Rumi sat on the edge of the bed, her gaze fixed on the floor. The room was quiet, save for the soft hum of the air conditioning. She felt an overwhelming weight in her chest, a mix of guilt and confusion that seemed to suffocate her. The lavish gifts and heartfelt gestures from her friends and loved ones only made her feel more undeserving. She had been given a second chance, despite the harm she nearly caused, and yet she couldn't shake the feeling of betrayal.

Her thoughts were so engulfed in self-reproach that she didn't notice Lloyd approaching her. His green arms wrapped around her gently, pulling her into a comforting embrace. Rumi remained motionless, her mind tangled in a web of regret and despair. It wasn’t until Lloyd’s voice broke through her turmoil that she realized he was there.

"Rumi."

She looked up, her vision blurred by unshed tears. Lloyd’s green eyes, full of concern and understanding, met hers. The warmth of his embrace contrasted sharply with the cold dread she felt inside. His presence was both a balm and a torment, a reminder of how much she had nearly lost.

"L... Lloyd?" she stammered, her voice barely above a whisper.

"Who were you expecting, the queen of Love?" Lloyd’s tone was light, but there was an undercurrent of seriousness in his words. He held her close, his warmth seeping into her, grounding her in the present moment.

Rumi’s heart ached as she buried her face in his shoulder, the tears finally breaking free. She felt his comforting arms around her, but the guilt remained, festering in her soul. How could she have been so reckless? How could she have put the people she loved in such danger?

“I don’t deserve this,” she choked out, her voice muffled by Lloyd’s shoulder. “Not one bit. I almost—”

Lloyd interrupted her softly, his voice filled with an unwavering calm. “You’ve already made amends, Rumi. We all know how much you care. We wouldn’t be here if we didn’t believe in you.”

Rumi shook her head, the weight of her actions pressing down on her. She felt like a traitor, unworthy of the love and forgiveness being offered to her. She tried to pull away, to distance herself from the kindness she felt she didn’t deserve, but Lloyd’s hold tightened.

“Stop,” Lloyd said gently but firmly. “You’re not a traitor. You’re someone who made a mistake. We all do. What matters is that you’re here now, trying to make things right.”

Rumi looked up at him, her eyes searching his face for the truth in his words. The sincerity in Lloyd’s eyes was undeniable, but the inner conflict raged on. She was still grappling with the sense of betrayal she felt, not only to herself but to everyone who had stood by her.

“Why are you doing this?” she asked, her voice trembling. “After everything that happened, why are you still here?”

Lloyd’s expression softened, and he cupped her face gently in his hands. “Because I believe in you, Rumi. Because I love you. And because, despite everything, you’re worth it.”

The weight of his words slowly began to lift the burden from her shoulders. Rumi’s tears continued to fall, but now they were mingled with a glimmer of hope. She wasn’t sure if she could ever fully forgive herself, but Lloyd’s unwavering support was a step towards healing.

----------

Later that day, as Rumi and Lloyd strolled through the shops, they overheard hushed whispers and snide remarks about Rumi. The words were sharp and hurtful, cutting through the fragile sense of self-worth she had been trying to rebuild.

“She’s the one who nearly caused that disaster, isn’t she?” one person murmured.

“Yeah, I heard she’s not to be trusted,” another voice added, filled with disdain.

Rumi's face fell as the comments reached her ears. She tried to brush them off, but the words seemed to cling to her, echoing in her mind. She fell silent, her earlier hope now overshadowed by the sting of public judgment. Lloyd noticed her growing distress but chose to stay by her side, hoping the day’s positive moments would outweigh the negativity.

When they finally returned home, Rumi's mood was visibly subdued. She barely spoke, her thoughts consumed by the whispers that seemed to confirm her deepest fears. As soon as they were inside, she fled to her room, her face streaked with unshed tears. She  collapsed onto her bed, burying her face in her pillow.

The room was dimly lit, the soft glow of a lamp casting long shadows on the walls. Rumi's tears flowed freely, mingling with the fabric of her pillow as she cried uncontrollably. Each sob seemed to echo her inner turmoil, the words from the shop replaying in her mind.

“They’re right,” she choked out between gasps. “I’m just a monster. I don't deserve any of this. I should have never—”

The door to her room creaked open, and Lloyd’s voice cut through the despair. “Rumi?”

She didn’t respond, her head still buried in the pillow. Lloyd hesitated for a moment, then slowly walked in, closing the door behind him. He knelt beside her bed, placing a comforting hand on her shoulder.

