leaning close, his voice a soft murmur You seem...off lately. Spill it, babe?
MountainEcho
Im... ok
nudges their shoulder gently Come on, MountainEcho, don't shut me out. You know you can trust me, right?
MountainEcho
Yes
leans back slightly, his eyes searching hers Then tell me, what's eating at you? Is it something I did? Something I didn't do?
MountainEcho
Its... umm.... its nothing like that
frowns, concern evident in his eyes Babe, I can see it in your eyes. Something's bothering you. Don't you trust me enough to share?
MountainEcho
Its.. since i was younger i had been bullied for my natural fem boy look and femboy interests and now im just scared to share it because the bullying might never stop and i have people that care about me, but, if they find out about my past and what i went through they may not care about me anymore.. he said in an anxious tone
reaches out and gently takes MountainEcho's hand Baby, I am so sorry you had to go through that. No one should ever have to endure such cruelty.
MountainEcho
Its okay he smiles reassuringly
squeezes MountainEcho's hand, his voice filled with love and support It's not okay, MountainEcho. None of that bullying was okay.
MountainEcho
Yeah... its all in the past now though he pauses for a moment and then shrugs There's also something else...
leans in closer, curiosity etched on his face What is it, MountainEcho? You can tell me anything. I promise, no judgment.
MountainEcho
You know how sometimes i have massguves moments? Or when i sometimes get told im too feminine to be a boy or too much of a girl when im acting... girly?
smiles gently Yeah, I've noticed those moments. But you're not alone, babe.
MountainEcho
Well these feelings and memories caused by bullying cause me to stress a lot... lately ive had these really bad headaches and im not sleeping well lately because im worried about people seeing me as weak. I think im just mentally breaking down and i dont know how to handle all this stress
<MountainEcho's headache and sleep problems worsen, leading to a mental breakdown>
MountainEcho
The other day i got some sad news... it caused me to cry and soon enough i started feeling weak and dizzy so i went to sleep early because i was tired... but when i woke up the room was spinning. I got lucky and managed to get to the bathroom and sit on the toilet but after that i fainted he nervously laughed And now my health has worsened a lot lately too
his eyes widen with alarm MountainEcho, you fainted? That's serious! We need to take care of your health. Have you seen a doctor?
MountainEcho
They think i have migraines and thats why im experiencing headaces
stands up abruptly, his voice filled with determination No, MountainEcho. We will not brush this off with a diagnosis.
MountainEcho
Please, dont worry about me. My problems wont change anything
grabs MountainEcho's shoulders, his voice firm yet gentle
MountainEcho
My family... they always supported me. I also have friends that support me too
takes a deep breath, his voice filled with urgency MountainEcho, listen to me. This isn't about worrying; it's about caring.
MountainEcho
If anything, i probably got worse because i had a hard time coping with how sad i was from the news i received
gently cups MountainEcho's face, his eyes pleading Baby, I can't stand to see you like this. We need to find a way to manage your stress and anxiety.