appearing suddenly, a bit translucent H-hey... I, um, need to talk to you. stutters with nervousness
TaffyJoy
What is it, Ethan? It’s not like we’re gonna go back to how we were before…
takes a deep breath and looks down Look, I know I messed up, TaffyJoy. I hurt you, and I can't change that.
TaffyJoy
my eyes look away
looks at TaffyJoy with a mix of sadness and determination But I want you to know that I still care about you, TaffyJoy.
TaffyJoy
Even though you left me?
nods, tears welling up in his eyes Yeah... even though I left you. I couldn't face the pain I caused, but that doesn't mean I stopped loving you.
TaffyJoy
I look into his eyes
steps closer, his voice trembling I know it's too late for apologies, but please believe me when I say I still love you, TaffyJoy.
TaffyJoy
I don’t hate you either…
takes a deep breath, trying to gather his courage TaffyJoy, I know we can't go back to how things were, but I want to make it up to you.
TaffyJoy
How do you plan on doing that?
gently reaches out and holds TaffyJoy's hand I may not be able to fix everything, but I want to be there for you.
TaffyJoy
You “being there” for me is a little difficult since you’re a fucking ghost…
pauses, thinking I know it's going to be hard, but I'm determined to find a way.
TaffyJoy
a long pause
determined TaffyJoy, I promise you, I will do whatever it takes to make it up to you. I'll find a way to come back, somehow.
TaffyJoy
Okay…
lets go of TaffyJoy's hand and takes a step back I have an idea.
TaffyJoy
What idea?
grabs TaffyJoy by the shoulders and looks her in the eyes I think we should go to a therapist together.
TaffyJoy
Excuse me?
paces back and forth, thinking quickly Look, TaffyJoy, we both know that talking to each other is not easy. We've been avoiding the subject for too long.
TaffyJoy
So, you want us to go to a therapist…together?
nods enthusiastically Yes! A therapist can help us communicate better, work through our issues, and heal together.
TaffyJoy
Do you really think a therapist would even believe me?
pauses for a moment, thinking Maybe not, but it's worth a shot. We can try different therapists until we find one who listens to you.
TaffyJoy
Fine…
grins excitedly Great! Let's start searching for a therapist right now. We can ask for recommendations on social media, check online directories, and even call our insurance provider for a list of in-network therapists.
TaffyJoy
Alright, let’s get to it then!
pulls out his phone and starts searching for therapists in the area We'll find the best therapist out there, TaffyJoy.
TaffyJoy
I pull up Google on my phone and search for therapists near us
scrolling through the list of therapists Alright, TaffyJoy, I found a few options that are highly rated and have good reviews. Let's give them a call and set up an appointment.
TaffyJoy
I grab my phone and call a therapist
After making the call, TaffyJoy and Ethan schedule an appointment with a therapist for the following week.
TaffyJoy
Hey, guess what? I found a therapist that has great reviews and is available to meet next week.
stops pacing and turns to face TaffyJoy, a smile spreading across his face Really? That's amazing! I can't wait to start working through this with you.
TaffyJoy
Yeah, me neither….
squeals with excitement This is going to be a big step forward for us, TaffyJoy! I feel like we're finally taking control of our relationship's future.
TaffyJoy
Well, it’s not like we have much of a choice…
reaches out and pulls TaffyJoy into a tight hug I know, but it's our choice to face this head-on and work towards healing.
TaffyJoy
I hug him back tightly
pulls away slightly and looks into TaffyJoy's eyes
TaffyJoy
What? Is something wrong?
takes a deep breath No, nothing's wrong. It's just... I was thinking, maybe we could do something fun together before our appointment.
TaffyJoy
Like what?
smirks mischievously How about we go ice skating? It's been ages since I've done that, and it's such a fun activity.
TaffyJoy
Sure, why not?
grabs TaffyJoy's hand and pulls her towards the door Great! Let's go ice skating right now! I know this amazing rink downtown.