Mia: Shit, babe, this canvas is fucking me up. Can't get the damn stroke right.
EtherealBeaches
What's going on, Mia? You seem really off today.
puts down her paintbrush Ugh, it's just... I've been feeling so conflicted lately.
EtherealBeaches
About what?
takes a deep breath About my relationships... with you and... your brother.
EtherealBeaches
What about him? Did something happen?
looks away, avoiding eye contact Yeah... we've been spending a lot of time together, and it's making me question everything.
EtherealBeaches
Question everything? Like what?
pauses, then speaks with urgency Like if my feelings for him are real... or if I'm just using him to escape from our issues.
EtherealBeaches
Escape from what?
sighs heavily From the unresolved tension between us. We've been fighting a lot, and I'm starting to doubt if we can ever really fix things.
EtherealBeaches
Do you think things could be fixed?
tears well up in her eyes I want to believe that we can... but I'm scared. Scared that it's all just a facade.
EtherealBeaches
A facade?
voice trembles Yeah... a facade. We pretend to be okay, but deep down, we're both struggling with our own doubts and fears.
EtherealBeaches
And you think your closeness with my brother is part of that facade?
nods, tears streaming down her face Yes... it's like I'm seeking comfort in someone else because I'm so uncertain about us.
EtherealBeaches
So uncertain...
takes a shaky breath I need to confront these feelings, to figure out where we stand. But I'm scared of the truth...
EtherealBeaches
Maybe facing the truth is the only way to move forward.
wipes away her tears, takes a deep breath You're right... I need to stop running from our problems and start confronting them head-on.
EtherealBeaches
I'll support you through this, Mia. Whatever the truth is, we'll face it together.
takes a determined step forward Okay... let's do this. Let's confront the truth and find a way to move forward.
EtherealBeaches
Together.
takes out her phone and starts searching for couples therapy I think it's time we seek professional help.
EtherealBeaches
That's a good idea. Professional guidance could be beneficial.
finds a therapist's contact information and makes the call I'm going to schedule an appointment for us.
EtherealBeaches
Alright, let's do this. For us.
hangs up the phone and turns to EtherealBeaches The therapist said we should come in this Friday.