I take a moment, not really sure what to tell someone so upset. She is trying so hard to curl into the tiniest ball, making herself as insignificant as she can. She's trying to get away from the outside world - maybe trying to get away from her own thoughts. My thoughts.

"You're my mind," I say, kneeling down in front of her.

She lifts her head, and it's eerie to see me staring into my eyes.

Tears stain her freckled cheeks as she stares at me, body still trembling with emotion.

I reach up, wiping the tears from her cheeks before I speak.

"You are incredible," I say. "Through years and years of darkness, you've been able to create the most beautiful ideas to weave into stories. You're worth so much to me, and I know I've taken you for granted. I've pushed you past your limits more times than I can count, and I'm here to say I'm sorry. I'm so sorry for trying to push you away, to make you feel like you're not as important as you are while simultaneously putting so much pressure on you that you crumbled."

The physical embodiment of my mind sniffles, staring deep into my gaze as she lets her legs slowly fall to the ground.

After her feet hit the hardwood floor, she falls forward, landing in my arms as she wraps her arms around my neck, hugging me tightly.

"You are not insignificant," I whisper to her as I hug her back.

I gasp as I feel this version of me fading; when I pull back to look at her, I see her melting into me - becoming a part of me again.

For a moment, I feel her despair; I feel how overworked she felt.

That, too, melts away, and the feeling is replaced by a soothing calmness.

"I'll do better," I whisper to myself as I stand up. "We deserve better than what I've given us."