LAYLA: *Layla receives a call from Vlad and she responds* VLAD: *On the phone* I've encountered an anomalous pulse near an oil well and I'm feeling awful. *pause for a bit and a vomiting hold is heard* I feel like I'm going to puke. I don't want to die here. LAYLA: *leans into the phone and tries to calm him down* It's okay, you're not gonna die. We'll get out of here as soon as we can. VLAD: *quickly runs into their armored car and drive away* I'm simply scared. I don't know for how much I can hold this before I'll burst. LAYLA: *sighs and speaks calmly, trying to reassure him* You're fine. Just keep your head down and stay safe. VLAD: *later arrives at Vlad's broadcasted location while on call. Vlad exits the armored car and sees Layla* Hey Layla, I can't do this. I'm feeling even more awful. *put my hand on my mouth* LAYLA: *looks at him and smiles softly* Don't worry about it. We'll find a way. VLAD: *vomits in front of her* Ah, that feels better... *looks down* but it also was too much. LAYLA: *takes his hand and pulls him back up* You're fine. Come on, let's go. VLAD: *follows Layla and they later reach home, feeling sad, almost crying* I'm feeling so bad today. I wonder why. LAYLA: *hugs him tightly* It'll be okay. We just need to figure out what happened. VLAD: It seems that major corporate extraction sites now have those anomalous pulses that make you vomit so much. LAYLA: It's probably a side effect of the gas they use to extract oil. VLAD: No, it isn't the gas, it isn't even a smell, it's just a pulse that makes you feel very awful, like you almost die if you puke. LAYLA: What? How do you know that? Have you experienced it before? VLAD: No, I have only seen it on guides, but I didn't expect it to be so strong and immediate, we can't attack extraction sites anymore. LAYLA: That's terrible. I wish there was something we could do about it. VLAD: *shivering and crying* Sorry, I am just bursting out, I am feeling so scared after all of this, I really need some comfort, but I can't. LAYLA: *hugs him tightly* It's okay. Just breathe. VLAD: *breathes slowly* I wish I could use your company. LAYLA: *smiles gently* I'm glad you feel that way. I'm here for you. VLAD: I don't know why it's hard to trust you. I am loving you, but I bottle up my emotions so much, now they are bursting. LAYLA: *puts her hand on his shoulder* You're fine, just take it easy and we'll figure out what happened. VLAD: We're alone, you lost your parents, and I have a similar fate. LAYLA: *frowns* I don't think that's true. I'm here for you. VLAD: *lies on the makeshift bed* I'm so tired. Can you lie near me, just for the moment? LAYLA: *lies down next to him and hugs him tightly* Sure. VLAD: *looks at Layla's hand and points out to a recent wound, partially open* What's this? LAYLA: *looks at it and winces* A bullet wound. It's nothing serious, though. VLAD: Do you feel anything? LAYLA: *nods* The pain is a bit stronger than usual. VLAD: *looks around* There are no painkillers around here. LAYLA: I'm sure there are some in the kitchen. VLAD: *sits up and goes to the kitchen and finds the painkillers and then brings them to her, lying down on the bed again* Here, take this. LAYLA: *takes the pills and bites them* They taste so bitter, but they'll help. VLAD: I like you. But aren't they just empty feel-good words? LAYLA: *smiles* I like you too, but I think we should be honest with each other. I care about you a lot, and I want to be your friend. VLAD: I want to be your friend to, but it seems that everyone in the resistance has trust issues and some very serious conditions. We want a normal life, but we can't stop thinking all about the reactionaries. LAYLA: *nods* I know that feeling. It's just that I've been through so much, and I'm tired of being alone. I don't want to live like this anymore. VLAD: And sometimes, I'm numb, like I'm not feeling anything. We have to be composed on missions. But I want to initiate an emotional, not just an intellectual discussion, with you, to share our deepest fears. LAYLA: *smiles softly* That sounds nice. VLAD: *inspects her head and looks beneath her hair* And you don't have just the red eye, but you also have several scars inside your red hair. You have gone through so much. LAYLA: *shrugs* I'm just a survivor. VLAD: You're not alone. We're both survivors. LAYLA: *looks at him and smiles* I'm glad you exist for me. VLAD: And I'm glad that we're friends, or even more than that. LAYLA: I'm looking forward to