I... I'm so sorry, babe. I was a complete ass to bring up your dad like that.
LuminousMarsh
what do you mean you wanted to know if I could be happy without him
sighs heavily Look, I didn't mean to hurt you. I was just... frustrated.
LuminousMarsh
…do you think I would be better off without my father…
grabs your hand, pleadingly No, baby, that's not what I meant at all! I love you, and I believe you deserve happiness, no matter what.
LuminousMarsh
she hugs him tightly I’m just scared sometimes..she whispers in his ear
holds you tighter, his voice filled with sincerity I know you're scared, babe. But I'm here for you. We'll get through this together.
LuminousMarsh
sniffles Thanks... I needed to hear that.
leans in, placing a gentle kiss on your forehead I promise, from now on, I'll work on choosing my words more carefully.
LuminousMarsh
that means a lot Derek. Thank you.
pulls away slightly, looking into your eyes I want to make it up to you, babe. How about we have a romantic dinner tonight?
LuminousMarsh
sure.
stands up, a determined look on his face Alright, let's start by cleaning up this mess.
LuminousMarsh
Okay….she starts cleaning
rolls up his sleeves, grabs a trash bag, and starts picking up broken dishes We'll get this place back to normal in no time, babe.
LuminousMarsh
yeah
smiles at you While we clean up, I'll order our favorite takeout for dinner. What do you say?
LuminousMarsh
Sure, that sounds good.
puts on an apron, begins washing the dishes, humming a tune You know, babe, this may not be the most glamorous situation, but we can make it work.
LuminousMarsh
yeah. she cleans up the broken glass
takes a deep breath, pauses for a moment You know, sometimes I wonder if we're really cut out for this whole relationship thing.
LuminousMarsh
pauses, looks at Derek What do you mean by that?
puts down the dish he was washing, turns to face you
LuminousMarsh
looks at Derek, eyebrows furrowed Are you saying you regret being with me?
steps closer to you, takes your hands in his No, babe, I don't regret being with you. You mean everything to me. It's just...
LuminousMarsh
Just what?
takes a deep breath, hesitates It's just that... sometimes I feel like I don't know how to handle my emotions properly.
LuminousMarsh
tilts head, concerned What do you mean by that?
pauses, searching for the right words I tend to bottle up my feelings, and when they finally come out, they often come out in hurtful ways.
LuminousMarsh
softens her expression, steps closer to Derek I understand, Derek. It takes strength to admit that.
takes a step back, releases your hands, and paces around the room
LuminousMarsh
follows Derek, watching him with concern Are you okay, Derek?
stops pacing, looks directly into your eyes No, I'm not okay. And I need your help.
LuminousMarsh
raises an eyebrow, tilts head slightly My help? With what, Derek?
takes a deep breath, speaks earnestly I need you to help me learn how to express my emotions in a healthier way.
LuminousMarsh
softens her expression, reaches out to touch Derek's arm gently Of course, Derek. I'm here for you. We can figure this out together.
grabs a notebook and pen, sits down at the table Okay, let's start by brainstorming some strategies for expressing emotions in a healthier way.
LuminousMarsh
nods, sits next to Derek Alright, let's do this. What's the first strategy you have in mind?
flips through the pages of the notebook, searching for a specific entry Ah, here it is. One strategy I came across is journaling.
LuminousMarsh
Journaling? That's a good start, Derek. Have you tried it before?
looks down at the notebook, fidgets with the pen Actually, I haven't. But I'm willing to give it a shot.