TW: This chapter talks about depression/mental health.

Break days on "Hearts Aligned" were like a pause in the symphony of emotions that defined my journey. As I navigated through the luxurious expanse of the mansion, the tantalizing promise of relaxation mingled with a subtle frustration. The break provided moments for wardrobe fittings and a temporary escape from the constant presence of the contestants. Yet, it also meant a brief separation from the connections I had been forming.

Entering the interview room, the stark contrast to the opulence outside was palpable. Bright lights and cameras awaited, and Caroline Matthews, one of the lead producers, stood with an air of authority that commanded attention. Caroline was a taller woman with light blonde hair that reached her shoulders. She wore a dark blue blazer and glasses.

"Amelia, I'm Caroline Matthews," she introduced herself, a crisp tone accompanying the words. "How are you holding up?"

The question, despite its professionalism, carried a note of genuine concern. I responded honestly, revealing the intricate dance of emotions that defined my journey. "It's a mix of emotions, to be honest. The pressure is real, and I do miss home a bit. But I'm genuinely enjoying the connections I'm making with the contestants."

Caroline's demeanor softened, a glimpse of understanding beneath the tough exterior. "Good to hear. This journey is no walk in the park, but it's also an opportunity for something extraordinary."

The interview unfolded, Caroline's questions peeling away layers of my experience on the show. The spotlight turned to connections – those that thrived and those that struggled in the mansion's confined space.

"Let's talk connections," Caroline suggested, her gaze unwavering. "Who do you feel the least connected with?"

Zoey's name surfaced in my thoughts, and without hesitation, I shared my truth. "Zoey. I feel like I know the least about her as a person. It's been challenging to connect on a deeper level."

Caroline nodded, acknowledging the complexities inherent in forming bonds within the mansion's walls. "And who do you feel the most connected with?"

A genuine smile found its way to my lips as I answered, "Perry. There's a depth to our connection that feels unique. It's like we're unraveling layers together."

Caroline's eyes held a probing intensity as if seeking nuances beneath the surface. "Interesting," she commented, leaving a lingering curiosity in the air.

The conversation took an unexpected turn as Caroline delved into the recent events involving Zoey and Mia. "Let's talk about Zoey and Mia. How did it feel to catch them hooking up?"

The memory surfaced, and I couldn't help but admit, "It made my heart sink a bit. More so seeing Mia hook up with someone else rather than Zoey. I guess I'm wondering if that's happening with anyone else. It's hard not to let it affect me."

Caroline's demeanor softened, a hint of sympathy breaking through the stern facade. "This journey is filled with unexpected moments. Keep in mind, Amelia, everyone here is navigating their own path. It's a test not just for you."

After the interview, the break day continued with its blend of fittings and introspection. As the evening cast its warm glow across the mansion, I found myself drawn to the quiet corners, seeking solace in the tranquil poolside.

The opulent corridors echoed with a sense of anticipation, and my thoughts were a whirlwind of contemplation. The revelations from the interview lingered, adding layers to the tapestry of emotions that defined my journey. Perry's name danced through my mind like a refrain, a reminder of the unique connection we shared.

Later that evening, as I retreated to my temporary haven – the luxurious bedroom that bore the traces of my presence – a soft knock on the door interrupted my thoughts. Callie, the host of "Hearts Aligned," stood before me, her eyes reflecting a blend of curiosity and concern.

"Amelia," Callie greeted her voice a melodic note in the quiet of the room. "Mind if I come in?"

The invitation was extended, and I gestured for Callie to enter, curiosity piqued. As she settled into the room, the air seemed to shimmer with unspoken questions.

"I've noticed you spending quite a bit of time with Perry by the poolside," Callie remarked, her tone gentle but probing.

A hint of uncertainty crept into my expression as I considered the implications of her observation. "Is that not allowed?" I asked, a flicker of concern coloring my words.

Callie's response carried a measured reassurance. "Of course, it's allowed. This is your journey, after all. But I would advise getting to know all the contestants. It's important not to single someone out too early in the process."

I nodded, understanding the wisdom in Callie's words. "I get that, Callie. It's just that Perry and I seem to have this... connection. It's hard to explain."

Callie's gaze held a knowing depth as if she had seen similar scenarios play out before. "Connections are the heart of this journey, Amelia. Just remember to keep your heart open to everyone. You never know what might unfold."

As Callie left the room, her words lingered, a reminder of navigating the intricacies of a dating show. Deep down, I acknowledged the truth in her advice, but the pull of something special with Perry resonated within me.

And I knew I was going to visit her by the pool again. I hoped she would be there.

The night cast a serene spell over the mansion as I headed to the poolside, the glow of the moonlight guiding my way.

As I approached the cabana, my footsteps creating a hushed symphony against the backdrop of the night, there she was. Perry sat beneath the sheltering embrace of the cabana, a solitary figure deep in her writing.

"Perry," I greeted, the name a whispered melody that reached her ears.

Perry's head lifted, and the genuine warmth that illuminated her features was like a beacon in the night. "Amelia," she replied, a smile dancing in her eyes. "I was hoping you'd come."

Seating myself beside her, the poolside becoming our shared sanctuary, I couldn't shake Callie's words. The unspoken advice lingered as a quiet reminder to tread carefully in the delicate dance of forming connections.

I glanced at Perry, who seemed genuinely happy to see me. The question of whether to share the conversation with Callie played at the edges of my thoughts, but I decided against it. Instead, I allowed the night to unfold in its own way.

As we settled into the quiet companionship of the poolside, my gaze caught something I hadn't noticed before – a tattoo on Perry's hand. A delicate semi-colon adorned her skin, a symbol that carried a weight of profound meaning.

Growing quiet, the realization of the symbolism filled the air with a palpable depth. Perry noticed the shift in my demeanor, her eyes reflecting a curiosity that invited vulnerability.

"Are you okay, Amelia?" Perry asked, her voice a gentle caress in the night.

I nodded, my eyes fixed on the semi-colon tattoo. "It's just that I've been through similar experiences. Dealing with depression is something I understand."

Perry's gaze softened, an unspoken understanding passing between us. With a subtle gesture, I pointed to the tattoo on her hand, a silent acknowledgment of shared battles. Perry's eyes held a mixture of gratitude and vulnerability as she began to speak.

"I suffer from bad depression, too," she confessed her words a whispered revelation. "This experience has been testing it a bit, even though I'm so glad to get to know you."

The night unfolded beneath the poolside canopy and as Perry revealed the depths of her struggle with depression, a quiet acknowledgment passed between us, transcending the scripted confines of the show.

"I've had to deal with it mostly on my own," Perry admitted, "My parents never really understood."

In the stillness of the night, the admission hung in the air, a poignant reminder of the isolating journey that mental health struggles often carved. The unspoken connection between us deepened, anchored in the shared recognition of battles fought in solitude.

As Perry finished speaking, much to my surprise, she extended her arms, offering an embrace that seemed to bridge the gaps of unspoken pain.

The hug, unexpected yet profoundly comforting, lingered in the air like a silent promise. Perry's warmth enveloped me, a reassurance that the complexities of our individual stories could find solace in the shared spaces of the heart.

As the night came to a close, I retreated to the lavish confines of my bedroom, the embrace with Perry echoing in my thoughts. The vulnerability shared beneath the poolside seemed to solidify our connection.

As I lay in bed, the resonance of the night lingered. Perry's struggles, shared in the quiet hours beneath the stars, painted a portrait of resilience and strength.

The night unfolded its final chapter, and as sleep claimed me, the gentle embrace of vulnerability and connection remained.