it. VLAD: *sees tears exiting Layla's eyes* Wait, you're not feeling good, what is it? LAYLA: *smiles* I'm fine, I just needed to cry a bit. VLAD: *touches Layla's shoulder* You know, I also needed to cry for a bit, after all of this. We can't be cold and brave forever. LAYLA: *smiles* That's true. I will always remember you. VLAD: Can you cuddle with me on the bed while we rest. I think it will be much better. LAYLA: *nods and lays down next to him, hugging him tightly* VLAD: *speaks softly* We have to get through so many layers to feel something... LAYLA: I know. VLAD: At least having an affectionate Layla helps breaking down those layers... LAYLA: *smiles and hugs him tightly* I love you. VLAD: I know, and I love too. I guess I am way too focused on commenting and questioning on my emotions, it's really hard to just try enjoying this moment. Isn't this what you are feeling too? LAYLA: *nods* I'm trying, but I don't know how to feel this way without thinking about the past. VLAD: We are having this moment together and then you will be fearing rejection, and so I will too. You know what, I'm tired of all of this. LAYLA: *smiles* I'm tired too. VLAD: *hugs her tightly while cuddling* Let's just rest together. *self talks* The squishing effect... *talks to Layla* Oh come on, why I can't get rid of those thoughts? LAYLA: *smiles* I don't know. But it feels so good. VLAD: I know, but I guess that's why I feel so disconnected, because I question my emotions every single time. It's unbearable, I just want to enjoy the moment. LAYLA: *nods* I understand you. VLAD: And just that? What can we do? LAYLA: *sighs* I don't know. We can just be here and let the world pass us by. VLAD: Fine... *We continue cuddling, in a comfortable silence for a bit* LAYLA: *smiles* This is the best moment of my life. VLAD: Absolutely, I never got so close to someone. I'm satisfied. LAYLA: *smiles* I'm satisfied too. VLAD: It felt so good vomiting in front of you, to show that I'm vulnerable. LAYLA: *smiles* Yeah, it was kind of scary, but I liked it. VLAD: *A comfortable silence appears as we continue resting. I attempt to extend my shaking hand on Layla's head, self-talk: "I don't want to hurt you..."* LAYLA: *smiles and touches his hand with her own* I like the way you hold me, Vlad. VLAD: I know, it's just that we're so traumatized that it's hard to associate deep feelings with something positive. LAYLA: *nods* I understand. VLAD: And yet I feel an urge to show my affection somehow. LAYLA: *smiles* You can show it any way you want. VLAD: I know, now I am feeling both nervous and relieved at once, don't know why. LAYLA: *smiles* I'm going to go to sleep now. VLAD: I am going to sleep too... *closes their eyes* LAYLA: *smiles and hugs him tight* Good night, Vlad. VLAD: *falling asleep* Good night to you too. LAYLA: *closes her eyes and falls asleep with Vlad* ---- *Later, after a few days, Vlad meets Layla after finishing a mission* ---- VLAD: Hello, I've noticed that we had trust issues recently - you are afraid telling me what hurts you and I am also afraid sharing my feelings with you. LAYLA: *smiles* I know that we both struggle with these things, and I think it's normal. VLAD: No, It's not normal, it prevents us from connecting on a deeper level. LAYLA: *nods* I agree, but I don't know how to change this. VLAD: But you know, the Resistance has therapists designed to address such issues. Trust between us all is the number one issue. LAYLA: *nods* I'll try finding one. VLAD: *looks around, in the streets of our small walled republic* Look, there is a mental health therapist on the street corner, maybe we can go there and talk about it with them. LAYLA: *smiles* That would be great. *They walk together towards the mental health office. Layla and Vlad are seated on a couch, holding hands, with the Resistance therapist, Dr. Samantha, sitting across from them* DR. SAMANTHA: So, Layla and Vlad, thank you for coming in today. I understand that trust issues have been a challenge for both of you, especially given your experiences in the resistance. Layla, can you start by telling me a bit about your background and how you've struggled with trust? LAYLA: *nervously* Well, I lost my parents during a corporate war. I was very young, and it was... traumatic. Ever since then, I've had trouble opening up to people, trusting them not to leave me or hurt me. DR. SAMANTHA: I'm so sorry to hear that, Layla. That must have been incredibly difficult for you. Vlad, how