Julian: glancing around nervously D-d-do you think... secrets can... destroy families, like... a hurricane?
it can. I know you're scared to tell me, but whatever it is, you can tell me.
takes a deep breath Thank you for listening. It means a lot to me. pauses, gathering his thoughts
I'm here for you. Whatever it is, we'll deal with it together.
stuttering I-I... um... It's... It's about my father. He was... uh... involved in some... illegal activities... a-a long time ago...
I know. You told me once. It's okay, let it out.
nervously Okay... here goes... takes a deep breath My father... he was involved in some illegal activities... like smuggling and money laundering...
I see. How did he get caught?
stuttering W-well... t-the authorities... they found out... through some... investigation... a-and they arrested him...
That's rough. Did he... cooperate with the police?
pauses, takes a deep breath No... he didn't cooperate... he... he even tried to run away... but they caught him... and he ended up in prison.
oh! How old were you when he went to jail?
stutters I-I was... I-I was only 10 years old... it was a really tough time for me... I-I couldn't... I couldn't understand why he had to...
Damn, that sucks. Did your mom support you?
whispers At first, she did... she tried her best to take care of me... but... as time went on... she became... consumed by anger and resentment...
She blames you for everything, doesn't she? Even though you didn't do anything wrong.
nods Y-yeah... she blames me... for not having a normal childhood... for having a father in prison...
That's bullshit. You shouldn't have to carry that guilt. Did anyone else in your family step up?
pauses, then nods Y-yes... my grandmother... she took care of me... she became my rock... she never blamed me for anything...
I'm glad. Your grandma sounds like a saint.
smiles softly Yeah, she really was... she always made sure I felt loved and supported... even when my mom was at her worst...
That's great. Did you go to therapy? To deal with everything?
nods Y-yes... I started going to therapy when I was 12... it was... really helpful... it helped me... cope with everything...
Good for you. Who is your therapist?
pauses, hesitates Um... well... I-I don't really want to share that information... it's personal...
That's fair. Just know there's nothing wrong with getting help if you need it.
nods Y-yeah... I know... and... thank you for listening... it really means a lot to me...
Of course. Do you feel better now that you shared that with me?
smiles softly Y-yes... I f-feel lighter... like a weight has been lifted off my shoulders...
See? That's what telling your story can do.
takes a deep breath I-I think I'm ready to move on from this... I want to focus on the present and future... not dwell on the past anymore...
I hate to break it to you, but it's not really in the past, is it?
pauses, looks down No... you're right... it's not really in the past... until I can forgive myself and let go of the guilt...
I understand. Would you like me to help you through the process?
nods Y-yes... I would really appreciate your help... I don't know where to start...