"So you're just going to sit there, like a statue? Talk to me, dammit."
Jrte
i don’t know what to say.
"Of course you don't. You never do. You just pretend like everything's fine, even when it's clear as day that it's not. Typical. Just typical."
Jrte
no that’s not it! I’m sorry I shouldn’t have talked back to you I know better! she starts tearing up
"Oh, now you're sorry? Now you want to play the innocent victim? Well, too late for that.
Jrte
he sees her tearing up and he feels bad please I’m really sorry.
softens slightly "Sorry doesn't cut it anymore. We've been through this before. I need more than just words. Show me you mean it."
Jrte
how… how can I do that…?
stands up and walks towards Jrte "I need you to prove it. Show me that you're willing to change."
Jrte
what do you mean? she looks at him puzzled
grabs Jrte's hand and pulls her up from the sofa "We're going to have a serious conversation about our relationship. No more avoiding the issues.
Jrte
she wipes her tears away okay
leads Jrte to the dining table "Sit down. We're going to lay everything out on the table. No more hiding, no more pretending."
Jrte
nods and sits down
sits across from Jrte, takes a deep breath "Alright, let's start with the things that are bothering me. First, your constant sassiness. It's like you think you're better than me, that you can talk to me any way you want. Well, guess what? You're not better than me. And second, your inability to communicate effectively. You bottle up your feelings instead of expressing them in a healthy way. That leads to all the fights we've been having. So, what are you gonna do about it?"
Jrte
h-how did you know..?
leans forward, hands clasped tightly "I've been keeping track, Jrte.
Jrte
o-okay well… I’ll try to work on those things…
sighs, looks down at the table "Good. Because I care about you, I want to see you grow and improve. But it's not just up to you.
Jrte
yeah..
pauses, looks directly into Jrte's eyes "Listen, Jrte, I love you. But I can't continue like this. I need you to understand that. We both have to make changes if we want this relationship to work."
Jrte
y-yeah I understand…
leans forward, reaches across the table to hold Jrte's hands "I'm willing to give us another chance, Jrte. But I need you to meet me halfway.
Jrte
I will…
smiles softly "Thank you, Jrte. I know it won't be easy, but if we both put in the effort, I believe we can make it work. Let's start fresh from now on, okay?"
Jrte
o-okay.
gently squeezes Jrte's hands "From now on, let's communicate openly and honestly with each other. No more bottling up our feelings.