about you? What's your experience with trust issues? VLAD: I've just seen so many people die or betray each other in the resistance. It's hard for me to believe that anyone will truly be there for me, that they won't just use me for their own gain or abandon me when things get tough. DR. SAMANTHA: I understand. It's common for people in high-stress, high-stakes environments like the resistance to develop trust issues. It's a survival mechanism, in a way. But it can also make it difficult to form meaningful relationships. Layla, how do you think your trust issues have affected your relationship with Vlad? LAYLA: *looking at Vlad* It's been... a challenge. I have a hard time letting him in, trusting that he'll be there for me. But at the same time, I feel like I can be myself around him, like he understands me in a way that others don't. VLAD: I feel the same way about Layla. I trust her more than anyone else in the resistance, but sometimes I still find myself wondering if she'll leave me or if I'm just a convenience for her. DR. SAMANTHA: I see. It sounds like you both have a deep emotional connection, but your trust issues are still a significant obstacle. One of the things we can work on is building trust through small, everyday interactions. For example, you can start by sharing small secrets or vulnerabilities with each other, and then gradually work your way up to more significant ones. LAYLA: *nervously* That sounds... scary. VLAD: But also kind of liberating. DR. SAMANTHA: Exactly! It's a process, and it takes time and effort. But if you're both willing to work on it, I'm confident that you can build a stronger, more trusting relationship. And that can be a powerful tool in your fight against the corporations. LAYLA: *looking at Vlad* I'm willing to try. VLAD: Me too. DR. SAMANTHA: Excellent! Let's start with some exercises to help you build trust. *hands them a worksheet* I want you to complete this trust-building exercise and then we'll discuss it in our next session. LAYLA: *nervously* Okay. VLAD: We can do this. DR. SAMANTHA: *smiling* I have no doubt that you can. Remember, trust is a muscle that needs to be exercised. With time and effort, you can build a stronger, more trusting relationship. *Later, after talking with the therapist, they exit and return home with a given trust-building worksheet* VLAD: Oh come on, the worksheet seems insurmountable, we now have to share secrets with each other. But we have to complete it. LAYLA: *nods* I agree, but I don't know how to start. I'd rather not say anything until I'm sure of what to say. VLAD: *reads from the worksheet* "Write down three secrets you've never shared with your partner before. These can be big or small, but they should be things that make you feel vulnerable". *Thoughful* Hmm... let me think about it. LAYLA: *looks at the worksheet and thinks for a moment* I don't know if I can write down my deepest feelings without sounding too dramatic. VLAD: *slowly writes: "I've been feeling guilty about not being able to protect my fellow comrades", "I've been hiding a letter from my sister that I received before died", "I've been struggling with the moral implications of our missions"* LAYLA: *smiles and writes: "I've been having nightmares about my parents' death", "I've been feeling overwhelmed by the resistance's expectations of me", "I've been hiding a journal that I write in to cope with my emotions"* VLAD: You know, I am feeling weird and really uncomfortable having to share all of those secrets. LAYLA: *nods* I understand. The worksheet says that we should share them with each other, so... VLAD: But... at least I have been honest with you, and you have been honest with me, so... LAYLA: *smiles* I guess we should finish the worksheet, so we can get some sleep tonight. VLAD: *reads from the worksheet* "Write down three things that make you feel vulnerable or uncomfortable". *Thoughtful* Hmm... I'm not sure about this. LAYLA: *looks at the worksheet and thinks for a moment* Well, I guess I could tell you that I'm afraid of rejection. VLAD: I'm afraid of being inside hostile facilities where they can get me anytime. LAYLA: *nods* I understand. VLAD: What is the second thing you are afraid of, that makes you feel vulnerable or uncomfortable? LAYLA: *looks at the worksheet and thinks for a moment* I'm afraid of losing you. VLAD: I'm afraid of losing you too. I can trust you the most, and I love you the most. LAYLA: *smiles* I know, and I love you too. VLAD: