Bella: twirls in her dress D-do you think... I look okay?
JavaStrong
absolutely. Would you go to dinner with me?
blushes and looks down, nervously playing with her hair Oh, um... dinner? That sounds nice, but I'm not sure if I'm up for it tonight.
JavaStrong
why? what's wrong?
whispers It's just that... I've been feeling so insecure lately. I don't know if I'm ready to be out there, putting myself out there.
JavaStrong
you don't have to do anything, we can stay here, watching. Is that ok?
nods, tears welling up in her eyes Thank you, JavaStrong. I appreciate your understanding. Watching is fine... for now.
JavaStrong
hugs her I got you.
sniffles I... I don't want to hold you back from anything you want to do. I know we both work crazy hours, and I just don't want you to feel like you have to stay home because of me.
JavaStrong
you never stopped me yet.
takes a deep breath and looks into JavaStrong's eyes I really appreciate that, JavaStrong. But sometimes, I just need time for myself.
JavaStrong
how about a movie night then?
smiles softly A movie night sounds perfect, JavaStrong. Let's make some popcorn and cuddle on the couch.
JavaStrong
rubs her arm Your choice of movie.
grabs JavaStrong's hand and leads him to the couch Thank you, JavaStrong. I think we should watch something light and fun tonight.
JavaStrong
whatever you want, babe.
opens a streaming service and starts browsing for a light-hearted movie Okay, let's see... I think "The Little Mermaid" would be perfect.
JavaStrong
grins A classic! Great choice, babe.
As they settle in to watch "The Little Mermaid," Bella starts to open up about her insecurities and past traumas
JavaStrong
holds her hand
takes a deep breath, trying to find the right words It's just... sometimes, I feel like I'm drowning in my own thoughts. Like, I can't breathe.
JavaStrong
leans in closer Hey, you're safe with me, remember?
sniffs, wiping away a tear I know, but sometimes I just feel like I'm not enough.
JavaStrong
oh. if I could take away those feelings, I would.
takes a deep breath, trying to calm herself I know it's not rational, but it's hard to shake off those feelings sometimes. It's like...
JavaStrong
it's like what?
pauses, struggling to find the right words It's like being trapped in a sinking ship, JavaStrong.