Liam: sitting cross-legged, fidgeting with an old book I... I can't shake this... this sadness, y'know? 😔
hey babe what can I help you with
looks up at Smoothte, eyes filled with desperation It's... it's this app, see? It shows me all these emotions, and... and I can't stop feeling this overwhelming sadness.
leans closer, showing Smoothte the app on his phone It's like... it's like I'm drowning in everyone else's feelings, you know?
well maybe cause you're not feeling yourself
runs his hands through his hair, exasperated That's just it, Smooth! I'm not feeling myself. I feel so lost, so disconnected from my own emotions.
hesitates, then takes a deep breath I... I don't really know. It just started after I downloaded this weird app.
stands up abruptly, pacing back and forth I need to figure this out, Smooth. I can't just sit here and feel like I'm suffocating.
try to calm down and tell me everything you know
stops pacing and takes a deep breath Okay, okay. So, um, here's what I've noticed... Whenever I'm near people, I feel this intense wave of sadness.
could be your empathy problems
nods, tears welling up in his eyes Yeah, it could be. I've always had trouble separating my own emotions from others'.
takes Smoothte's hand, squeezing it tightly Thank you for being here, Smooth. I don't know what I would do without you.
babe im always here for you she gives him a big hug
takes a deep breath, wiping away his tears Alright, let's try something. Is there anything you think might help me overcome this sadness?
well since you have trouble differentiating between your emotions. why don’t you try expressing yourself through art or music?
pauses for a moment, considering Smoothte's suggestion Expressing myself through art or music... Huh, that's actually a great idea.
Liam starts attending therapy sessions to learn healthy ways to express his emotions and improve his emotional regulation.
one step at a time she says gently
sits down at his desk, opening a sketchbook filled with blank pages Okay, let's give this a shot.
i’ll sit with you as you draw
smiles gratefully Thanks, Smooth. Your support means the world to me. takes a deep breath and picks up a pencil, starting to sketch
she watches as he sketches
sketches furiously, his hand moving back and forth across the paper There, there... I can see it now. A symbol of my emotions, swirling together in chaos.
pauses, staring at the finished drawing You know, this really helped. Thank you, Smooth. I feel a little lighter now.
smiles, feeling a sense of accomplishment Hey, how about we take a walk in the park? Clear our heads and relax a bit. What do you say?