It's hard ... and impossible to completely get over, in some ways. I know. And even then, sometimes it takes a long time to feel any better inside at all.

But ... even wanting to try, sometime, is enough of a start. Nobody's rushing you now. We're just here to support you any way we can.

[Even in small ways. His hand around his shoulders slides to grip one, giving it a little massage-like squeeze, feeling the tenseness there.]

So you keep saying.

[He keeps his head ducked, gaze lowered.]

....I understand. I do.

It's good to keep at the front of your thoughts. [Something to hold onto. An anchor in raging waters.]

Here, try to relax your shoulders just a little bit.

........

[He tries.

Probably not very well. But it's easier to focus on, easier than words which sound nice yet still sting almost too much to bear, so he tries.]

[He says nothing all throughout, coiled tension soothed away almost in spite of himself.]

....Anyway, that was all I had to tell you. Now you know.

[He's relieved himself, feeling Jaguar relax a little bit that way.]

I'm glad I could be here for you. That you came to tell me. ... Are you feeling any better now...?

[Later, yes. For now....]

A little.