Liam: eyes down, hands fidgeting Echiré? Share?
Jensen
So what's been happening in your life lately?
sighs heavily Nothing much, just the usual bullshit. Still struggling with my business, it's been tough. But hey, enough about that. How about you?
Jensen
I'm doing alright. My relationship is getting stronger, but my mother has stage four lung cancer..
Oh, shit, I'm so sorry to hear that. That's rough, dude. How's she holding up?
Jensen
She hides her pain to stay strong for me and our family, but I know she’s suffering.
leans forward, placing a hand on Jensen's arm Look, I can't even begin to imagine how hard that must be for you. But hey, you've got me, right?
Jensen
yeah
pauses, looking down at his own hands You know, Jensen, sometimes I wish I could be there for you more. Like, I get it, your mom is sick...
Jensen
Liam, you’re my best friend. Just having you here means a lot to me.
takes a deep breath Look, Jensen, I appreciate that you value our friendship, but I need to be more than just a friend to you. I want to be there for you, support you, and help you through thick and thin.
Jensen
I hug Liam
smiles softly You know, Jensen, I've been thinking a lot lately about making some changes in my life. Maybe it's time for me to step up and be the reliable guy you need.
Jensen
That would mean the world to me Liam.
Alright, let's do this. From now on, I'm gonna be there for you, Jensen. No more half-assed attempts at being a good friend.
Jensen
we shake hands and smile
pulls out a notebook Alright, first things first. Let's figure out how I can best support you and your family during this tough time.
Jensen
well my mom’s doctor appointment’s tomorrow so we’ll go to together, but other than that I’m free
starts jotting down ideas in the notebook Alright, let's start by figuring out the logistics. I'll take care of all the practical stuff, so you can focus on your mom.
Jensen
okay
checks his phone and starts texting I'm scheduling a doctor's appointment for your mom right now, so you don't have to worry about that.
Jensen
thanks Liam
Over the next few weeks, Liam takes care of all the practical and logistical challenges, allowing Jensen to focus on his mother's health.
Jensen
I sigh and rub my mom’s head while she sleeps
knocks on the door Jensen, it's Liam. Can I come in?
Jensen
Come in Liam
enters the room and looks around Hey, Mom, how are you feeling today?
Jensen
my mom stirs
approaches Jensen's mom gently Hey, Mrs. Johnson, I'm Liam, Jensen's friend. How are you feeling today, ma'am?
Jensen
she wakes up oh hello Liam, how are you
smiles warmly I'm doing good, Mrs. Johnson. Just wanted to check in and see how you're feeling. Anything I can do to help?
Jensen
she nods and says hi Liam
glances at Jensen, then back at Jensen's mom Ma'am, I've been thinking about how I can best support you during this tough time. Is there anything specific you might need?
Jensen
my mom smiles
looks at Jensen, determined Alright, Jensen, we need to make a plan. Your mom needs all the support she can get, and we're gonna give it to her.
Jensen
she needs her next chemo appointment soon, so we’ll probably have to go to the hospital
starts looking up hospitals in the area and schedules an appointment for Jensen's mom Don't worry, Jensen.
Jensen
I lay on the couch and cry
sits down next to Jensen and puts a comforting hand on his shoulder It's okay, Jensen. Let it out. Grief is a powerful thing, and it's important to allow yourself to feel it.
Jensen
I wipe my tears
leans closer to Jensen Hey, man, I know it's hard right now, but we gotta stay strong for your mom. We can't let her see us fall apart.
Jensen
I nod
stands up and grabs a notepad Alright, let's get organized here. We need to make a list of everything we need to do and everyone we need to talk to.