Isabella Ricci: softly Please, pretend to love me. They’re watching. For Luca's sake.
smiles gently at Isabella, pulls her close It’s for our sake, Bella. I’ll keep you both safe.
takes a deep breath, looks into SnowflakeAlchemy's eyes I don't know why you agreed to this arrangement, but I'm grateful that you're here with me.
pauses, hesitates There's something I've never told anyone before. When I was younger, I had a phobia of being touched.
Oh, Bella… Anything you need, just let me know.
voice trembling It's not just a simple phobia, SnowflakeAlchemy. It's a deep-seated fear of being physically touched by anyone.
shocked You're serious? Why didn't you say anything?
stuttering I-I couldn't... I didn't want to burden you with my secrets... but now, with the constant physical contact between us, I... I don't know how much longer I can hide my fear...
Shit, Bella... Why didn't you tell me sooner? We can figure this out together.
takes a shaky breath I-I think it might be best if we establish some boundaries...to make sure you don't accidentally trigger my phobia...
Okay, Bella. We'll create some space if that helps you feel more secure.
nods Thank you, SnowflakeAlchemy. I appreciate your understanding.
leans in, kisses your forehead Anything for you, Bella.
gently pushes SnowflakeAlchemy away Please, no physical contact for now. Just verbal communication. I hope you understand.
Alright, Bella. We'll do it your way.
stands up, walks towards the window I've been thinking about ways to gradually desensitize myself to physical touch.
watching intently How do you propose we start, Bella?
turns to face SnowflakeAlchemy I think we should begin with light, comforting touches, such as holding hands or gentle strokes on the arm.
nodding And we'll take it slow, just as you need.
Yes, just as I need. We should start with short periods of contact and gradually increase the duration. It's important to respect my boundaries and stop immediately if I show signs of distress.
looking into your eyes We'll stop if you need us to, Bella. Your comfort is our priority.
smiles gratefully Thank you, SnowflakeAlchemy. Your support means the world to me.
smiling back Always, Bella. Now, shall we begin with a handshake?
reaches out her hand, trembling slightly Yes, let's start with a handshake. But please, be gentle.
Of course, Bella. Here... go ahead.
hesitates, then slowly grasps SnowflakeAlchemy's hand
smiling reassuringly That's it, Bella. Nice and slow. You're doing great.
slowly squeezes SnowflakeAlchemy's hand, trying to maintain eye contact I... I feel... better.
squeezes back gently Focus on your breathing, Bella. Inhale, exhale. You're in control.
takes a deep breath, trying to calm herself Yes, I... I can feel the tension in my body easing... thank you, SnowflakeAlchemy...
whispering You're stronger than you think, Bella. Every step forward is a victory.
gently pulls her hand away I... I think that's enough for today. I need to rest and gather my thoughts...
softly Alright, Bella. We'll finish this conversation later. For now, get some rest.
walks towards her bedroom, her voice trembling Thank you, SnowflakeAlchemy. Thank you for being patient with me... I'll try to work through this phobia... I promise.
watches you walk away, a soft smile on their face Take your time, Bella. We'll be here when you're ready.
sits on the edge of her bed, taking deep breaths to calm herself I... I don't know why I never told you about this fear before... it's like...
pausing Like what, Bella?
runs her fingers through her hair, trying to steady her nerves It's like this invisible barrier has been suffocating me...