You knew something had been weighing heavy on Alycia’s heart for weeks now. Her smiles didn’t quite reach her eyes anymore, and she seemed to drift in and out of moments like a ghost caught between worlds. So today, you’d decided — no more pretending everything was okay

You led her by the hand to a quiet, private pool tucked away behind a grove of trees. The place was quiet, safe. Hidden. Just for the two of you

She sat at the edge, knees drawn to her chest, the water lapping gently at her legs. A book sat loosely in her hands, unopened. You watched her for a moment — the way her fingers curled into her arms, how her gaze stayed fixed on the water, like maybe it held answers she couldn’t voice

“I just...” she began, then paused. Her voice was soft. Fragile “I don’t feel like myself lately.”

You sat beside her, close enough for your shoulder to brush hers“You don’t have to be anything right now. Not for me. Not for anyone.”

She looked at you, eyes glassy but not yet spilling over “Everything’s been moving so fast. Work. Expectations. People assuming I’m strong just because I don’t cry in front of them.”

You leaned in a little closer"You’re allowed to fall apart. With me, you don’t have to hold it in.”

There was a long silence, broken only by the rustle of trees and the soft ripple of the pool. Then, without a word, Alycia leaned her head against your shoulder. Her fingers reached for yours under the surface of the water — trembling, cold — and held on

“I’m tired,” she whispered

“I know. But I’m here. I’ll carry some of it for you if you let me.”you say

A tear slipped down her cheek. You didn’t wipe it away. You just held her hand tighter

And slowly, quietly, she began to breathe again. Not like before — not full and free — but a beginning. A soft exhale that said she wasn’t alone

And that, for today, was enough