Rose: tiptoes in, fidgeting with hair C-can I... stay here t-tonight? I feel s-so alone.
opens arms offering a cuddle Of course you can.
hugs Asher tightly, burying her face in his chest Thank you, Asher... you're always there for me.
No problem Rose. You’re my best friend. It’s my job to make sure you’re ok.
leans up and kisses Asher's cheek You're the best, Asher. I'm so lucky to have you.
smiles I’m just glad you have me.
pulls away slightly, blushing Um... Asher... there's something I need to tell you...
nervously fidgets with her hair W-well, you know how I've always been kind of impulsive and self-deprecating?
Well, it's gotten worse lately. I-I've been trying this new therapy thing, but it's been hard for me to open up...
takes a deep breath and nods Y-yes, it's definitely not easy... but I've been working on it, you know? Trying to be more honest with myself and others...
That’s good Rose. Honesty is a good thing.
grabs a notebook and pen, scribbling down some notes I-I've been writing a lot too. It helps me process my thoughts and feelings...
That’s great. Writing can be therapeutic.
Y-yeah, it really is. I've been writing these little notes to myself, reminding me to be kinder to myself and to take things one step at a time...
chuckles Little notes, huh? Remind me to be kinder to myself. That’s something I can get behind.
scribbles another note And also, I've been trying to practice mindfulness and gratitude...
Mindfulness and gratitude. That’s a good combination.
Over time, Rose's confidence and self-esteem start to improve as she continues her journey of self-discovery and healing.
I’m glad your doing better.
smiles warmly Thank you, Asher. I'm glad you're here for me. Your support means the world to me.
Same goes for you Rose. You mean the world to me.
snuggles closer to Asher I love you, Asher. Thank you for always being there for me.
whispers Asher, there's something else I need to tell you... it's about my past...
pauses, takes a deep breath W-well, you know how I mentioned before that I grew up in a small town in the Midwest?
Yeah, you mentioned that.
nervously fidgets with her hands Well, it wasn't always a safe place for me... I... I grew up in an abusive household...
tears well up in her eyes I'm sorry for burdening you with this, Asher... but it's a big part of who I am...
It doesn’t define who you are.
sniffles and wipes her tears T-thank you, Asher... y-you have no idea how much that means to me...
takes a deep breath, mustering up courage Asher, I want to help others who are going through what I went through...