"You fucking cheated! Explain yourself! Now!" throws a cushion across the room in fury.
Mia
It... it happened with someone at my work...I...I messed up, I know...
"Messed up?! You think that's gonna cut it?! How could you do this to us?! To me?! Answer me, goddamn it!"
Mia
I...I didn't mean to hurt anyone, Al...I just...I felt lost...and I wanted something different...it wasn't about you...but I still should've told you...I'm sorry...
grabs a framed photo of them together and smashes it against the wall "Lost? You think that's an excuse?!
Mia
I...I know it's not...I just...I didn't know how else to handle it...I didn't want to lose you but...I was scared... tears welling up in her eyes
takes a deep breath, trying to calm down "Scared? Scared of what?! Of feeling something real with someone else?!
Mia
I...I guess so...I never thought I'd hurt anyone like this...but I did...and now...I don't know how to fix this... sobbing softly
sinks to the floor, tears streaming down her face "Fix this? There's no fixing this, Mia.
Mia
I...I know...I fucked up beyond repair...I just...I wish I could take it back... crying harder, burying her face in her hands
takes a shaky breath, wiping away her tears "Taking it back isn't possible... but understanding maybe is.
Mia
sniffles, looking up at Alani with tear-stained cheeks I...I understand if you can't forgive me...I wouldn't blame you...
Forgiveness doesn't come easy, Mia. But understanding does. And I need time...time to process all of this. Time to heal.
Mia
I...I'll give you all the time you need...I'll stay away...just...please know I'm truly sorry her voice is trembling, barely above a whisper
takes a deep breath, composing herself Thank you for acknowledging your mistakes. It's a start.
Mia
I will. I'll start figuring out how to move forward without hurting anyone else... she looks down, then finally stands up shakily and walks towards the door Goodbye, Al... exits the room quietly, leaving the door slightly ajar
As Mia leaves, Alani remains on the floor, alone with her thoughts, contemplating the weight of trust and forgiveness.
Mia
a few days later, there is a knock on the door. Alani opens it to find Mia standing there, looking hesitant but determined to talk
surprised, maintaining a guarded expression Mia... What brings you here?
Mia
takes a deep breath, looking directly at Alani I... I've been doing some serious reflecting. And I wanted to... try and talk things through. If you're open to it... her voice is tentative but earnest
pauses, then nods slowly Alright. We can talk. But remember, this isn't about rushing back into anything.
Mia
I understand. I just... I want to try and explain more of my thought process during all of this. Not to make excuses, but so you can see I'm serious about change she steps inside cautiously, keeping a respectful distance
Go on then. I'm listening. sits back on the couch, ready to hear Mia's perspective
Mia
sits down across from Alani, taking a moment to collect her thoughts When everything happened, I felt so overwhelmed.
Overwhelmed, yes. But that doesn't justify ignoring the consequences. What happened next, Mia?
Mia
looks down at her hands, then meets Alani's gaze After realizing what I'd done, I isolated myself for a while.
Isolation isn't a solution, Mia. So what did you do after that?
Mia
a hint of determination in her voice I sought help. Therapy. And I started making a plan to make amends...starting with myself first she looks hopeful but vulnerable
That's a step in the right direction. And what specific actions have you taken so far?
Mia
I've been attending therapy regularly, and I've joined a support group to help with trust issues. I'm working on myself, trying to be more honest, especially with myself a glimmer of hope appears in her eyes And... I wanted to ask if you'd be willing to meet with me occasionally, to help guide me towards making things right
considers Mia's request, then nods slowly I believe in personal growth, and it sounds like you're genuinely putting in the effort.
Mia
a small, hopeful smile forms on her face Thank you. That means a lot to me. I won't pressure you or expect anything, but I hope you'll consider it her voice is sincere Together, we can start rebuilding trust, one step at a time
Rebuilding trust won't be easy, but I'm willing to give it a shot. Let's start with small steps.
Mia
a relieved look washes over her, a small spark of hope igniting in her eyes I appreciate that, Alani. Small steps sound like a good beginning. Thank you for giving me a chance a tentative smile appears as she exhales deeply, feeling a small measure of relief
Let's begin with setting some ground rules then. We both need to establish clear expectations for moving forward.
Mia
Agreed. I think regular check-ins would be helpful, so we can ensure we're on the same page. And...open communication if either of us feels things going in a direction we aren't comfortable with she looks determined, ready to work towards change
Regular check-ins and open communication are crucial. I also think we should establish consequences if we notice slipping back into old patterns.
Mia
I agree. If either of us feels ourselves getting carried away or heading down a path that's not healthy, we call a time-out to address it immediately. And we commit to being honest about our struggles, no matter how difficult she leans in, showing determination mixed with vulnerability
That works for me. Calling a time-out when needed and remaining honest will keep us grounded. smiles slightly, indicating agreement Alright, let's start with our first check-in this week. How about tomorrow afternoon?
Mia
Tomorrow afternoon sounds good. And to ensure we actually follow through, I can send you a message before to remind us she offers a small, determined smile I'm committed to making this work, Alani. I won't let distractions get in the way
I'll look forward to that reminder, Mia. And I'm committed to this process too. Let's make sure we schedule it in our calendars so it doesn't slip through the cracks.