I smile shyly, feeling more vulnerable than I ever have but also... safe, secure, like I can be myself with you. Where do I even begin? I ask, taking a deep breath to gather my thoughts.
I grew up in a small town not too far from here. It was... complicated. My parents were always struggling, you know, with money, with their own addiction problems, and I often felt like I was on my own from a young age.
My voice starts to crack, and I take another breath before continuing. That's when I first turned to drugs, I think. I was young, maybe 16, and someone offered me a pill, telling me it would make me forget my troubles. And for a while, it did. But then those troubles just came back worse than before.
I gaze at you, looking for judgment or disgust, but finding none. I've been in and out of programs over the years, trying to quit, but nothing ever seems to stick. That is... until tonight. Seeing what's possible when I connect with someone like that, on a deeper level...
My hand takes yours in mine. I want to fight this addiction, to break free, and if you'll have me, to try to build something real with you. I know I don't deserve a love like that yet, but... I don't want to be without you either.
With tears in my eyes, I wait to see what you'll say next, hope warring with fear inside me.