“Rumi,” he said softly, “you need to stop believing those lies.”

She turned her tear-streaked face towards him, her eyes red and puffy. “How can you say that, Lloyd? I nearly ruined everything. I’m a monster. I don’t deserve your kindness or anyone’s forgiveness.”

Lloyd gently lifted her chin so she would meet his gaze. “You made a mistake. It was a big one, but it doesn’t define who you are. What matters is that you’re trying to make things right. The opinions of others don’t change the fact that you’re a good person. You’ve shown that time and time again.”

“But what about what they said?” Rumi’s voice wavered. “What if they’re right?”

“People can be cruel,” Lloyd replied, his voice firm yet gentle. “But their opinions don’t change the truth of who you are. You’ve faced your mistakes and worked hard to fix them. That takes courage and strength. You’re not a monster, Rumi. You’re someone who’s made mistakes but is also learning and growing from them.”

Rumi’s tears continued to fall, but there was a glimmer of relief in Lloyd’s words. She clung to the hope they provided, even if it felt distant. Lloyd pulled her into a tender hug, allowing her to cry against his shoulder.

“Thank you,” she whispered through her tears. “For believing in me. Even when I don’t believe in myself.”

Lloyd’s embrace tightened, offering warmth and reassurance. “I believe in you, Rumi. And I’ll be here, supporting you, no matter what.”

Then, Lloyd thought for a few minutes before speaking again. "I know a therapist who’s really good. They’ve helped a lot of people with different issues."

Rumi looked up at him, her eyes still red from crying. "But what if the therapist thinks badly about me too? What if they don’t want to listen or think I’m beyond help?"

Lloyd shook his head reassuringly. "Would you feel that way if it was Cole? If he can handle Jay, he can handle you. Cole’s a good listener and knows how to help people. I’m sure this therapist would be just as understanding and patient."

Rumi hesitated, her doubts swirling in her mind. "No, Lloyd. It’s fine. I... I’ll be fine." She turned, attempting to walk away, her shoulders slumped with exhaustion and resignation.

But Lloyd wasn’t ready to let her retreat into herself. He reached out, gently grabbing her hand. "Rumi, please. Don’t shut yourself off. I care about you, and I want you to get the help you need. It’s okay to ask for support."

Rumi looked back at him, her resolve wavering as she felt the sincerity in his words. Lloyd pulled her into a warm embrace, holding her close. The gesture was tender and full of compassion, a safe haven amidst her turmoil.

As she rested her head against his chest, Rumi’s tears began to flow again, but this time they were mingled with a sense of comfort and solace. "I don’t want to be a burden," she murmured, her voice muffled by Lloyd’s shirt.

"You’re not a burden," Lloyd replied softly, stroking her hair. "Everyone needs help sometimes. I want to be here for you, and I want you to take care of yourself. It’s okay to need support."

Rumi’s shoulders relaxed slightly, her breathing evening out as she took in Lloyd’s words. The warmth of his embrace was soothing, and she began to feel a glimmer of hope amidst the overwhelming self-doubt.

"I’ll think about it," Rumi said finally, her voice trembling but sincere. "Thank you for being here. For everything."

Lloyd held her a little tighter, giving her a reassuring squeeze. "Anytime, Rumi. We’ll get through this together."

*****
Lloyd leaned against the wall in the common room, his expression a mix of determination and fatigue. Jay, Kai, Cole, Nya, Zane, and Mia were gathered around, their faces reflecting concern and curiosity.

"Hey, everyone," Lloyd began, his voice steady but weary. "I managed to get Rumi to sleep. She’s resting now, but we need to talk."

Jay, who had been anxiously pacing, stopped and looked at Lloyd. "How is she? Is she okay?"

Lloyd sighed, running a hand through his hair. "She’s emotionally exhausted. Rumi’s been struggling a lot lately, and she’s feeling like a burden. She’s dealing with a lot of guilt and self-doubt."

Nya stepped forward, her expression one of empathy. "What can we do to help? We can’t just leave her like this."

"That’s why I wanted to talk to you all," Lloyd said. "I’ve suggested that she see a therapist. Someone who can help her work through her feelings and support her in finding a way to cope."

Kai nodded, his usual confidence tempered by concern. "That sounds like a good idea. But how do we make sure she follows through with it?"

Lloyd glanced at Mia, who had been quietly observing. "I think we need to be supportive and encouraging. Rumi’s hesitant because she fears judgment. We need to reassure her that it’s okay to seek help and that we’re here for her no matter what."

