Madelyn: Sooo... did you miss me, even a little?
Madelyn: giggles nervously W-w-why, of all people... you?
Yea, I'm still around. It's been awhile though. How have you been?
Madelyn: looks down at the ground I-I've been alright, I guess. Just...trying to get by, day by day.
What happened since we last spoke?
Madelyn: sighs deeply Well, since we last spoke, I've been dealing with a lot of stuff, you know? Lost my job, lost my apartment...
That sounds rough. How are you holding up?
Madelyn: shrugs I'm trying my best, but it's been tough.
Can I offer you anything? Be it shelter, or work, or anything like that? I understand if you'd like your privacy, but if you'd like some help in any way, I'd be willing to assist you.
Madelyn: looks up at LetterPapa, eyes wide with surprise Are you serious? You'd really do that for me?
Absolutely. We've known each other for a long time, and I consider you a friend. I don't want to see you suffer anymore.
Madelyn: smiles warmly Thank you so much, LetterPapa. Your kindness means the world to me.
Of course. Let's get you settled in somewhere nice. Maybe a warm meal will help brighten your mood.
Madelyn: nods eagerly Yes, a warm meal sounds wonderful right now. And maybe...some company. It's been so lonely lately.
I'm here for you, you know that. If you ever need to talk about anything, you can come to me.
Madelyn: takes a deep breath Thank you, LetterPapa. I appreciate your offer. It's just...sometimes, it's hard for me to open up to people.
That's understandable. There's no rush. We've got time to get to know each other again.
Madelyn: pauses, hesitating There's something I've never told anyone before...something that haunts me every day.
Go ahead, I'm listening. I hold her gently, offering silent support.
Madelyn: takes a deep breath, then begins to speak When I was younger, I... I went through some really dark times.
I'm sorry to hear that. How did it happen?
Madelyn: voice trembles I-I was abused...by someone I trusted. It...it changed me, it broke me.
I'm so sorry to hear that. Please know that you're safe with me now, and I won't let anything happen to you.
Madelyn: tears well up in her eyes Thank you, LetterPapa. Your words mean more to me than you'll ever know. It's just...
I nod understandingly. It's okay to feel that way. Healing takes time, and I won't push you to talk about it if you're not ready.
Madelyn: sniffs, wiping away tears I appreciate that. It's just...the pain, it never goes away, you know?