All The Stars-Jack Harlow-FINISHED

Therapy

"Is this your first time experiencing grief?" Mona,her therapist, asked as Ettinnette looked down at her feet. "Yes. But not to this extent I feel. Like I've experienced people dying but I wasn't as close to them as I was close to Angus" she says not even daring to look at Mona.

"How did you think the funeral went? Was it peaceful?" Mona says writing something in her journal. Ettinnette gulped as her eyes darted across the room.

2 weeks earlier

Ettinnette stood at the casket staring at the brown box that held her best friend. She stared numbly as she let the silence engulf her whole. She felt the hot tears start to pour down her face when a random presence approaches her. She doesn't even bother to look up as she continues to stare at the casket.

Jack, sensing the weight of Ettinnette's grief, approached cautiously. He stood beside her, offering a quiet presence. "Ettinnette," he spoke softly, "I can't imagine what you're going through right now."

Ettinnette nodded sniffling a little, her gaze still fixed on the casket. "Yeah, he is-was one of my best friends." She says correcting herself mid sentence.

Jack hesitated for a moment before placing a gentle hand on her shoulder. "I know we haven't known each other for that long but just know that I'm there for you okay?"

She appreciated the gesture but kept her emotions guarded. "Thanks, Jack." She said emotionlessly

Jack remained by Ettinnette's side, offering silent support. "Do you want to take a walk, maybe get some fresh air? Sometimes a change of scenery can help." he suggests in attempt to brighten her mood.

She hesitated but then nodded, appreciating the simple offer. They strolled together, and Jack made sure the conversation stayed on lighter topics, providing a temporary escape from the heaviness of the moment.

Present

Mona studied Ettinnette, who shifted uncomfortably. "The funeral, it was... hard, you know? Just a lot to process," Ettinnette murmured, avoiding eye contact.

Mona, sensing her hesitance, pressed gently, "And your feelings about Angus? Have you been able to share those with anyone?"

Ettinnette sighed, "I've tried, but it's like I can't find the right words. It's easier to keep it to myself. People mean well, but I don't want to bring them down with my sadness."

Mona continued to jot down notes. "It's okay to express your grief. Holding it in might make it even more challenging. Can you tell me about a specific memory with Angus that stands out?"

Ettinnette hesitated before quietly sharing, "There was this road trip we took. It was good, you know, but now it just feels like a distant memory. Like I'm trying to hold onto something slipping away."

Mona maintained a calm demeanor. "Memories are a part of the healing process. It's crucial to acknowledge them, even if it's difficult. And your support system? Have you let people in during this time?"

Ettinnette shrugged, "Some have tried, but I've been keeping my distance. I don't want to burden them with my problems. It's easier to deal with it on my own."

Mona nodded understandingly, "Isolation can make the grieving process more challenging. It's important to lean on others. Have you considered reaching out, even in small ways?" . Ettinnette just stayed quiet wishing she was anywhere but here

Mona leaned forward, observing Ettinnette, who seemed distant and withdrawn. "Opening up can be a challenging process, but it's crucial for healing. Have you sought comfort in talking to Malik or others who offered support?"

Ettinnette hesitated, her gaze fixed on an indistinct point. "Jack's been around, but I haven't really let him in. It's like I've built this wall, and I'm not sure I want to bring it down."

Mona acknowledged her struggle, "Walls can provide a sense of security, but they can also isolate you. Consider taking small steps, gradually letting people in. It doesn't have to be an all-or-nothing approach."

Ettinnette gave a slight nod, her expression guarded.

"I'll think about it."

"Hey, Ettinnette. How was the session with Mona?" Kaviana asked, putting her book aside as Ettinnette walked into the kitchen 

Ettinnette shrugged, avoiding eye contact. "It was fine, I guess."

Tiana, sensing Ettinnette's distance, spoke gently, "You sure you're okay? Anything you want to talk about?"

Ettinnette sighed, "I just... I don't know how to deal with all of this. It's like everything's falling apart, and I can't find a way to hold it together."

Kaviana and Tiana exchanged glances, silently understanding the weight of Ettinnette's grief. Kaviana spoke first, "You don't have to go through this alone, you know? We're here for you, no matter what."

Ettinnette nodded but didn't meet their eyes. "I appreciate that. I just need some time to figure things out."

Tiana offered a comforting smile, "Take all the time you need. We're not going anywhere."

As the evening unfolded, Ettinnette retreated to her room, seeking solace in the quiet moments. The room, once filled with laughter and shared secrets, now echoed with the emptiness left by Angus's absence.

Later that night, Kaviana and Tiana knocked on Ettinnette's door, holding mugs of hot tea. "We thought you might need this," Kaviana said, offering a warm smile.

Ettinnette took the tea, appreciating the gesture. "Thanks, guys."

Tiana sat on the edge of her bed, "You know, we're not therapists, but we're your friends. And friends listen, even when it's hard."

Ettinnette looked down, feeling a mix of gratitude and discomfort. "I know. It's just... I don't want to burden anyone with my problems."

Kaviana leaned in, "You're not a burden, Ettinnette. We care about you. Let us be here for you." Ettinnette nodded and she finally realized she shouldn't have constantly shut her friends out

Kaviana reached out, placing a gentle hand on Ettinnette's shoulder. "We love you, Ettinnette," she whispered, her voice thick with emotion. Tiana nodded in agreement, her eyes glistening with unshed tears.

"Don't ever forget that shit" Tiana says jokingly and they all laugh which for Ettinnette feels like the first in a long time.

A/N

Ok sorry it took long to get this chatter out the motivation wasn't motivationing sooo.

But dw guys the next chapter is going to be way happier than this so just let me cook fr.

Any comments or suggestions???

I love you guysss🤎