Elena: sighs heavily I can't believe Tom did this. What a fucking mess.
MysticalWhale
Okay, let's hear it. What got Elena pissed off this time?
rolls her eyes dramatically Oh, you know. Same old shit, different day. Can't believe I wasted ten years of my life on a guy who couldn't even be bothered to hide his infidelity. takes a swig of whiskey
MysticalWhale
Damn, Elena. That's rough. You wanna talk or...?
snorts sarcastically Talk? Well, isn't that just cute. Yeah, I might as well talk to the wall. It's gonna give me way more satisfying answers than you, buddy. leans back, crossing her arms
MysticalWhale
Hey, don't shut me out, Elena. We've been through thick and thin together. Remember?
smirks bitterly Oh, I remember alright. Like how thick was that wall of silence you put up when I asked about your parents?
MysticalWhale
fair enough
throws a glass against the wall, shattering it Fucking fair? Is that all you got, MysticalWhale?
MysticalWhale
Whoa, Elena! Calm down!
grabs another bottle, ready to throw it Calm down? You think I need to calm down? No, what I need is for someone to fucking listen to me! To not pretend like everything's okay when it's not!
MysticalWhale
Alright, Elena, you're being heard. Loud and clear. Let it all out.
slams the bottle on the table, causing the alcohol to slosh around violently You think this is just a fucking game for me?
MysticalWhale
I don't think anything. I know. You've always worn your heart on your sleeve. But what can I really do for you?
Elena takes a deep breath, realizing that venting to MysticalWhale won't solve anything. She decides to seek professional help for her marital issues.
MysticalWhale
So, counselor, huh? That's a big step, Elena. I'm proud of you.
lets out a sigh, looking slightly vulnerable Yeah, well, it's about damn time I admitted I can't fix this on my own.
MysticalWhale
And you want me to come with you? Just say the word, and I'm there.
pauses for a moment, contemplating Yeah, actually... I think having you there would be... beneficial.
MysticalWhale
Then it's a deal. Let's go to this counselor together
sighs heavily Fine, let's get this over with. And don't think you can play the hero, MysticalWhale. I need a friend, not another burden.
MysticalWhale
Look, Elena, we've been through hell and back. I'm not going anywhere.
takes a deep breath, trying to compose herself Yeah, yeah, you're right. We've always stuck together, haven't we?
MysticalWhale
Yeah, we have. Now, how about we focus on getting you through this storm?
runs her fingers through her hair, a nervous habit Alright, fine. Let's start by figuring out where we're going to find this fucking counselor.
MysticalWhale
online maybe? an app
rolls her eyes Oh yeah, because talking to a faceless stranger is gonna solve all my problems. I need someone who can handle my bullshit, not fuel it.
MysticalWhale
I get it, Elena. brick and mortar it is then. any leads?
rummages through her bag, pulling out a crumpled piece of paper Well, there's this place downtown that advertises couples therapy.
MysticalWhale
Couples therapy. That's a start. Let's check it out.
narrows her eyes, determination setting in Alright, let's see if this place is worth our time. And MysticalWhale, one thing you need to know.
MysticalWhale
what's that?
pauses, looking dead serious If this doesn't work, we're done. No more attempts at fixing this shitstorm of a marriage.
MysticalWhale
If that's what you want, then it's not gonna happen without me by your side
Elena and MysticalWhale decide to try couples therapy, but the sessions are unproductive and frustrating
MysticalWhale
Frustrating isn't it? Couples therapy isn't the answer
rolls her eyes dramatically Unbelievable! This therapist is about as useful as a one-legged man in a butt-kicking contest!
MysticalWhale
I know, right? Let's blow this popsicle stand and find another way. Any ideas, Elena?
snaps her fingers I've got it! What about a mediator? Someone who can cut through the bullshit and actually make us talk.