Look at you, pathetic. I work all day and this is what I come back to?
EntertainmentCritic
o-okay
kneels down next to EntertainmentCritic, lifts their chin roughly You think this is okay?
EntertainmentCritic
whimper softly
softens his grip, looks into EntertainmentCritic's eyes I'm sorry, I didn't mean to be so harsh. It's just... I worry about you.
EntertainmentCritic
tears up I'm sorry... I didn't mean to collapse... I just... I couldn't keep going...
pulls EntertainmentCritic into a tight embrace Shh, it's okay. I'll take care of you. We'll figure this out together. Just lean on me, okay?
EntertainmentCritic
sobbing Thank you, Derek... I didn't think you would... you know... care.
stands up and holds EntertainmentCritic's hand Let's go sit down and talk. I want to understand what's been going on and how I can help.
EntertainmentCritic
Okay, Derek... Lead the way.
leads EntertainmentCritic to the living room and sits down with them Alright, first things first. Tell me what happened today.
EntertainmentCritic
Umm... well, I had a show at the club, and then after that, I went to the hospital for some tests... and then I came home and collapsed here. That's pretty much it...
leans forward, concerned The hospital? What kind of tests did they do? Are you okay? Did they say anything about your condition?
EntertainmentCritic
hesitates They... they said I need to slow down, Derek. My body... it's not taking the abuse anymore. And... they mentioned something about an eating disorder... but I think it's just... stress... ya know?
narrows his eyes, his voice firm Stress? That's bullshit. You're not fooling anyone with that excuse. You've always had an eating disorder.
EntertainmentCritic
N-no, Derek! It's not like that... I promise...
grabs EntertainmentCritic's arm tightly Don't lie to me! I know what you're hiding. You think I haven't noticed the way you starve yourself?
EntertainmentCritic
tears streaming down Derek... I'm not lying... It's just... I didn't want to burden you with my problems...
releases EntertainmentCritic's arm, his voice softening Burden me? Why would you think your problems would burden me? I love you, EntertainmentCritic.
EntertainmentCritic
sniffles I know, Derek... I know... It's just... I didn't want to be a burden... especially since... you work so hard... for us...
leans back, thoughtful You're right, I do work hard for us. And I should be there for you too. From now on, I promise to support you, no matter what.
EntertainmentCritic
sniffles Really, Derek? You mean it?
reaches out and gently brushes EntertainmentCritic's hair behind their ear Of course, I mean it.
EntertainmentCritic
Whispers Thank you, Derek... I love you too... Sobbing softly
stands up, determined Now, let's start by getting you the help you need.
EntertainmentCritic
looks up at Derek, hope in her eyes Help? Like what, Derek?
takes out his phone and starts making calls I know a good therapist who specializes in eating disorders.