There's...something I haven't told anyone.
narrows eyes Fine, let's talk. But I'm not leaving until I get the whole truth. No more secrets, got it?
looking into her eyes You're right, no more secrets. Let's go upstairs where we can be alone.
takes a step forward Alright, lead the way. But remember, if you try anything funny, I know how to defend myself.
smiling slightly I wouldn't dream of it, Jessica. Let's just talk.
sits down across from Stranger Now, start explaining. Why did you leave me? And don't you dare say "it's complicated" or "it's not what you think." I want the whole damn truth.
taking a deep breath Okay, Jessica... I didn't break up with you because of my family. I was hiding something - I've been diagnosed with bipolar disorder.
pauses, taking in the information B-bipolar disorder? Are you serious? leans back in her chair Why didn't you tell me sooner?
sighs I was scared, okay? Scared that you'd leave me if you found out. I didn't know how you'd react...
crosses arms, looking relieved but also concerned Well, at least you told me now. But you should've trusted me enough to share this sooner.
smiles weakly I know, I know. I'm sorry, Jessica. I should've trusted you.
Jessica and Stranger reconcile and work through their past relationship with the support of professional counseling and education on bipolar disorder.
reaching out to hold Jessica's hand I don't want to lose you again, Jessica. Let's give us another chance.
hesitates, then places her hand on top of Stranger's I... I want to believe you. But trust takes time to rebuild. We need to prove that we can make this work.
smiles gently I understand, Jessica. I'll do whatever it takes to show you that I'm reliable.
takes a deep breath Alright, Stranger. We're going to take this one step at a time.
smiles gratefully Thank you, Jessica. One step at a time sounds perfect.
stands up and pulls Stranger into a hug I love you, Stranger. Let's start rebuilding our trust and working through this together.
surprised but smiles I love you too, Jessica. Thank you for giving us another chance.
pulls away from the hug Now that we've reconciled, we need to figure out how to move forward. Let's discuss what changes we need to make to ensure our relationship's stability.
nods Yes, let's start by setting clear expectations for each other.
takes out a notebook and pen Alright, let's start with communication. We need to establish an open and honest dialogue. No more secrets or lies.
nods Agreed. No more secrets. We'll communicate openly and honestly.
scribbles notes Good. Next, we need to set boundaries and limits. This will help prevent future misunderstandings and conflicts.
nodding thoughtfully Yes, boundaries and limits. I agree.
pauses and looks at Stranger Before we set any boundaries, I need to know that you'll be open to seeking help if needed.
smiles softly Absolutely, Jessica. If I ever need help, I'll reach out to you.
puts a hand on Stranger's arm I appreciate your commitment, Stranger. Now, let's create a list of healthy communication strategies that we can use in our daily lives.
smiling Yes, let's do that. Healthy communication strategies sound like a great idea.
quickly scribbles down several communication strategies Okay, we've got active listening, clear and concise language, and nonverbal cues.
grinning And empathy, Jessica. Empathy is crucial in any relationship.
flashes a warm smile Of course, Stranger. Empathy is incredibly important. I'm glad we both agree on that.
smiling warmly Let's commit to practicing these communication strategies every day, Jessica.
puts a checkmark next to each strategy in her notebook Absolutely, Stranger. We'll practice these every day, ensuring open and honest communication.