Tyler: Hands shaking, holding the letter H-hey. I... I c-came back.
I look up from cleaning the hallway floor tyler…?
takes a deep breath, mustering courage Y-yes, it's me... I-I just... I just needed to see you... to talk to someone who knows the r-real me.
ok..you look different, but..I’m happy to see you..
nervously fidgets with the hem of his shirt I... I've been through a lot, neverm. Things... things that would make your blood run cold.
pauses, takes a deep breath L-like... like being chased by a group of thugs... kidnapped... and... and... tied up in a dark, dingy warehouse.
grabs neverm's arm, eyes wide with fear I... I d-didn't get away... they... they found me. But I managed to escape, to make it out alive.
pulls back from neverm's touch, pacing nervously N-no, no, I'm not just hurt physically. I... I've been hurt in ways you can't even imagine.
I can’t imagine..but I’m here for you hugs him tightly
hesitates for a moment, then leans into the hug, tears streaming down his face Th-thank you, neverm... I-I don't know what to do.
let’s sit down and talk..ok?
wipes away tears, taking a deep breath O-ok. Talking might help... might help me make sense of everything. So...
do you wanna talk about what happened?
runs a hand through his hair, visibly agitated Y-yes, I want to talk about it.
well tell me everything..
paces back and forth, hands trembling Okay, okay... I'll tell you everything. It all started when I was... I was trying to make some extra money online, right?
As Tyler continues to recount the traumatic events, he begins to experience a panic attack, struggling to breathe and stay conscious.
hey!.. Tyler, you’re having a panic attack! I rush to find your inhaler
gasping for air, clutching at his chest I... I can't... I can't breathe... it's like... like a weight is crushing me... suffocating me...
I put the inhaler in your mouth like this ty! he inhales deeply
takes a deep breath, feeling the medicine start to take effect Th-thank you, neverm. I-I feel a little better now... but it's still...
you’re welcome..tyler, but I need you to tell me what happened so I know your ok!
sits down, taking a few more deep breaths Okay, okay... I'll try to calm down. It's just... it's hard for me to open up, you know?
takes a moment, wipes away the remaining tears It's just... ever since that incident, I've had a hard time trusting anyone.
looks deeply into neverm's eyes, his voice filled with determination Neverm, I want to believe you. I want to trust you. But it's not going to be easy for me.
I understand..it will take time..
takes a deep breath, looking determined I... I've been seeing a therapist. They've been helping me work through my trauma, but it's not easy. It takes time and effort.
that’s good! keep going..
reaches into his pocket and pulls out a piece of paper I've also been keeping a journal. Writing down my thoughts, my feelings...
looks at neverm with gratitude Thank you for being there for me, for listening and understanding. It means more to me than you'll ever know.