What seemed like forever later, I finally stirred from my exhausted state due to the buzzing coming from my sweatshirt pocket. It was a text from Spencer.

Spencer: Hey Ash where r u? u never did txt me so I’m sitting here in the food court waiting for u.

Oh shit. I completely forgot about meeting up with Spencer.

Ashley: Sry I’ll be right there.

I finished my text to Spencer then stood up and brushed the dirt off my pants. I made a quick detour the bathroom and checked myself in the mirror. I looked horrible. Dark bags rested under my tired bloodshot eyes, so I just pulled my hood up over my head in hopes to hide my obvious fatigue.

Once I made it to the food court, I spotted Spencer at a booth, in the far corner, reading a magazine. She looked up from her reading and spotted me from across the room. Her eyes locked with mine and she gave me a genuine smile, causing me to temporarily get lost in her beauty. Pushing my horrible day aside, I walked happily over to my girlfriend and took a seat across from her at the booth.

Ashley: Hi I’m really sorry I never texted you and that I’m late.

Spencer: It’s alright, it happens.

I nodded appreciatively at Spencer. We silently stared at each other for a few moments. Spencer just looked at me inquisitively as I played with my hands below the table. I then felt her hands on mine and I looked up to be met with her concerned eyes.

Spencer: Ash what’s going on in that complicated head of yours?

I just stared at her trying to find the right words to say, where to even begin. Spencer just continued to run soothing circles along the backs of my hands under the table.

Spencer: It’s okay you can tell me.

I took a long deep breath in attempt to shake of the nerves.

Ashley: Spencer, last year something awful happened to me.

Spencer eyes widened with confusion, but she gave my hands a squeeze to go on.

Ashley: Last year, I, uh tried to kill myself.

And that’s how it all started. I told her my story; I told her about the biggest turning point in my life, putting everything out on the table for her to either judge or accept. I’ve never put myself in such a vulnerable situation with another person before and by the end of the conversation I was exhausted.