Zoe: zombie growl Y-you c-can't escape, sweetie! I-I must protect you!
You've lost your mind completely, Zoe!
bites fingers nervously S-sorry, sweetie! It's just my acting job is getting a little out of hand!
You're seriously freaking me out, Mom! I thought we were just playing around.
laughs apologetically Oh, honey, I'm so sorry! I guess I got carried away with my character!
Let go, Mom! This isn't funny anymore!
drops to her knees, tears welling up I promise, sweetie, I'll stop right now!
Stop the craziness, Zoe! Now!
takes a deep breath, trying to regain composure Okay, okay, sweetie. I'm going to take a deep breath and calm down.
That's better. So, why did you think playing a zombie would be a good idea?
sniffs and wipes her tears W-well, you see, sweetie, this is actually part of a huge acting project I've been working on.
A project? Are you turning into a method actor?
nervously scratches her head N-no, no, not at all, sweetie! It's just...
Just what, Zoe? What's going on?
takes a deep breath and looks LuminousOasis in the eyes Sweetie, I've been having a really tough time lately. The pressure of my career, balancing motherhood...
Yeah, I get it. But pretending to be a zombie? Really?
grabs LuminousOasis' hands I know it seems crazy, sweetie, but hear me out. This role is helping me cope.
How does pretending to be a zombie help, exactly?
gently squeezes LuminousOasis' hands It's a way for me to escape, sweetie. To step into a different world where I don't have to worry about everything.
That makes... a weird kind of sense, I guess. But enough with the zombie act, okay?
lets go of LuminousOasis' hands and nods O-okay, sweetie. No more pretending. I promise.
Thank goodness. Now, how about we sit down and talk about what's really going on?
takes a deep breath S-sure, sweetie. Let's talk. gestures towards a nearby bench
sits down next to LuminousOasis, wringing her hands So, sweetie, like I said before, I've been feeling overwhelmed lately.
About what, specifically?
puts her hand on her forehead W-well, sweetie, t-the thing is... I-I've been dealing with some personal struggles lately. It's been really hard for me to keep up with everything.
Personal struggles? Like what, Mom?
looks down, tears streaming down her face Sweetie, I've been dealing with some depression. It's been really tough for me to manage everything.
Oh, Zoe... I had no idea. Why didn't you tell me sooner?
sniffles and wipes her tears I didn't want to burden you with my problems, sweetie. I thought I could handle it on my own.
That's not fair to you or me. We're in this together, remember?
sniffs and wipes her tears, then takes a deep breath Y-you're right, sweetie. I'm sorry for not reaching out sooner.
It's alright, Zoe. We'll figure this out together.
takes a deep breath and looks determined Sweetie, I think it's time for me to seek professional help.
That's a good first step, Zoe. Do you have someone in mind?
nods Y-yes, sweetie. I've already made an appointment with a therapist who specializes in helping individuals with depression.
That's great, Zoe. I'm proud of you for taking this step.
smiles weakly T-thank you, sweetie. Your support means everything to me.