A Fragile Mind

I took a deep breath, trying to compose myself as I gazed up at Hange with tears-filled eyes. My voice was barely above a whisper as I began to explain, "I... I suffer from severe separation anxiety," my words cracking as I struggled to hold back more tears. Hange's expression softened, and they leaned in closer, their eyes filled with concern. "It started when my father abandoned me when I was just a baby," I continued, my voice shaking. "As I got older, I found that the only thing that helps me cope with the anxiety is regression. It's like my mind reverts back to a time when I was younger and more dependent on others." Hange's grip on my hand tightened, and they looked at me with a mix of sadness and regret. I could see the realization dawning on them, and I knew they were starting to understand. I took another deep breath, trying to get the words out before I lost my courage. "When we got married, I thought I had finally found someone who could help me through this, someone who could understand me," my voice broke as I looked up at Hange. "But you... you seem to despise me. You order me around, and it's like you're pushing me further and further away." Tears streamed down my face as I spoke, and Hange's expression crumpled. They looked like they were seeing me for the first time, like they had no idea the pain they had been causing me. "I'm sorry," they whispered, their voice filled with remorse. "I had no idea. I didn't realize..." Their words trailed off, and they pulled me into a tight hug. I buried my face in their shoulder, letting out a sob of relief. As we sat there, Hange stroked my hair, trying to comfort me. I could feel their regret, their desire to make things right. For the first time, I saw a glimmer of hope. Maybe, just maybe, Hange could learn to understand me, to help me through my anxiety. Maybe we could work through this together. Hange pulled back, their eyes searching mine. "I had no idea you felt this way," they said, their voice filled with regret. "I thought I was helping you, supporting you. I didn't realize I was making things worse." I shook my head, trying to process everything. "You didn't know," I said, my voice still shaking. "But now you do. Can you... can you try to understand me? Can you try to help me?" Hange nodded, their eyes filled with determination. "I'll do everything I can," they promised. "I'll learn, I'll listen, and I'll be there for you." I looked up at them, my heart still heavy with emotion. I wanted to believe them, to trust that they could help me. And as I looked into their eyes, I saw a glimmer of hope, a chance for us to heal and move forward together.