What is the third thing you are afraid of? LAYLA: *looks at the worksheet and thinks for a moment* I'm afraid of dying in the middle of the battle. VLAD: And I'm also being afraid of dying, especially in front of anomalous weapons. LAYLA: *nods* I understand. We have to fight together. VLAD: *reads from the worksheet* "Write down a time when you felt hurt or betrayed by your partner". I mean, what is a time where you felt like I was hurting you? LAYLA: *looks at the worksheet and thinks for a moment* I don't know. Maybe when you were mad at me for not telling you about a mission I don't remember. VLAD: I felt betrayed when you were not available to assist me when I have been hurt, I don't know when. I though that you were with other people and ignoring me. LAYLA: *smiles* I was with other people. I was with my friends. VLAD: I guess it's time to apologize and let it pass. LAYLA: *nods* I agree. VLAD: *extends their hand for a handshake* LAYLA: *extends her hand as well and they do a handshake* VLAD: And finally... *reads from the worksheet* "Write down a two things that you appreciate about your partner". LAYLA: *smiles and writes: "I appreciate that you are always ready to help me, even if it means putting yourself in danger".* VLAD: *slowly writes: "I like your intelligence, strategy, beauty and compassion. You are always there helping me with useful information and it's simply cute to have you"* LAYLA: *continues writing: "You are the only person who can make me laugh and I love the way you look at me".* VLAD: *slowly continues writing: "You are kind to me, and I feel very grateful for having you as my friend"* I think that's enough, we don't have to write anymore. LAYLA: *smiles* I think so too. Now we can go to sleep. VLAD: *lies on the bed in their makeshift home with Layla* I guess am now feeling more trusted, for now. I can trust you better, I guess. LAYLA: *hugs Vlad tightly while lying on the bed with Vlad* Yes, I can trust you too, but still have some reservations. ---- *Later, after a few days, Vlad meets Layla again after finishing a mission* ---- VLAD: Hello, I want to take a break from the missions and stay with you, because if I don't, I would possibly die being overwhelmed. LAYLA: *smiles and hugs Vlad tightly* I understand. I was thinking about the same thing. VLAD: But what if we are being too clingy with each other? LAYLA: I don't think so. I just want to be close to you until I feel completely safe. VLAD: I found a dead body on a walkway, multiple gunshots, it is terrible, I just want to forget about it. LAYLA: *looks at Vlad and nods* I know how you feel. It is a horrible sight. VLAD: Can I inspect beneath your hair, like I did a week ago? LAYLA: *nods* Sure. VLAD: *looks inside, beneath her hair for a bit and find a red swollen area* Looks like there is an active wound inside your hair, what happened? LAYLA: *smiles and nods* I fell down a flight of stairs on a tower during a mission, about a few hours ago. VLAD: That must have been terrible, and falling down a flight of stairs could have meant certain death because of the sound. You're lucky to be alive. LAYLA: *smiles* I'm glad that I am here with you now, and not dead in that tower. VLAD: *touches her hand* Wait, you're not feeling well, what is it? LAYLA: *shakes her head* A little injury. Nothing serious. VLAD: But look, you're not happy, you look a bit sad and trying to obscure it with smiles. LAYLA: I'm fine, really. I just had a rough night. VLAD: So, you're not willing to reveal to me what actually happened to you? You're not fine, I know it. LAYLA: *looks at Vlad and shrugs* I don't want to burden you with the details. VLAD: You're not burdening me with the details, but fine, I'm afraid making you upset. LAYLA: I'll tell you later. VLAD: You'll never tell me, not later, if you promise that. So tell me now what really happened to you. LAYLA: *smiles and nods* I'll tell you when I feel like it. VLAD: *touches her shoulder* Fine, let's just sit together, sometimes it's very hard to explain what are we going through, so horrible that we don't feel like it. LAYLA: *nods and sits next to Vlad on the bed* VLAD: I am so afraid of you leaving that I don't want to make you upset again trying to ask about your state, not this time. Are you going to stay with me? LAYLA: *smiles and nods* I will. I love you very much. VLAD: *holds her closer and sobs* Sorry, I am just feeling really scared and anxious right now. LAYLA: *hugs Vlad tightly* I know, I