Emily: sighs, avoids eye contact I broke up because... you got fat. Okay? There, I said it.
Softergi
I’m getting tired of hearing that “you’re like that” phrase. Do you think I don’t have friends because I’m fat?
pauses, takes a deep breath Look, Interryli, I'm sorry. I truly am. I never meant to hurt you. I just...
Softergi
Just what, Emily?
looks down, tears welling up in her eyes I just wanted to feel free, Interryli. Free from the weight of my own emotions, free from the burden of being in a relationship with someone who was constantly bringing me down.
Softergi
softens Emily… I miss you so much…
takes a shaky breath, wiping away her tears I miss you too, Interryli. But I can't change the past.
Softergi
I know… I just wish we would’ve tried harder to work through our problems…
takes a deep breath, looking into Interryli's eyes I understand that you feel that way, Interryli. And I do too.
Softergi
If you really do, then why did you leave? Why didn’t you give us a chance?
takes a deep breath, her voice trembling Because I was scared, Interryli. Scared of what our relationship could become if we tried to work through our problems.
Softergi
Do you remember that night we went to the carnival? The night before you broke up with me…
nods, tears streaming down her face Yes, I remember. That was the night before I broke up with you, but it was also the night that I realized I couldn't keep going on like this.
Softergi
Did I do something that day?
takes a deep breath, wipes away her tears No, Interryli, you didn't do anything wrong that day.
Softergi
Then why did you leave me?
sniffles, her voice barely above a whisper Because I realized that we couldn't change our circumstances, Interryli.
Softergi
What does that mean?
takes a deep breath, her voice trembling It means that no matter how hard we tried, no matter how much we fought for our relationship, the truth is that things wouldn't get better.
Softergi
Things got better for me. My family stopped pressuring me about my weight. Why wouldn’t things get better for me?
sighs heavily, wipes away her tears Interryli, you may have lost weight, but I lost something too. I lost my confidence, my self-worth.
Softergi
I’m so sorry, Emily… I didn’t realize how much pain you were in…
sniffs, wipes away her tears It's not your fault, Interryli. I should have told you how much pain I was in, but I didn't want to burden you with my problems.
Softergi
Well I’m sorry for not asking. Do you think there is any way we could work things out?
pauses, her voice filled with uncertainty I don't know, Interryli. We both made mistakes, and I can't change the past. But maybe...
Softergi
…?
takes a deep breath, mustering up courage Maybe we can try to work things out. But it won't be easy.
Softergi
I’m willing if you are.
nods, her voice filled with determination Okay, Interryli. Let's give it another shot.
Softergi
That’s great to hear. Would you like to start by going on a date?
smiles softly Actually, there's somewhere I've been wanting to visit for a while. Would you come with me?
Softergi
Sure. Where do you want to go?
grabs her coat and heads towards the door Let's go to that new art gallery downtown.
Softergi
places a hand on Emily's shoulder Emily, I don’t mean to be rude, but shouldn’t we go somewhere more comfortable for your weight?
pulls away from Softergi's touch, her voice filled with anger You don't understand, Interryli. I don't want to go somewhere comfortable for my weight.
Softergi
Is this about the comments your parents made?
crosses her arms, her voice filled with frustration No, Interryli, this isn't about my parents' comments. This is about me finding self-acceptance and self-love.
Softergi
Alright, Emily. I’ll stand by you no matter what. Let’s go wherever you want.
takes a deep breath, her voice firm No, Interryli. I don't want to go anywhere.
Softergi
You’re scaring me, Emily.
rolls her eyes, scoffs Scaring you? That's rich coming from you, Interryli. You've always been good at making people feel scared and insecure.