Folkmore | IC Contact

[steepwithdead]

"Oh, hey."

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You can also hit up his Counselling Post if you prefer!

Comments

[licensetocrane]

Mm. I was maybe overstatin' it the other way. [She doesn't blame herself. It's just...] Basically, yeah. What you said.

I hate feelin' so helpless. And I really hate the idea that maybe I would at least know that I tried to stop shit from happening, but instead you get stuck in like... what-ifs forever.

[steepwithdead]

It's true that for all of us, there are many things we can't change. The helplessness chases us, no matter which way we turn. For your own mental health, try not to look behind yourself too much. It nips at your ankles that much faster.

It takes great effort, and practice. But focus on what you can do: support them, in the aftermath. and ensure they know how you feel, too. When one is brave enough to share, those around them can at times, even gradually, feel safe enough to do the same.

[And he's noticed that some of these kids are pretty bad at doing that. Having someone who can take that first step is huge.]

[licensetocrane]

I appreciate the great effort and practice part. [It helps offset the whole just don't do that part; it's so hard. But he's obviously not just pretending it's easy, so you know. And technically yeah, she gets that.]

Support, I can do. And they're gonna know how I feel in spades. [Threat.]

[steepwithdead]

Yeah, you don't seem the type to hold back when something needs to be said.

[Wholeheartedly a compliment.]

[licensetocrane]

Someone's gotta be like that and I don't see anyone else volunteerin'. [On account of Mikey not even being here yet according to the timeline, lmao.]

[steepwithdead]

In that case, I'm glad it's you.

[He hopes she doesn't feel too much of the pressure, that the others can step up a little more and support her as much as she's supporting them. But at least he can offer a listening ear when she needs.]

If you should feel this kind of weight again, or even just need to vent about whatever's going on, know that my door's always open. ...And you can come just to visit, too, of course.

[licensetocrane]

[She quirks a small grin at that.]

How many visitors you get that are just friends? [She hopes he gets a few.]

[steepwithdead]

Well, I do live next to Rue, and they are the best neighbour one could wish for.

[Not as many visitors as he'd like as friends only, but he does have a few. at this point in the timeline]

[licensetocrane]

They are pretty cool like that.

[And okay, she feels they're wrapping up with that kind of if-you-should sentiment, and that's fair, therapists, time, etc etc. It does make her hesitate a little as she gets up, though.]

So you can't exactly be paid for your time. Do you, uh, accept cupcakes?

[steepwithdead]

[It's not that he wants her out, he just knows it's good to take breaks with this sort of intense sharing. Take a breather to process, then come back for more later.]

I prefer not to take payments for conversation.

[Even if technically that is how currency works in Folkmore, so... he has been paid plenty for this already.]

I'll happily share some cupcakes though, if you want to bring some over.

[licensetocrane]

[No no, she gets it absolutely.]

I'll make sure to bring some next time I'm round.

...thanks. Also. I imagine a lotta people who fetch up here feel better havin' someone to talk to.

[steepwithdead]

I hope that's so. I like to think that's what I'm still here for.

[To help people who need it, through pain, loss, and struggle... well, it's been his life's goal for many, many years.]

You're very welcome, April.