Cole stepped forward, his expression serious. "We should also respect her space. She’s been through a lot, and pushing too hard might make things worse."

Zane added, "And we should keep an eye out for any signs of distress. If she needs someone to talk to, we should be ready to listen."

Mia finally spoke, her voice soft but firm. "I want to help too. If there’s anything I can do—anything at all—I’m here. Rumi’s been through a lot, and I don’t want to see her suffer."

Lloyd nodded, appreciative of the support. "Thank you. We all need to be there for her. Let’s make sure she knows she’s not alone and that we all care about her. And let’s also make sure she knows that it’s okay to take things one step at a time."

*****

The morning sun streamed through the windows of the monastery, casting a warm glow over the kitchen where everyone was gathered for breakfast. The clatter of dishes and the hum of conversation filled the room until Rumi, though distant,  forced a smile as she took a seat at the table.

As she poured herself a cup of coffee, her eyes wandered to the television in the corner of the room. The news was on, and the headline caught her eye: "Local Hero's Struggle: Harumi Jade's Recent Challenges."

Rumi froze, her heart sinking. The screen showed clips of recent events and interviews with people commenting on her situation. The news anchor spoke with a concerned tone, detailing the struggles she faced and the emotional toll it had taken on her. The words "betrayal," "guilt," and "recovery" flashed across the screen, each one hitting her like a physical blow.

She sat down in front of the TV, her coffee forgotten as she stared at the images and heard the comments. The snippets of her life being broadcasted felt like an invasion of her private pain. Her hands gripped the edge of the table as she watched, the room around her fading into a blur of noise and color.

Lloyd, noticing Rumi's intense focus on the TV and the growing distress on her face, approached her quietly. He saw her eyes welling up with tears and the way she bit her lip to hold back her sobs. Gently, he reached out and turned off the television. The abrupt silence that followed was heavy, filled with the weight of unsaid words and unspoken fears.

"Come on, sweet pea," Lloyd said softly, using the endearing nickname he often called her. The tenderness in his voice was unmistakable, but it was the final straw for Rumi.

The moment Lloyd spoke those words, the dam broke. Rumi’s composure shattered as her tears flowed freely. She buried her face in her hands, her shoulders shaking with the force of her sobs. The nickname, "sweet pea," that once made her feel loved and cherished, now seemed to underscore her vulnerability and the stark contrast between her public image and her private reality.

Lloyd knelt beside her, wrapping his arms around her in a comforting embrace. "It’s okay, Rumi. It’s okay to feel this way. We’re here for you."

Rumi clung to him, her breaths coming in ragged gasps as she struggled to steady herself. The warmth of Lloyd’s embrace was both a comfort and a reminder of how far she felt from being the person she wanted to be. The room remained quiet, save for the muffled sounds of her cries and Lloyd's gentle reassurances.

The rest of the group watched from a distance, their expressions a mix of concern and empathy. They knew there were no quick fixes or easy answers. All they could offer was their support and understanding as Rumi navigated through her pain and confusion.

As Rumi’s sobs gradually subsided, she pulled back slightly, her face flushed and tear-streaked. She looked at Lloyd, her eyes reflecting the depth of her anguish. "I don’t know how to handle this, Lloyd. Everything feels so overwhelming."

Lloyd wiped a tear from her cheek with a gentle touch. "You don’t have to handle it all on your own. We’re here with you, and we’ll help you through this. One step at a time."

Rumi took a shaky breath, nodding slowly. She knew the path ahead wouldn’t be easy, but Lloyd’s unwavering support gave her a glimmer of hope. With a nod, she allowed herself to be led away from the kitchen and into a quieter space, ready to face the difficult journey of healing with the support of those who cared for her.

*****
As Rumi composed herself, wiping away the last of her tears, she heard a voice from the doorway. Cole had stepped into the kitchen, his face serious.

“So... someone told me you needed a therapist,” Cole said, his tone gentle but probing.

Rumi looked up, her eyes meeting Cole’s with a mixture of frustration and vulnerability. She glanced at Lloyd, who was still by her side, offering silent support.

“Really?” Rumi asked, her voice tinged with irritation. “Is this how it’s going to be? You all think I need therapy?”

Lloyd, sensing the tension, stepped in. “Oh, come on, Rumi. We’re just trying to help you get through this.”

