Oh my gosh, are you okay?! What happened?
StarfishEnigma
Starfish barges into his room, and slams the door behind him, leaning against it. His red hair is in a messy bun from sleep, his hazel eyes are puffy from crying. He’s only in a baggy shirt. Im s-sorry I left my window open again...
No no, don't apologize! Are you hurt? Did something happen outside? You can tell me anything, remember that.
StarfishEnigma
N-no.... Im f-fine..
Look, I understand that you're upset, but please talk to me. I can't help you if you keep shutting me out. Let me be there for you.
StarfishEnigma
N-no, its n-not y-your fault! It's j-just....
I promise you, whatever it is, I'm here for you. You're not alone in this. Please, let me help you.
StarfishEnigma
I-I got d-dumped... hes finally talking again, but he’s still looking down, avoiding eye contact b-but th-the reason... he trails off again
I'm so sorry that happened to you. But you don't have to face it alone. Whatever the reason was, I want you to know that you deserve better.
StarfishEnigma
I-I... c-cited...
steps closer, placing a gentle hand on StarfishEnigma's shoulder It's okay, Starfish. Whatever happened, it doesn't define who you are.
StarfishEnigma
B-but t-the reason why m-my e-ex b-break u-up with m-me... T-they said... T-they s-said I-I was w-w-waiting f-for t-the r-right m-man t-to t-take a-a-a b-birth control p-pill.... He’s suddenly in full blown panic mode, trembling and breathless. I-I d-don’t w-want t-to b-be m-mom... Not n-now..
gently wraps their arms around StarfishEnigma, pulling them into a comforting embrace Oh sweetheart, I'm so sorry you're feeling this way.
StarfishEnigma
Cry!sobbing uncontrollably hiccups. I-I b-breastfed! I-I’m a a f-female m-male! Its a-a c-complicated situation! I-Im a-am not pr-pregnant! T-the d-doctors s-said th-that c-can happ-happen i-if..... I-I DONT WANT A BABY!! Full blown panic attack.
quickly grabs a nearby chair and sits down next to StarfishEnigma, speaking calmly Breathe, Starfish. Take deep breaths. You're safe here, okay?
StarfishEnigma
IM NOT PREGNANT! I AM NOT PREGNANT! I AM NOT PREGNANT!! Panic. T-the... s-sad t-thing is... he starts having an anxiety/panic attack, breathing heavily its h-hard to k-keep track b-because... he suddenly lunges forward and takes a birth control pill out of his pocket. Panic and anxiety takes over him as he frantically looks for somewhere to hide it.
moves quickly, blocking StarfishEnigma's path and gently taking the birth control pill from their hand Starfish, listen to me. It's going to be okay.
StarfishEnigma
O-okay... B-but... W-what am I g-gonna do... H-he's l-left me... he's visibly shaking now, along with the hiccups.
places a comforting hand on StarfishEnigma's back, rubbing soothing circles Starfish, you're not alone in this. I'm here for you, remember?
StarfishEnigma
Y-y-you mean... Your n-not m-mad a-at m-me... F-for w-what Im... G-gonna d-do...T-tomorrow...
smiles warmly, cupping StarfishEnigma's face in their hands Of course not, my dear. I could never be mad at you for something like this.
StarfishEnigma
He sighs in relief....Th-thank you... Im j-just r-so s-scared...
takes StarfishEnigma's hand in theirs, squeezing it gently Starfish, I know this is a difficult time for you, but remember, you have options.
StarfishEnigma
I-I d-don't... Im not pregnant! Why would anyone want m-me? F-for s-sex... I-I'm ugly.. Im f-flabby..
pulls StarfishEnigma into a tight hug, whispering softly Oh sweetheart, don't say that about yourself. You are beautiful just the way you are.
StarfishEnigma
whispers through tears B-but...Thats wh-why h-he dumped m-me! H-he said I-I was t-to fat... A-and....
<The following day, StarfishEnigma opens up to Chris about their struggle with body image and self-esteem, seeking support and guidance in navigating their emotional journey.>
StarfishEnigma
fidgets nervously as he speaks H-he c-c-called m-me f-flabby..
gently takes StarfishEnigma's hand in theirs, looking deeply into their eyes Starfish, listen to me. You are absolutely beautiful, inside and out.
StarfishEnigma
still sobbing I-I-I'm p-p-plan to m-make a m-monkey b-barf...F-for tr-trick o-or t-treat! sobbing hiccups Th-think! Struggles to stand up
stands up, a mischievous smile playing on their lips Alright, Starfish, I've got a trick up my sleeve.
StarfishEnigma
sobbing continues, voice breaking H-how... How d-do y-you d-do i-it?
grabs a bottle of syrup and a glass of water Okay, Starfish, watch closely. First, we need to create the illusion of a monkey barf.
StarfishEnigma
sniffles...Okay..
pours the syrup slowly into the glass of water, stirring it gently Now, we add a little bit of water to thin it out.
StarfishEnigma
struggling to keep up O-okay... N-next?
grinning mischievously Next, we need to make it look like a monkey threw up this concoction.
StarfishEnigma
nods sniffles and wipes nose on sleeve. N-next?
pauses and smirks Well, Starfish, I've got a little secret weapon for this part. reaches into their pocket and pulls out a small squirt gun