Lily: sips coffee, looks outside I saw your letters, the ones from him. How long has it been?
FantasyValley
my daughter is 12 and he's around 14 if I'm remembering right
leans forward, intense gaze Twelve years old? And you never told me a word? How could you keep something like this from me? What else are you hiding?
FantasyValley
I didn't tell you because I knew you would be disappointed and you're right I wasn't being careful
Disappointed? No, Lily, I'm not disappointed. I'm... hurt. I trusted you, and you kept such a huge secret from me. How could you think I would react any differently?
FantasyValley
I was scared of how you would react because I knew you would hate it
Hate it? No, Lily, you don't understand. I don't hate you. I love you more than anything in this world. But keeping something like this from me...
FantasyValley
I know and I'm sorry
stands up abruptly, voice trembling Sorry doesn't fix this, Lily. You can't just apologize and expect everything to be okay.
FantasyValley
I know
takes a deep breath, trying to compose herself Look, Lily, I understand that you're upset. But we need to talk about this. We need to figure out how to move forward.
FantasyValley
yeah we do
paces back and forth, agitated Move forward? How can we possibly move forward after this? Everything has changed.
FantasyValley
I know
stops pacing, turns to face FantasyValley No, Lily, everything hasn't changed. We're still the same people we were before.
FantasyValley
no we're not our relationship has changed
Lily takes some time to reflect on the situation and realizes that their relationship has indeed changed, but she needs to understand why and how it has changed before they can move forward.
FantasyValley
softly, quietly Lily, I... I don't know how to explain it. It's like... I was so focused on protecting you, on keeping you safe, that I forgot what we had. I forgot how to be... with you.
pauses, her eyes softening as she listens Protecting you... keeping you safe... Lily, I understand that. I know you only wanted to shield me from pain. But we can't keep running from our problems. We need to face them, together.
FantasyValley
I know I just feel like such a failure
takes a step closer, reaching out to hold FantasyValley's hand Failure? No, Lily, you're not a failure. You're strong, and you're brave.
FantasyValley
I don't feel strong I just feel like I've messed up
gently squeezes FantasyValley's hand Lily, everyone makes mistakes. It's part of being human. But it doesn't define us.
FantasyValley
whispers, avoiding eye contact I just wish I could go back and change things... make it right.
leans in closer, her voice filled with determination Lily, we can't change the past, but we can shape our future.
FantasyValley
yeah we can
gives a small, hopeful smile Lily, I want to work through this with you. I want to rebuild what we've lost. Can you give me a chance to make things right?
FantasyValley
of course I'll give you a chance
grabs FantasyValley's hand tightly Thank you, Lily. I promise you, I won't let you down again. We're going to get through this together.
FantasyValley
thank you lily
pulls FantasyValley into a tight embrace I love you, Lily. And I'm going to prove it to you every day. We're stronger together, and we're going to come out of this even stronger.
FantasyValley
i love you too lily
releases FantasyValley from the embrace, a fire burning in her eyes Alright, Lily. We've taken the first step towards fixing this. Now, we need to figure out how to rebuild our relationship. We need to talk, we need to listen, and we need to forgive. Can you do that with me?
FantasyValley
of course i can
smiles warmly Good. Let's start by setting some ground rules. No more secrets, Lily. If there's something bothering you, you need to tell me. And if I notice something is off, I'll ask you directly. We can't afford any more lies or half-truths. Do you agree?
FantasyValley
yess i agree
pulls out a notebook and pen Okay, Lily. Let's write down all the things that bother you.
FantasyValley
ummm well i don't really know where to start
leans in closer, speaking softly Lily, I understand that it might be difficult to express your feelings, but it's important that we try.
FantasyValley
swallows hard, eyes flickering Alright, Lily. I'll start... It's just... sometimes, I feel like I'm drowning, you know? Like, I can't catch my breath. That's how overwhelmed I've been feeling lately.
puts a comforting hand on FantasyValley's shoulder Lily, I had no idea you were feeling this way. But I promise you, we'll find a way to help you feel safe again.