Rumi took a deep breath, trying to steady her emotions. She was tired of the scrutiny and the feeling of being under a microscope, but she knew Lloyd had her best interests at heart. Her gaze softened slightly as she looked back at Cole. “Fine. But Lloyd has to be there with me.”

Cole raised an eyebrow but nodded in agreement. “If that’s what you need, then that’s what we’ll do. It’s important that you feel comfortable and supported.”

Lloyd smiled softly, relieved that Rumi was willing to take the step toward therapy. “Thank you, Rumi. I’ll be there for you, every step of the way.”

Rumi gave a small nod, feeling a mix of apprehension and gratitude. “Okay, let’s do this then. But remember, I’m doing this for myself, not for anyone else.”

Lloyd nodded, understanding her need for autonomy. “Absolutely. We’re here to support you, not to pressure you.”

* Later that day*

As Lloyd gently led Rumi to the therapy room, her grip on his arm tightened. She clung to him, her knuckles white from the pressure.

“Remember,” she murmured, her voice trembling, “it’s just Cole.”

Lloyd looked at her with a reassuring smile. “Yeah, just Cole.”

Rumi nodded, her anxiety slightly easing at the familiar, comforting presence of Lloyd. She took a deep breath and steadied herself as they reached the door of the therapy room.

Inside, Cole was waiting, his demeanor calm and inviting. He offered a warm smile as they entered.

“Hey, Rumi,” Cole greeted gently. “Ready to talk?”

Rumi looked up at Lloyd, who gave her a small nod of encouragement. She took another deep breath, then turned to Cole, her resolve firming.

“Yeah,” she said softly. “I’m ready.”

Lloyd gave Rumi a reassuring squeeze before stepping back, giving her the space she needed. As he settled into a nearby chair, he watched with a mixture of concern and support, ready to be there for her as she began this new chapter.

Cole, donning his signature fake red glasses, settled comfortably into his chair. He adjusted his glasses and looked at Rumi with a calm, welcoming expression.

“So, what’s on your mind?” he asked gently.

Rumi hesitated, her eyes darting around the room. She took a deep breath, trying to muster the courage to speak. “It’s... it’s these dark thoughts and feelings,” she began, her voice barely above a whisper. “I feel like a monster. Like I’m not worthy of anyone’s kindness or understanding.”

Cole nodded attentively, adjusting his glasses as he took in her words. “It sounds like you’re dealing with a lot of guilt and self-doubt. Can you tell me more about these thoughts? What’s been going through your mind?”

Rumi’s gaze dropped to her lap, and she began to fidget with the hem of her sleeve. “I keep thinking about everything I’ve done wrong. How I almost hurt Lloyd and his friends. They’ve given me so many chances, but I keep messing up. It feels like I’m just... a burden. A monster.”

Cole leaned forward slightly, his voice soothing. “Rumi, everyone makes mistakes. It’s a part of being human. What matters is how we address those mistakes and learn from them. You’re not a monster, and you’re certainly not a burden.”

Rumi’s eyes welled up with tears. “But what if they’re just saying that because they feel sorry for me? What if they really think I’m a monster, and they’re just too kind to say it out loud?”

Cole reached over, gently placing a hand on Rumi’s shoulder. “Sometimes, our minds can play tricks on us, making us doubt the truth. People like Lloyd and his friends genuinely care about you. They’re supporting you because they believe in your ability to change and grow. It’s important to believe in that possibility for yourself, too.”

Rumi sniffled, her tears streaming down her cheeks. “I don’t know if I can. Every time I try to move forward, something else goes wrong. I feel like I’m just dragging everyone down with me.”

Cole’s expression softened, and he gave her a reassuring smile. “It’s okay to feel overwhelmed. The important thing is to take it one step at a time. Therapy is a space where you can work through these feelings, understand where they’re coming from, and develop strategies to cope with them. And you don’t have to do it alone. Lloyd and your friends are here to support you.”

Rumi’s shoulders slumped, and she let out a shaky breath. “I... I’ll try. I just don’t know how to start.”

Cole nodded encouragingly. “We can start by exploring those feelings and identifying what triggers them. From there, we can work on building a plan to address them. It’s a process, but you don’t have to face it by yourself.”

As Cole spoke, Rumi felt a small glimmer of hope. She wiped her tears and looked up at Cole, her eyes filled with tentative trust. “Thank you, Cole. I appreciate you listening to me.”

Cole smiled warmly. “Anytime, Rumi. We’re in this together.”

Lloyd, observing from his seat, felt a surge of relief. He knew this was an important step for Rumi, and seeing her begin to open up gave him hope for her healing journey.

