The Platform Between Us

Chapter Three:

"Hello out there! My name is (Y/N) and welcome back to my channel! I took a little time to think and decided that the first thing I need to talk about is my mental illness. This is something that I know many others struggle with. I was diagnosed with anxiety at the age of ten. The teachers in my school always noticed things I did that lead them to believe that I was trying to find ways to cope myself out of it. That, and I wasn't exactly the best at making friends. I can't bond with people very well and making these connections was always hard.

"Because I wasn't a very social person, the kids at school always made fun of me and laughed when I tried to stand up for myself. Because of this, I became a very quiet person and only spoke when I had to. Being as quiet as I was, people said that I was hard to approach. They didn't want to do something that would bother or scare me. When I did make friends, I was finally happy in school. I laughed more, smiled more, became more comfortable. People finally started seeing small pieces of who I was.

"However, I was so disconnected with the other kids my age that I still only kept and trusted a small group of people. I graduated still friends with those people. Since moving out here though, I don't know how much longer that friendship will last. Hopefully I can make more friends while I'm out here. Friendship is just one of the many things that is difficult with my anxiety. Being social in general is difficult.

"There's a long list of things. But I won't bore you with all of them. Maybe just a main one here and there. But I just wanted everyone to be aware that I have anxiety. There are some days where I won't do much because I'm mentally and physically exhausted from thinking so much and feeling so much at the same time. There are days I'll be extremely happy and one little thing can trigger me into whatever people call it these days.

"I've learned to partially live with my anxiety. I don't know how to fully live with it, and you'll learn that some time. My anxiety can still control my life as much as I don't want it to. I guess that's something that can't exactly be helped. But for those of you who know what this is like, please be strong. I know that maybe you tire of hearing the same thing all the time, but being strong is best. There will be days when you break, and there will be days when you can hope for the future. Stay safe. Be safe. Smile. These will all help you slightly. I promise you that.

"Thank you all so much for the love and support you've shown so far. I hope you continue to stick with me as time goes on. Until the next time! Much love, (Y/N)." I smile and wave to the camera before moving to stop the recording. This one doesn't have to be edited. I actually managed to not get off topic and not stutter or pause my speech. That's a good sign, I suppose.

After I finished all of that, I decided to go out to a small cafe for lunch. There's one just a few blocks from where I live. I wanted to do a morning video because the lighting in my room is perfect at that time. I have come to realize that it's these little things that make me slightly more happy. I made my way in the door and sat at a small table by the window. "Hi there, I'll be with you in a second!" I turned to see where the voice had come from. It must be the barista. "Sorry for the wait," she said as she made her way over after a few minutes had passed.

"Oh, that's okay. I'm in no hurry."

"Have you decided on anything? If not, the grilled cheese is one of the most popular options here, I've found out. It comes with a salad or soup. Soup of the day is chicken dumpling." I smiled for a moment before looking at the menu.

"I guess I'll go with that, then. I'll take a salad. And a strawberry smoothie, please."

"Sure thing. I'll have that out to you soon enough." She smiled and walked off. It was about fifteen minutes when she was setting everything down at the table, then she took a seat across from me. "You seem like this is your first time around this part of LA. Are you new around here?"

"Uh, yeah. I just moved here about a month ago."

"Well, you are always welcome here for anything. My name is Beverly," she said, holding her hand out. I shook it gently.

"My name is (Y/N)." Maybe Beverly will turn out to be the first friend I make here. And, funny thing is, she's a member of the Logang as well, I came to find out after our three hours of talking. Today was a good day.