AJR Short Stories

🌧✨️Jack - Stressed Out

You and Jack had been together for three years and shared a cozy apartment in the heart of New York City. Jack and his brothers were working on a big upcoming show.

It was a Thursday evening, and Jack and the band had been working on the project for weeks, with no end in sight. He was stressed, exhausted, and feeling overwhelmed. You knew he was struggling, so you decided to surprise him with a home-cooked meal and some much-needed support.

As soon as Jack walked through the door, you greeted him with a warm smile and a hug. "Hey Jack, how was your day?" You asked.

Jack slumped onto the couch. "It was terrible. We're so behind on this project, and we have a deadline coming up." He said, sitting on the couch, hands covering his tired face.

You sat down next to him and took his hand. "I'm sorry, that sounds really tough. Do you want to talk about it?"

Jack nodded. "I just don't know how we're going to finish everything on time. I feel like I'm drowning in work."

You listened attentively as Jack vented about his work. You knew how hard he worked and how much pressure he was under. "You're doing your best," you said. "And that's all that matters. Don't be so hard on yourself." You said, giving him a soft and gentle smile.

Jack sighed. "I know, but I feel like we're not making any progress. It's like I'm stuck in quicksand."

You put a hand on his back. "You're not alone, Jack. I'm here for you. Is there anything I can do to help?"

Jack looked up at you, grateful. "Just being here and listening to me helps more than you know." He answered with a small chuckle, looking with his tired eyes into yours.

After dinner, you cuddled up on the couch and watched a movie together. Jack's tension began to fade as he relaxed into your embrace. "Thank you for being here for me," he said, barely above a whisper.

You kissed his forehead. "Of course, Jack. You mean everything to me."

The next morning, you woke up to the sound of Jack typing away on his laptop. You could tell that he had barely slept, and you knew he needed some extra support. So you made breakfast and listened as he talked about his work.

"I just feel like I'm not getting anywhere," Jack said, frustration creeping into his voice. "It's like the more I work, the more work there is to do."

You sign and put a hand on his arm. "You're not a machine, Jack. You're allowed to take breaks and take care of yourself. You don't have to do everything all at once."

Jack looked at you, a small smile appearing on his face. "You're right. Sometimes I forget that it's okay to take a step back."

You nodded. "Exactly. And if you ever need to talk, I'm always here to listen." You said looking in his eyes. Just as you were about to get up you had an idea.

"Why don't we spend the day off, just today. It'll help clear your mind, I'm sure of it." You asked hopefully, hoping that he would agree.

"Sure, why not? I could use a day off anyway." He agreed, his voice sounding a little more optimistic.

You spent the day exploring the city, laughing and enjoying each other's company. Jack's stress began to lift, and he felt like himself again. "Thank you for today," he said as you walked back to your apartment.

You smiled. "I had so much fun with you. You always make me feel better too."

As the sun began to set, you returned to your apartment. Jack felt lighter, and you could see the relief on his face. You took him by the hand and led him to the big window in the living room, where you watched the sunset together.

"You know, you always know how to make me feel better," Jack said, looking at you with gratitude.

You smiled. "I just want you to be happy, Jack. That's all I care about."

And with those words, Jack leaned in and kissed you gently on the lips. "I am happy, Y/N. With you, I am always happy," he whispered.

You blushed and wrapped your arms around Jack, pulling him close. "I love you, Jack," you said.

"I love you too, Y/N," Jack replied, holding you tight.

As you watched the sky turn from orange to pink to purple, you knew that no matter what challenges life threw your way, you would always have each other to lean on.

*-----------------------------------------------------------*

Remember to take breaks and take time to relax! Maybe listening to chill music can help?

What's your all-time favorite "chill mood" song that helps you relax?

Love you all, hug a friend, drink water, touch grass, AND remember to take care of yourself!

You are loved, and I hope you will have an amazing week!

-T ❤️