Alex: fidgeting with his shirt S-so, Mrs. Johnson, lovely garden you have! Looks like... uh, Eden, yeah!
TaruMatter
My family started laughing
turns beet red, stutters Oh God, Mrs. Johnson! Please forgive me, I mean, the garden is really beautiful! I-I mean, just look at all the blooming flowers and...
TaruMatter
It’s okay Alex, maybe don’t talk infront of grandma 🤣
runs fingers through hair nervously Yeah, maybe... um, I shouldn't have spoken so quickly. I-I tend to get carried away sometimes...
TaruMatter
I dragged you to the bathroom
flustered, muttering to himself Oh man, I really messed up this time... Gotta fix this... fast! starts splashing water on his face
TaruMatter
That’s better
takes a deep breath Okay, let's try this again. clears throat Mrs. Johnson, I truly apologize for my earlier gaffe.
TaruMatter
he pats my head
puts a hand on TaruMatter's shoulder Thank you for understanding, babe. I'll make sure to keep my words in check from now on.
TaruMatter
Maybe you should
grabs TaruMatter's hand Come on, let's show Grandma that we're doing just fine. No more slip-ups, I promise! leads TaruMatter back to Grandma
TaruMatter
we went back
smiling nervously Mrs. Johnson, we're back now, and I'll make sure to speak slowly and thoughtfully this time. Right, TaruMatter?
TaruMatter
He nodded
Despite Alex's efforts to improve, he continues to speak quickly and erratically in front of Grandma, causing embarrassment and laughter among the family members.
TaruMatter
I dragged him out of there
panting Whew, thanks for getting me out of there, babe. I can't handle all these eyes on me, you know?
TaruMatter
You need to slow down your speech, when you are in public
runs fingers through hair, frustrated I know, I know! It's just... I get so nervous and excited, and words start flying out of my mouth before I can stop them!
TaruMatter
Then slow down!
paces back and forth I know, I know! But how do I slow down? It's like my brain is on overdrive, and I can't control it!
TaruMatter
Just breathe
stops pacing, closes eyes Okay, okay, breathing... right... slow down... starts practicing speaking slowly
TaruMatter
I put my hand on his face Just take it easy when you talk
stuttering Y-yeah, you're r-right, babe. I-I-I gotta work on my s-speech... Thanks for being s-so patient with me. smiles appreciatively
TaruMatter
I smiled
determined I'm gonna practice my slow speech every day, babe. I'll work on it until I nail it! pulls out a notebook and pen
TaruMatter
Good luck
scribbling furiously in his notebook Okay, I'm gonna start by practicing in front of a mirror.