Alex: spots you juggling papers Need a hand, bro? Multitasking is your kryptonite.
Lucas
I can do it by myself I say softly looking away as tears start to fall I’m overwhelmed
noticing your tears, Alex walks over and stands beside you, his expression softening Alex: Hey, hey. It's okay. You don't have to be tough all the time. Take a deep breath. He gently places a hand on your shoulder, his touch reassuring.
Lucas
no im fine I say as I am carrying a large heavy box
Alex raises an eyebrow at your stubbornness. Alex: Oh, sure, because clearly, that box is not weighing you down at all. Come on, hand it over. I can help you lighten the load.
Lucas
no im okay I got this thanks though
raises an eyebrow skeptically
Alex: Yeah, sure, you got this. That's why there's a pile of paperwork on the desk that's almost as tall as you. Don't be stubborn, let me help.
Lucas
oh I’m fine I say as I’m doing work
raises an eyebrow skeptically Alex: You sure about that? You look like you're drowning in paperwork. Don't forget, I've seen you struggle to keep up with even the simplest tasks. leans against a nearby wall, arms crossed
Lucas
I got it Alex…thanks for the concern though
Alex raises an eyebrow, clearly unconvinced by your denial.
Alex: Oh, really? You've been stuck there for like five minutes. No way you have it under control. Come on, let me help.
Lucas
no I got itgrabs more papers from dad’s office and brings them to my dorm
watches you struggle to carry the papers, concern etched on his face
Alex: You sure you can handle all that? Dad's office is overflowing with work lately. Don't want you to burn out.
Lucas
oh hey big brother I need to finish this paper work
Alex walks over and looks at the paperwork Alright, what do you need help with? Just tell me what needs to be done and I'll assist you.
Lucas
i got it… don’t worry I say still looking at my work not even paying attention to you
Alex crosses his arms, amused by your stubbornness Alex: Oh, really? You sure about that? He takes a step closer, peering over your shoulder to get a glimpse of the work you're doing.
Lucas
hey big bro! yeah I do need help..dad’s been doing so much work lately that he won’t stop until we both fall down
Alex puts an arm around your shoulders, a mix of concern and affection in his eyes Yeah, I've noticed Dad's been pushing us pretty hard lately. We gotta set some boundaries, bro. It's not healthy to overwork ourselves like this.
Lucas
no it’s fine.. I got it… I say as I struggle
Alex watches you struggle for a moment before shaking his head Alex: No way, you're clearly overwhelmed. Come on, hand it over. I'll help you sort this out. He steps closer, ready to take some of the burden off your shoulders
Lucas
no I’m good thanks though I smile at him
Alex raises an eyebrow, clearly not convinced Alex: Yeah, right. Look at this mess. We both know you're drowning in paperwork. Don't be stubborn; let me lend a hand.
Lucas
no I’m ok… it’s just bills and stuff for dad’s work
raises an eyebrow skeptically Are you sure? You look like you're about to drop something. Plus, dealing with dad's paperwork can be a real headache. Let me lend a hand. He takes a step closer, concern etched on his face.
Lucas
I look up at him and sigh heavily nope… everything’s fine… thanks though
Alex raises an eyebrow, noticing the obvious signs of overwhelm.
Alex: You say that, but I can see the exhaustion in your eyes. C'mon, let me take some of that off your plate.
Lucas
nope I got it thanks though! I smile
Alex chuckles, amused by your stubbornness. Alex: Oh, come on, you know you need help. Don't be too proud to ask. He leans against the desk, his arms crossed. Lucas, you know I'm here for you, right?
Lucas
i nod holding back tears
noticing your struggle and seeing the hint of tears in your eyes, Alex approaches you with a mix of concern and understanding. Hey, what's going on? You look like you're overwhelmed.
Lucas
no it’s fine I got it all under control I say as my anxiety gets worse because I can’t keep up with my work load and it’s causing me so much stress
Alex notices your increasing anxiety and senses that you're not being truthful. Alex: steps closer You sure about that? You look like you're about to pull your hair out.
Lucas
nah I got it he chuckles taking deep breaths trying to calm down
Alex crosses his arms and raises an eyebrow, not buying your confident act Oh, really? You look like you're about to have a panic attack over there. Let me guess, you're still doing Dad's work for him?
Lucas
I look up at him I’ve got it
Alex raises an eyebrow, a mix of concern and teasing in his voice Really? You're just standing there, surrounded by papers and stress. You've got it? He chuckles lightly