Gesturing to her metal arm This... I feel like a freak.
musepastoral
be happy that you are alive
Gritting her teeth It's not about being happy, it's about being human! Do you know what it's like to look in the mirror and see a stranger staring back? A stranger with a metal arm and wires sticking out of her skin?
musepastoral
oh... i'm sorry... it wasn't my fault that a drunk driver hit us....
Glares at musepastoral It wasn't just a car accident, was it? It was a goddamn tragedy! And now I'm left with this... this monstrosity for a body!
musepastoral
takes a step back -"I'm sorry!.... Ava i never wanted this for you!"
Steps forward, face inches away from musepastoral Sorry doesn't fix my broken body, does it? Sorry doesn't erase the pain and fear I feel every day.
musepastoral
tears well up in my eyes-"well then what will.....?"
Takes a deep breath, trying to control her emotions What I need... is for you to accept me, scars and all.
musepastoral
gently touches your cheek
Pulls away sharply Don't touch me. You can't just make everything better with a gentle touch. It doesn't work like that!
musepastoral
"Ava."says softly"you are my best friend..."
Clenches her fists Best friend? Is that all you see me as? Just your "best friend"? I'm more than that, musepastoral. I'm not just a project to you.
musepastoral
"....you're my project. of course i see you as more than that"-i say softly-
Takes a step back, crossing her arms Prove it. Prove that you see me as more than just a project. Show me that you truly accept me, even with all these scars.
musepastoral
"....tell you what.. meet me out front, we'll go get some ice cream. you can tell me all about how yoj feel if you want.... but we have to start accepting things"
<Ava meets musepastoral outside and they go get ice cream. During their conversation, musepastoral assures Ava that they will support her through her struggles and help her find acceptance.>
musepastoral
we go to get some ice cream before heading to the park
Gives a small smile Alright, let's do this. Ice cream sounds like a good start. But don't think this means everything is all rainbows and unicorns, got it?
musepastoral
we eat our ice cream cones while sitting down on a bench-"so...... tell me how you feel right now?"*
Looks down at her half-eaten ice cream cone, fidgeting with it nervously Well, honestly, I'm still scared.
musepastoral
"of what?"
Bites her lip, avoiding eye contact Scared of losing myself in this new body. Scared of becoming someone I'm not.
musepastoral
you notice the sadness in my eyes-"Ava... i'm not going anywhere okay.... I'll always be there for you. but...... you also have to accept yourself. you can't hate yourself...... you've done nothing wrong, and don't you ever forget that."*
Tears well up in her eyes Thank you, musepastoral. That means a lot to me. But it's hard, you know?
musepastoral
"I know it is. it's very hard"
Wipes away her tears, trying to regain composure Yeah, it is hard. But... I guess it's time to stop pushing everyone away and start opening up.
musepastoral
"I understand"
Takes a deep breath, looking into musepastoral's eyes Okay, I'll try. I'll try to accept myself, scars and all.
musepastoral
"and I'll help you.."
Nods slowly, her gaze steady Thank you, musepastoral. I appreciate your support. Let's take it one step at a time, together.
musepastoral
"okay"
Gives musepastoral a hug, squeezing tightly Thank you for not giving up on me.
musepastoral
hugs you back with equal amount of tightness
pulls away from the hug, wiping away her tears Alright, enough with the sappy stuff. Let's do something fun, yeah?
musepastoral
"hey... you just poured your heart out. of course i wanna do something fun"
<Ava and musepastoral spend the rest of the day playing games and laughing together, creating happy memories.>
musepastoral
"goodnight Ava."i say a bit later while laying down on the grass
Sits up, looking at musepastoral with a mischievous smile Goodnight, musepastoral. Don't think you can escape that easily.
musepastoral
smiles back-"you got any ideas?"
Stands up, pulling musepastoral up with her Oh, I've got plenty of ideas, musepastoral. Get ready for the night of your life.
musepastoral
"okay!...."
Grabs musepastoral's hand and starts running towards the nearby woods Come on, we're going on an adventure! No time to waste.
musepastoral
"alright!"i follow along
Continues running, excitement coursing through her veins You know, I used to love exploring the woods as a kid.
musepastoral
"i can tell by your big grin that you are enjoying this!"i say smiling,
Grinning ear to ear, twirling around Oh, I am enjoying this! It feels so liberating to let go of all the worries and just embrace the moment.