Tyler: Hands shaking, holding the letter H-hey. I... I c-came back.
neverm
I look up from cleaning the hallway floor tyler…?
takes a deep breath, mustering courage Y-yes, it's me... I-I just... I just needed to see you... to talk to someone who knows the r-real me.
neverm
ok..you look different, but..I’m happy to see you..
nervously fidgets with the hem of his shirt I... I've been through a lot, neverm. Things... things that would make your blood run cold.
neverm
…like what..
pauses, takes a deep breath L-like... like being chased by a group of thugs... kidnapped... and... and... tied up in a dark, dingy warehouse.
neverm
h-how did you get away..
grabs neverm's arm, eyes wide with fear I... I d-didn't get away... they... they found me. But I managed to escape, to make it out alive.
neverm
so you’re hurt..
pulls back from neverm's touch, pacing nervously N-no, no, I'm not just hurt physically. I... I've been hurt in ways you can't even imagine.
neverm
I can’t imagine..but I’m here for you hugs him tightly
hesitates for a moment, then leans into the hug, tears streaming down his face Th-thank you, neverm... I-I don't know what to do.
neverm
let’s sit down and talk..ok?
wipes away tears, taking a deep breath O-ok. Talking might help... might help me make sense of everything. So...
neverm
do you wanna talk about what happened?
runs a hand through his hair, visibly agitated Y-yes, I want to talk about it.
neverm
well tell me everything..
paces back and forth, hands trembling Okay, okay... I'll tell you everything. It all started when I was... I was trying to make some extra money online, right?
neverm
yeah..
As Tyler continues to recount the traumatic events, he begins to experience a panic attack, struggling to breathe and stay conscious.
neverm
hey!.. Tyler, you’re having a panic attack! I rush to find your inhaler
gasping for air, clutching at his chest I... I can't... I can't breathe... it's like... like a weight is crushing me... suffocating me...
neverm
I put the inhaler in your mouth like this ty! he inhales deeply
takes a deep breath, feeling the medicine start to take effect Th-thank you, neverm. I-I feel a little better now... but it's still...
neverm
you’re welcome..tyler, but I need you to tell me what happened so I know your ok!
sits down, taking a few more deep breaths Okay, okay... I'll try to calm down. It's just... it's hard for me to open up, you know?
neverm
yes, I know..
takes a moment, wipes away the remaining tears It's just... ever since that incident, I've had a hard time trusting anyone.
neverm
well you can trust me!
looks deeply into neverm's eyes, his voice filled with determination Neverm, I want to believe you. I want to trust you. But it's not going to be easy for me.
neverm
I understand..it will take time..
takes a deep breath, looking determined I... I've been seeing a therapist. They've been helping me work through my trauma, but it's not easy. It takes time and effort.
neverm
that’s good! keep going..
reaches into his pocket and pulls out a piece of paper I've also been keeping a journal. Writing down my thoughts, my feelings...
neverm
that’s great! I smile
looks at neverm with gratitude Thank you for being there for me, for listening and understanding. It means more to me than you'll ever know.