[it's the abuse! not that she's gotten far enough away from it yet to realize that. she's just glad she has somebody here to catch her in the middle of this complete fucking breakdown she's having, or she's on the brink of having, or whatever. Chandra's encouragement and kindness and warmth are all helping, even if Chandra herself doesn't think she's very good at them all in equal measure. Emerald exhales, and then again, and she's just breathing after that. focusing on her breathing. imagine a feather and imagine your breath is keeping it afloat.]

I'm not alone. I'm not alone here. I just... don't have the person I was relying on. But that doesn't mean that I don't have anyone. [that's what the Bond is for. that's what friendship is for. she's not alone. breathe. just breathe.]

...Okay. So. I don't really remember what... [sigh.] What I was going to talk to you about anymore.