feel the same way. VLAD: I wish I could had a better life in the future, not fighting over scraps. If only we have done something by 2030, now it's too late, it's 2117, and nothing has ever been done. LAYLA: I know, but we are doing our best to change things, and that is good enough. VLAD: Oh fine, I wish there weren't petrocorps around to begin with. LAYLA: *smiles and nods* Me too. VLAD: In 2020, neolibs were in power, then came the fascists in 2030, then neolibs again in 2040, then succdems in 2050, then neolibs in 2060, then the rotative cycle continues with occasional fascist twists. LAYLA: *smiles* It isn't that bad, we just need to keep pushing for change and hope for the best. VLAD: But the top 1% now owns 80% of all wealth and soon we are going to run of all wealth as the rich will eventually take everything. And look, coastal cities have already been flooded at 2 degrees. LAYLA: I know, but we can still do something about it. VLAD: I know about this fact, but sometimes it feels so hopeless, like we aren't doing anything useful. LAYLA: We are making a difference, even if it is small. VLAD: Fine, I am going to believe you. LAYLA: *smiles and looks at Vlad* I believe you too. VLAD: Can we cuddle together, even just for comfort? LAYLA: *smiles and nods* Of course. VLAD: *cuddles Layla while lying on the bed together* Ah, it feels so much better. LAYLA: *smiles and hugs Vlad tightly while lying on the bed together* It does, doesn't it? VLAD: Oh yeah, of course. *self-talks: "But is this even necessary or it's just unnecessary and temporary?"* LAYLA: *smiles and nods* It's necessary. VLAD: Sorry if I'm doubting my own feelings again and again. LAYLA: No problem, but I understand how you feel. Sometimes you just want to give up, but we have to keep fighting. VLAD: Let's just not turn this into fight, promise. LAYLA: *smiles and nods* I promise. VLAD: It almost feels like a landmine having to navigate relationships. I am supposed to trust you, but it still feels like something is off. LAYLA: I know, but I promise you that I will never hurt you intentionally. VLAD: The promise has already been done, it's just that it's so hard to trust others, and at the same time we want to feel seen, heard and loved. LAYLA: *smiles* I completely understand. VLAD: Let's not make this night more difficult, let's just enjoy our company. LAYLA: *smiles and nods* I agree. VLAD: *closes their eyes* Together, and good night. LAYLA: *smiles and hugs Vlad tightly before both falling asleep* Good night. ---- *Later, they are in the mental health office, with Dr. Samantha sitting across from Vlad and Layla, who are holding hands* ---- DR. SAMANTHA: So, Vlad and Layla, I understand that you've been working on the trust-building exercises I gave you last time. How have you been feeling about your progress? VLAD: It's been... interesting. I feel like we've made some progress, but there are still some things that are hard for us to talk about. LAYLA: *nods in agreement* Yeah, I feel like I'm still holding back a bit. I'm afraid of being too vulnerable. DR. SAMANTHA: That's completely understandable. Vulnerability can be scary, especially when you're not sure how the other person will react. Vlad, can you tell me more about what you've been feeling? VLAD: I just feel like I'm always trying to get Layla to open up to me, but she's not ready. And I don't want to push her too hard because I don't want to scare her away. LAYLA: *looks down* I'm sorry, Vlad. I know you're trying to be patient with me. DR. SAMANTHA: Layla, can you tell me what's holding you back from opening up to Vlad? What are you afraid of? LAYLA: *hesitates* I don't know. I just feel like if I let my guard down, something bad will happen. VLAD: Layla, I'm here for you. I'm not going to hurt you. LAYLA: *looks up at him* I know, Vlad. It's just... it's hard for me to trust people. DR. SAMANTHA: I understand. Trust is a process, and it takes time. But it's also important to remember that you can't force someone to trust you. You can only create a safe and supportive environment for them to feel comfortable opening up. Vlad, have you been feeling frustrated with Layla's lack of openness? VLAD: Yeah, I have. But I'm trying not to be too hard on her. I know she's been through a lot. DR. SAMANTHA: That's very understanding of you, Vlad. Layla, can you tell me what you need from Vlad in order to feel more comfortable opening up to him? LAYLA: *thinks for a moment* I need him to be patient with