Hollow

Ch.5 Birthday Blues (pt.2)

"Oh, that sucks. I'm sorry." -Quinn

"It's alright. I'm doing a lot better now. I journal to try and rationalize my feelings instead of making problems bigger than they actually are but also not diminishing them. I'm not quite there yet, but maybe I'll try therapy again later. Who knows." -Rubi

"Well, I'm glad you're doing better." -Quinn

Quinn was always aware that Rubi struggled. When Rubi moved to the States from the Philippines, she got bullied at school. Quinn never told Rubi this, but she beat up a lot of kids for being racist towards Rubi back in middle school.

Quinn even got suspended for it, but she couldn't stand people picking on someone as sweet as Rubi. Quinn knew she could never fully feel what Rubi goes through, but she could at least be there for Rubi in ways she can. Of course, Quinn's more than happy to blow off some steam any day of the week.

"Have you ever been in therapy?" -Rubi

"No. I've considered it though." -Quinn

Quinn thought about counseling after the breakup with Avery. That was also the same time when she got into a lot of fights with her parents after discussing her plans for the future.

She didn't have the money for therapy, and her parents weren't going to help her with it either. Quinn manages though. Right now, she's been thinking through her problems and processing them instead of pushing them away. Maybe she'll go to therapy one day.

"Well, you can always talk to me if you need someone. I'm sure you know that though." -Rubi

"Thanks. Also, I don't think of you any less than what you are. Having struggles and needing support is just life." -Quinn

"That means more to me than you know." -Rubi

They finish off the strawberries. Meeting up with Quinn was the one thing Rubi was excited about on her birthday. She's tired of hearing her parents talk about how old they are getting. Kai's also moving out to an apartment soon. It's too depressing to be at home.

Rubi has nothing to really look forward to now, but she'll remember this moment forever. All things considered, Rubi is doing a lot better than she was. Sometimes, it's still rough, but maybe it is all worth it.

To have days where she doesn't have anything to do either than just exist. To step outside and breathe in fresh air. To sit here under the sunshine with Quinn. To find a friend that listens. To come this far. She would have missed out on so many good things. Rubi realizes she is glad she stuck around.