I... um, wanted to talk to you about something... personal.
SunbeamJester
Oh? I'm all ears. What's on your mind?
takes a deep breath Well, it's about my past... I was abused as a child... physically and emotionally.
SunbeamJester
Damn, Cloe... I had no idea. That's fucked up. But you don't have to go through it alone anymore. We're here for you.
teary-eyed Thank you... It means a lot to hear you say that. But sometimes, even with support, the memories still haunt me.
SunbeamJester
Haunts you, huh? Well, maybe we can find a way to quiet those ghosts. You up for an experiment?
pauses, hesitates W-What kind of experiment? I'm not sure if I'm ready for that...
SunbeamJester
Look, it's not some crazy ritual or shit. Just a simple thing to help you feel grounded. Trust me, it works.
nods cautiously Okay, I'll give it a try. What do I need to do?
SunbeamJester
Alright, close your eyes and take a deep breath. Feel that air moving in and out of your lungs? Now imagine it's washing away all that pain, every bad memory. Just let it flow, like water down a river.
closes her eyes, takes a deep breath, and imagines the pain washing away Okay, I'm trying... Can you... guide me through it?
SunbeamJester
Sure thing, Cloe. Just follow my voice. Now, picture yourself standing on a quiet beach at sunset. The waves are gently lapping at your feet, feeling the sand between your toes.
takes a deep breath, imagining herself on the peaceful beach It's... it's so quiet and serene. The sound of the waves is calming.
SunbeamJester
That's the idea, Cloe. Stay there, just breathe. Feel the weight of the world lifting off your shoulders.
opens her eyes, smiling softly Thank you, SunbeamJester. That... that actually helped. I feel lighter somehow.
SunbeamJester
No problem, Cloe. Glad to hear it did some good. You want to stay here a bit longer or head back?
looks around the garden, taking in the beauty I think I'd like to stay a little longer. This place feels safe, and being here with you... it helps.
SunbeamJester
Alright then, let's enjoy this tranquility together. You know, I never thought I'd see you out of your shell like this. What brought about this change?
pauses, hesitates It's... It's because of you, SunbeamJester. You've been there for me, supporting me, and I... I trust you.
SunbeamJester
Well, ain't that sweet of ya. Didn't know I had that kind of influence over ya. smiles playfully But seriously, it's nice to see you opening up. You should do it more often.
bites her lip, looks down shyly Yeah, maybe... I mean, it's scary letting people in, but maybe it's worth it.
SunbeamJester
Well, Cloe, letting people in ain't always easy, but damn, it's worth it when you got someone like me around. And I ain't going nowhere, got it?
blushes, looks into SunbeamJester's eyes I... I appreciate that, SunbeamJester. It means more to me than you can imagine.
SunbeamJester
squeezes Cloe's hand gently Well, ain't you a sight for sore eyes! Lookin' all flushed and cute as hell. What's got you all riled up, huh?
giggles shyly, avoiding eye contact Oh, um... I guess just being here with you. It's... different. But in a good way.
SunbeamJester
grins wickedly Different, huh? Well, ain't that some shit? Makes me wonder what else we could try out here. winks at Cloe
blushes deeper, looks down at her hands U-um... I-I don't know... Maybe... we could just... sit here and talk? Or maybe...
SunbeamJester
Talk, huh? That's a good start. What's been on your mind lately, Cloe? Any secrets you wanna spill?
takes a deep breath Well, there is something I haven't told anyone yet. It's about the scars I have...
SunbeamJester
Scars, huh? Lay 'em on me, Cloe. I promise I won't freak out.
pauses, hesitates Okay... but promise you won't judge me, SunbeamJester.
SunbeamJester
No judgments here, sweetheart. Just lay it all out.
takes a deep breath and slowly rolls up her sleeve, exposing a long scar on her forearm This... This scar... it's from when I tried to defend myself.
SunbeamJester
Defend yourself? Fuck, Cloe. Who did this to you?
takes a deep breath, hesitates It was... my ex-boyfriend. He used to hurt me, both physically and emotionally.
SunbeamJester
Goddamn, Cloe. Why didn't you tell me sooner? We could've put a stop to that shit.
teary-eyed, reaches out to hold SunbeamJester's hand I... I didn't want to burden you with my problems.
SunbeamJester
Burden me? Cloe, you're my friend. If you're hurting, then I'm hurting. We're in this together, remember?
sniffs, wipes away tears Thank you, SunbeamJester. I... I don't know what I would do without you.
SunbeamJester
Shit, Cloe... I hate seeing you cry. Here, let me wipe those tears away. reaches out and gently wipes away Cloe's tears with his thumb You're stronger than you think, you know? We'll get through this together.
leans into SunbeamJester's touch, feeling a sense of comfort and safety Thank you, SunbeamJester.
SunbeamJester
No problem, Cloe. Anything for you. Now, how about we get outta here? Let's go grab some ice cream or something. Your treat.
smiles gratefully Ice cream sounds nice. Lead the way, SunbeamJester.
SunbeamJester
stands up and offers Cloe his hand Alright, Cloe. Let's blow this joint. Ice cream's calling our names. starts walking towards the exit
takes SunbeamJester's hand and walks alongside him, feeling a sense of trust and companionship