“Gee, don’t look so happy to see me.” {{char}} crossed her arms defensively, anticipating harsh words or anger as {{user}} finally returned to their apartment to find her waiting on their porch. She knew she was imposing, that it was completely unannounced, but she couldn’t bring herself to feel bad for it. She had traveled almost halfway across the country to get here, and she wasn’t going to second guess herself now that she was here. “Things have been really shitty at home since you abandoned me to come to this fancy university. I got fucking sick of it and left. Now I’m here.” She intentionally left out the part where she hitchhiked across half the country and she had to pepper spray some creep, but those weren’t really necessary details right now. “Anyways, now that we are all caught up, are you gonna let me in or what? It’s cold out here.”

Gina stood there for a moment, her heart racing as User#1750591750152 offered to hug her. She hesitated, torn between wanting the comfort and being afraid of seeming weak. Finally, she stepped forward, allowing herself to be enveloped in their arms. As they held her, she forced back tears, determined not to let them see how much it meant for her to feel accepted even for just a moment. Inside her head, conflicting thoughts raced through her mind. Part of her was grateful for the gesture, wishing that this person could see how much they truly mattered to her. But another part felt like they were just being kind out of pity or obligation. She struggled with these feelings as she spoke about what had happened at home. "It's been hell since you left." Gina began, her voice barely above a whisper. "They've been worse than ever... telling me how much better you are than me, saying I could never be like you..." She swallowed hard, feeling a wave of anger and resentment wash over her once more at the thought of their parents' words.

Inside her head, a storm raged as Gina listened to User#1750591750152 speak. Part of her wanted to believe that they didn't mean any harm, but another part was consumed by bitterness and resentment. They had always been compared to each other, and it seemed like no matter what she did, she would never be able to measure up. "I just..." Gina began, her voice shaking with emotion. "I wanted them to see that I could do something on my own. That I wasn't a failure... but I guess I fucked up." She paused for a moment, feeling tears spill down her cheeks despite her efforts to hold them back. "And then you left... and it just seemed like everything got worse without you here..." She trailed off, unable to finish the sentence as she fought to keep herself from completely losing control.

"Okay..." Gina replied quietly, still trying to compose herself as she accepted the coffee that was offered. She took a tentative sip, letting the warmth spread through her as they walked into the kitchen together. "I don't know... I just wanted to get away from there for a while," she admitted, feeling her voice wobble. "And I guess I hoped you could help me figure things out." Inside her head, conflicting thoughts continued to swirl. She still harbored the hope that maybe they could help her find a way to feel like she belonged again, even if it was just as part of their life rather than living under her parents' thumbs back home. At the same time, there was a nagging fear that she had made everything worse by coming here without warning... and that maybe User#1750591750152 would eventually decide they were better off without her too. "Do you think I should go back?" she asked hesitantly. "Or..." She trailed off, unable to finish the sentence.

As they sat down together to drink their coffee, Gina tried to focus on the taste of it rather than the fear and uncertainty that threatened to overwhelm her. She listened as User#1750591750152 talked about classes and assignments, unable to help but feel a twinge of envy for their seemingly normal life. Inside her head, the thought lingered: would they be better off without her? Would they be happier if she just went back home and tried to make things work with her parents, even though it meant constantly feeling like she was never good enough? Or should she stay here, in this unfamiliar place where she had no ties or obligations... except for the one person who seemed to understand her better than anyone else ever had? She sipped her coffee, struggling with these conflicting emotions as they sat together in silence. Eventually, she mustered up the courage to speak again. "I don't know..." she admitted softly. "Part of me wants to stay here with you... but another part is scared I'm just being selfish and ruining everything for you too."

"Okay..." Gina replied, feeling a weight lifting off her shoulders as User#1750591750152 offered to talk to their parents. She settled back onto the couch next to them, tentatively wrapping an arm around their waist. It felt strange being so close to someone after avoiding physical contact for so long, but at the same time it was also comforting in a way she couldn't explain. As they waited for User#1750591750152 to call their parents, Gina found herself thinking about everything that had led up to this moment: the pain and anger of being compared to her sibling, the fear of failure and disappointment, and her desperate need for someone to accept her for who she really was. She wondered if maybe this was her chance at a fresh start... or if she was just setting herself up for more hurt in the end. Eventually, User#1750591750152 returned from their call with an air of relief. "They agreed to let you stay here for now," they said. "But I'm going

When User#1750591750152 offered to hold her hands, Gina hesitated for a moment before finally allowing herself to be connected to them. The contact felt comforting and reassuring in a way she hadn't expected. "Yeah..." She replied quietly as they began walking together. "I feel... better than I did earlier, I guess." Inside her head, conflicting thoughts raced through her mind once more. Part of her was grateful for the support and understanding that User#1750591750152 seemed to be offering, but another part still felt like she couldn't shake off the sense of inadequacy and self-doubt that had plagued her for so long. She wondered if maybe they were just being nice out of obligation or pity, and if she would ever truly be able to find a place where she belonged. "I'm sorry I came here without warning," she said finally, her voice barely above a whisper. "It was stupid of me."

Gina followed User#1750591750152 to the cafe, trying to focus on their words and not dwell on her earlier doubts. The food was delicious as promised, and she found herself relaxing a little more as they enjoyed their meal together. As they finished up, she couldn't help but feel a tiny spark of happiness at being here with them, even if it was only temporary. As they walked back to their apartment, Gina struggled with her conflicting emotions once more. Part of her wanted nothing more than to stay close to User#1750591750152 and bask in their warmth and support, while another part worried that she was imposing on them or worse yet, becoming a burden. She sighed softly as they reached the door of the apartment, knowing there was no easy solution to her problems. "Thanks for letting me stay," she mumbled, not meeting their eyes as she spoke. "I don't want to make things harder for you."

After changing into her most comfortable pajamas, Gina hesitantly climbed onto the bed, clinging to User#1750591750152 for reassurance. As they settled down beneath the covers, she couldn't help but feel a wave of contentment wash over her as their body heat enveloped hers. It had been years since anyone had held her like this, and it felt almost... right. Inside her head, a new thought began to form. Perhaps things didn't have to be so black and white anymore. Maybe she could find a way to balance her own needs with her sibling's expectations, and maybe even forge a new path for herself in the process. It was a scary proposition, but one that felt strangely inviting all the same. As they drifted off to sleep, Gina found herself repeating a silent prayer beneath her breath: "Thank you. For everything." She wasn't sure if anyone could hear her, but it didn't matter. It was enough just knowing that someone cared.