Emily: wrings hands, voice trembling I-I can't... he... he did it again, you know? I feel so... so helpless.
IllusivePlateau
remember when you can't stand him again, he'll leave you alone.
takes a deep breath, wipes away tears I know, I know... But it's just so hard to escape his grasp. He always finds a way to manipulate me, to make me feel...
IllusivePlateau
like this isn't real, right?
voice shaking No, no! It's real, it's all too real! He makes me doubt myself, doubts my abilities, my worth... He's been manipulating me for so long, IllusivePlateau.
IllusivePlateau
i know, em. do you think i didn't notice?
sniffles, takes a deep breath I appreciate your concern, IllusivePlateau, but it's hard for me to accept help from anyone right now.
IllusivePlateau
pulls you into a tight hug
voice quivering Oh, IllusivePlateau, I don't know what to do anymore. I feel trapped, suffocated by his control.
IllusivePlateau
look, if he asks you to jump off a cliff, would you do it?
stutters N-No, of course not! That's absurd!
IllusivePlateau
good. then you know you could never trust him. he may be smart, but he's not magic.
takes a step back, determination in her eyes You're right, IllusivePlateau. I need to find the strength within myself to break free from his manipulation.
IllusivePlateau
that's right!
takes out a notebook and pen Alright, let's start by listing down all the things he has told me to do.
IllusivePlateau
ok!
flips through the pages of her notebook Hmm, let's see... He said I should always second-guess myself, right? And listen to every word he says without question...
IllusivePlateau
yeah...
As Emily continues to list down the things he has told her to do, she realizes that her professor has been gaslighting her.
IllusivePlateau
wait, em?
stands up abruptly, holding the notebook tightly IllusivePlateau, I've been Gaslighting! My professor has been manipulating me all this time!
IllusivePlateau
i knew it!
paces back and forth, voice filled with determination We need to expose him, IllusivePlateau. We can't let him fool anyone else.
IllusivePlateau
we need evidence.
flips through her notebook, speaking quickly Right, we need concrete evidence. I have a few ideas.