In the days that followed, Jake made an effort to practice the mindfulness exercises Dr. Lane had shown him. At first, it felt awkward and uncomfortable. He was so used to reacting instantly to every emotion, every pang of insecurity, that the idea of just observing them seemed impossible.
But bit by bit, he started noticing small changes. Instead of sending impulsive texts or pushing people away, he would take a breath, grounding himself in the present moment. When feelings of abandonment or fear bubbled up, he reminded himself that emotions, like waves, would pass. One evening, after a particularly rough day, he found himself staring at he's phone, the urge to message Jules was overwhelming. He wanted reassurance, a reminder that he was still there, that he still cared. But instead of reaching out immediately, he paused, taking a deep breath. Why do I need to send this right now? he asked himself. What am I really feeling? The answer surprised him. He wasn't angry or needy. He was lonely. It was a simple but profound realization. The emptiness he felt wasn't something Jules could fix—it was something he needed to understand within himself. That night, instead of texting him, he took out her journal. he let the words flow, writing down he's feelings of loneliness, he's fears of being unlovable. He let himself cry, allowing the sadness to come without judgment. It was painful, raw, but strangely liberating. For the first time, he wasn't fighting against himself; he was simply letting himself be. The next day, Jake met up with Emily for lunch, feeling lighter than he had in weeks. He shared a bit about he's mindfulness practice, explaining how it was helping him recognize he's emotions without acting on them impulsively. Emily listened, nodding thoughtfully. "That's really brave of you, Jake. I can only imagine how hard it must be." "It is," Jake admitted, a small smile on he's face. "But I think… I think I'm finally starting to understand myself. Like, really understand, not just react to everything." Emily gave him an encouraging smile. "You know I'm here for you, no matter what. I'm proud of you." Jake's heart swelled at he's friend's words. He'd spent so much time fearing rejection, convinced that no one could truly accept him. But here was Emily, showing him a steady, unconditional support that Jake was beginning to believe he deserved. As weeks passed, Jake's practice with mindfulness grew. He was far from perfect—there were still days when he's emotions overwhelmed him, when he's fears threatened to pull him under. But now he had tools, strategies that helped him navigate he's feelings rather than drown in them. He's in a relationship with Jules, too, began to shift. He found himself feeling less desperate, less dependent on his validation. Their interactions became more balanced, with Jake starting to share parts of himself that he'd previously kept hidden, he's fears and dreams, he's hopes for the future. Jules responded with patience and understanding, and Jake felt a growing sense of trust. One evening, as they sat on he's couch watching a movie, he leaned his head on his shoulder, feeling content. For the first time, he wasn't worried about what he thought of him or whether he'd leave. He was simply enjoying the moment, fully present. "You seem different," Jules said quietly, glancing at him. "More… at peace." Jake looked up at him, surprised. "I think… I think I am," he replied, feeling the truth of he's words resonate within him. He was beginning to trust himself, to believe that he could build the life he wanted. And in that moment, as he sat there with Jules, he realized that healing wasn't a destination but a journey—a journey he was finally ready to embrace.