Jay was still crying softly.
Her head rested on Ella's shoulder.
The room was quiet except for her uneven breaths.
Ella gently wiped Jay's tears with her hand.
"Jay… look at me."
Jay slowly lifted her head.
Her eyes were swollen and red.
Ella spoke calmly.
"You asked me what to do, right?"
Jay nodded weakly.
"I don't know how to fix this."
Ella shook her head.
"You're not supposed to fix it."
Jay looked confused.
"What do you mean?"
Ella took a deep breath.
"First thing you need to do… stop blaming yourself."
Jay looked down.
"But he always says it's my fault."
Ella's voice became firm.
"That doesn't mean it is."
Jay stayed silent.
Ella continued.
"Jay… the girl I knew before was confident."
"You helped people."
"You laughed loudly."
"You never cared what others thought."
Jay's eyes filled with tears again.
Ella gently squeezed her hand.
"But now you're scared of making even a small mistake."
Jay whispered,
"I don't want him to be angry."
Ella's expression hardened slightly.
"And that's exactly the problem."
Jay looked at her.
Ella spoke slowly so every word would sink in.
"If someone loves you…"
"They don't make you feel scared."
"They don't make you feel small."
Jay swallowed.
Ella continued.
"They support you."
"They protect you."
"They make you feel proud of who you are."
Jay's mind suddenly flashed with memories.
Keifer laughing proudly.
Saying,
"Jay is the kindest person I know."
She quickly pushed the thought away.
Ella noticed her expression but didn't mention it.
Instead she continued.
"So here's what you need to do."
Jay listened carefully.
Ella held both her hands.
"Stop changing yourself for him."
Jay looked nervous.
"But if I do that he will get angry."
Ella replied calmly.
"Then let him get angry."
Jay stared at her.
Ella continued.
"You should wear what you like."
"Say what you like."
"Be the Jay you used to be."
Jay's voice was small.
"And if he leaves?"
Ella answered without hesitation.
"Then he was never the right person for you."
Jay went quiet again.
Ella leaned closer.
"You deserve someone who loves the real you."
"Not someone who keeps trying to change you."
Jay's tears slowly stopped.
For the first time that day…
Her breathing became a little calmer.
Ella smiled softly and wiped the last tear from her cheek.
"So tomorrow…"
Jay looked at her.
Ella finished gently.
"Just be Jay again."
Jay nodded slowly.
She didn't know if she had the courage yet.
But for the first time in a long time…
Someone reminded her that the girl she used to be…
Was never the problem. 💙