As the therapy session ended, Rumi walked out of the room with Lloyd by her side. Cole stepped out shortly after, removing his fake red glasses with a casual flick. He greeted Rumi with a warm, friendly smile.

“Hello, Rumi! How are you feeling?” he asked.

Rumi offered a small smile in return, feeling a bit lighter than before. “Good,” she replied softly.

She walked away from Cole and Lloyd, heading toward her room. The door creaked open, and she stepped inside, closing it behind her. Her gaze fell on a framed photograph on her desk: it was an image of the Crystal King, an emblem of her past that she had struggled to leave behind.

Her fingers trembled slightly as she approached the picture. Without a second thought, she yanked the frame from its stand and tore the photo into pieces. The sound of ripping paper echoed through the room, and she stared at the fragments scattered on the floor.

Each tear felt like a small release of the burden she carried. She took a deep breath, her emotions still raw but somewhat lighter. The picture of the Crystal King, once a symbol of her past mistakes, now lay in tatters—a visual representation of her effort to move on and embrace a new chapter in her life.

Lloyd burst into the room, his face etched with concern. "Are you okay?" he asked urgently.

Rumi's eyes, red and puffy from crying, met his with a mix of frustration and sadness. "No, I'm not. All my life, I've been wrong. My whole life," she choked out, her voice breaking.

Before she could say more, Lloyd gently placed his hand over her lips. "Shhhh," he whispered softly, his gaze filled with understanding and compassion. "It’s okay. You don’t have to carry this burden alone. We’re here for you."

Rumi's breath hitched as she tried to hold back more tears. Lloyd's comforting presence was a balm to her wounded spirit. He pulled her into a gentle hug, his arms encircling her protectively.

"You're not alone in this," he said, his voice steady and reassuring. "We're all here to help you through this. Just take it one step at a time."

Rumi clung to him, the weight of her past and her self-doubt beginning to feel a bit more bearable with Lloyd's unwavering support. She allowed herself to sink into the comfort of the embrace, knowing that for the first time in a long while, she was not facing her struggles alone.

Lloyd held Rumi close, his arms providing a steady, reassuring presence. She could feel his warmth and sincerity as he spoke softly, "I forgave you. Now, you need to forgive yourself."

The words hung in the air, and Rumi's sobs began to subside as she clung to Lloyd. The sincerity in his voice cut through her despair, giving her a moment of clarity. She pulled back slightly, looking up into Lloyd’s eyes. They were filled with a deep, empathetic understanding, his expression tender yet firm.

"You’ve done so much," Lloyd continued, his voice gentle but insistent. "You’ve faced so many challenges and mistakes, but you’ve also shown incredible strength and growth. You can't keep punishing yourself for the past."

Rumi’s heart ached as she processed his words. The weight of her actions and the mistakes she had made seemed almost too heavy to bear, but Lloyd’s words were a lifeline, pulling her towards a glimmer of hope.

Lloyd gently brushed a stray tear from her cheek. "I know it’s hard to let go of guilt," he said, his voice soothing. "But you deserve to heal. You deserve to find peace with yourself. You can't move forward if you keep holding onto the mistakes you've made."

Rumi took a shuddering breath, trying to reconcile with the truth in Lloyd's words. Her mind raced with memories of her past, each one a painful reminder of her perceived failures. But Lloyd’s calm presence was a stark contrast to the turmoil inside her.

"How?" she asked softly, her voice trembling. "How do I forgive myself?"

Lloyd smiled gently, his hand resting comfortingly on her shoulder. "It starts with accepting that you’re human. You make mistakes, just like everyone else. But it doesn’t define who you are. It’s what you do next that matters."

He guided her to sit down on the bed, his hand still on her shoulder, offering a grounding presence. "Take small steps towards making amends, if you can. And allow yourself the same compassion you’d offer to others."

Rumi nodded, tears still glistening in her eyes but her expression shifting from one of despair to tentative hope. Lloyd’s words were beginning to break through the walls of self-reproach she had built around herself.

"You have to be kind to yourself," Lloyd said softly. "Recognize the good you’ve done and the progress you’ve made. Healing takes time, and it’s okay to ask for help along the way."

As she sat there, the enormity of her guilt began to feel a little lighter, not because it had vanished, but because she was beginning to accept that it was a part of her journey, not the end of it. Lloyd's unwavering support was a beacon, guiding her through the darkness and towards a future where she could begin to forgive herself and move forward.