Dandelions & Daisies

6

~Mitchel's POV~

Today was thankfully off day,so I could take my time with breakfast. I was enjoying some pancakes I made, as I walked out to the mail box.

I lifted my face to the sun and smiled. I watched the birds for a moment, and then opened my mail box. There was another letter from Astrid.

I opened it as I sat in the grass and slowly read it. Even though she was in an emotionally dark place,she remained optimistic. I admired that about her.

I finished reading and felt my phone buzz. I grabbed it out of my pocket, and checked it. It was a video call request.

I clicked accept,and a girl's face popped up on the screen. "Mitty! Hi! It's me,Willow!" She said.

"Oh my God! Willow! Hi! It's so good to finally see your face! Oh my God!" I beamed excitedly!

She lightly giggled,and it was the prettiest laugh I've ever heard. "It's amazing to finally see you too Mitchel!" She replied happily!

"Where are you right now?" I asked.

"I'm at my favorite radio station café that I work part time at. It's called KEXP." She replied. "What about you?" She asked.

"That looks so cozy! And I'm at home, just relaxing in my front lawn. I just read your letter. You feeling any better?" I asked her.

"I definitely am. You were right,I need to make more room in my schedule for some self care. It feels so amazing to finally relax and breathe without having any anxious thoughts for once."  She replied honestly with a content sigh.

"I'm really glad to hear that. That's so important. How was uni today?" I asked.

"It was okay I guess. Can I vent?" She asked.

"Of course Hun,always." I encouraged her.

"It's just that today in videography, we were sharing what we'd learned so far from our pen pals and I kinda wasn't paying attention cause I had a lot on my mind,including you and what I'd write to you next.." "and when I got called on I got all clustered and anxious ya know? Like having all eyes on me like that.. just.." "It makes me feel uncomfortable in my skin. And then I couldn't even tell that class what you'd written me about mental health." "You guys have just had such a deeply personal impact on my life,and it felt fucking violating to share that intimate info!" "So I made up a fucking lie! I don't lie Mitty! I don't,ever. But I did in class." "I told them you told me to do breathing excersizes and to communicate with a trusted friend." "And I've never felt that way about anything or anyone.. and now I actually dread going back.. it was my favorite thing in the world.." "but having to share something so personal ruined that!" She vented. She wiped a few tears.

"I completely understand Astrid. What you're feeling is completely normal and absolutely valid. It's more than okay to be angry,and absolutely livid with fury at them." "I really think they should've assigned a research project on the pros and cons of the different methods the pen pals and class mates cope with the music industry." "Or pros and cons of different song writing styles and certain behaviors in real life and social media." "or pros and cons of performance style per music artist. Like anything other than something so intimate. I hear you loud and clear." I explained reassuringly.

"Really?" She asked in awe.

I nodded. "Absolutely sweetheart. I'm so so proud of you for sticking it through,and getting through the day. That is the strongest thing anyone can do when they're on a low." I replied fondly.

"Thanks so much,that really means a lot. It means the world and then some. I haven't really been able to be this honest with anyone outside my best friend Lilly,in the longest time." "It feels like an elephant was removed from my chest now that I have someone else.. especially one of my biggest heroes,to understand me." She replied with a sigh of relief.

"I'm so so glad and grateful you feel this safe with me. I'm really happy I could give you this safe space." I replied endearingly.

"Hey,how about to get your mind off things,you give me a tour of this café radio station?" I asked.

She softly smiled and nodded. She got up,grabbing her coffee.