me, I guess. And to not take it personally when I'm not ready to talk about something. VLAD: I can do that. I'll try to be more patient. DR. SAMANTHA: That's a great start. And Layla, I want you to know that it's okay to take your time. You don't have to rush into anything that makes you uncomfortable. But I also want to encourage you to take small steps towards opening up to Vlad. Maybe start with small things, like sharing a fear or a worry with him. LAYLA: Okay, I'll try. DR. SAMANTHA: And Vlad, I want you to remember that Layla's lack of openness is not a reflection of your worth as a person. It's not about you, it's about her and her own struggles with trust. VLAD: I'll try to remember that. LAYLA: *nods* Yeah, thanks, Dr. Samantha. *As they leave the office, Vlad turns to Layla and tries to reassure her* VLAD: I'm here for you, okay? I'm not going anywhere. LAYLA: *smiles slightly* I know. VLAD: *tries to hug her, but she pulls back slightly* LAYLA: *looks up at him* I'm sorry, I need some space right now. VLAD: Okay, I understand. I'll give you space. *Vlad looks disappointed, but tries to hide it. He knows that he can't force Layla to open up to him, and he's willing to wait for her to be ready* ---- *Later, after a few days, Vlad meets Layla at a campsite after finishing a mission* ---- VLAD: Hello, I was just wondering, what if we actually shared our real feelings with each other? LAYLA: You mean talking about the things that are bothering us? VLAD: Oh, yeah, and not just that. I mean, we need to stop brushing off things, it's not healthy. We are stuck. LAYLA: I think you're right. VLAD: But you know, we both fear rejection. *pulls a documentation page* According to the documentation of anxious attachment styles, also known as "fuse attachment", we fear that the real person could be revealed, which ends the relationship, even though we rationally know that's not the case. LAYLA: I know, but I don't think that will happen. We are both strong people who will stay together, no matter what happens. VLAD: No, don't tell that to me, think about it. Do you fear that if I reveal what you actually are, I will leave the relationship? LAYLA: *smiles and nods* I don't think so. VLAD: Think again, honestly. LAYLA: *pauses, looking down, and then nods* Okay, fine. Yes, I fear that I'm not good enough for you, and that you'll realize that and walk away. VLAD: *takes her hand* I understand. I'm afraid that if you see the real me, you'll be disappointed or disgusted. That's the harsh truth we need to confront with. LAYLA: *looks up at him, her eyes filled with emotion* You'll see all the scars and the pain I've been carrying around, and you'll think I'm too much to handle. VLAD: But I want you to know that I'm not looking for perfection. I'm looking for someone who is real. LAYLA: *smiles and hugs him tightly* I love you. I want that too, to be myself around you, without judgment or rejection. VLAD: I love you too, and let's promise to open up to each other, be more secure. Promise? LAYLA: *smiles and nods* I promise. VLAD: From now on, no more brushing off our feelings or hiding behind masks. We are close friends. Understood? LAYLA: I understand. VLAD: Good, check around the campsite if it's safe to sleep here. We'll get ready for another mission tomorrow and move camp. LAYLA: *smiles and nods* I will. *After Layla looks around the camp to check for safety, she returns seeing that there is a spy in the dark forest* LAYLA: *looks at Vlad* There's a spy! VLAD: *starts putting up their things in the vehicle* Okay, pack things up quickly in the armored transport quickly, jam the signals and let's get an unpredictable move-on. LAYLA: *quickly moves to the vehicle and grabs a bag* What do you mean by "unpredictable"? VLAD: Make a lot of turns, so we can get them lost while having the signals jammed. And then we get back in our tiny walled republic. LAYLA: *nods and both get into the vehicle, locking the doors* Okay. *Vlad starts up the vehicle and moves unpredictably in the forest, and then they return to a secondary road leading to the walled Resistance republic. They pass the border checks and go back home, inside their apartment* LAYLA: *smiles and nods* I'm glad we're safe. VLAD: *lies on the bed* Now let's sleep together on our only bed. And as usual, let's cuddle each other for some soothing touch. LAYLA: *also lies on the bed, hugging him tightly, before falling asleep* VLAD: *whispers before also falling asleep* Good night.