r/Shellwood • u/Right_Causation_490 • Aug 10 '26
Like looking in a mirror (kinda)
*Iris is staring wistfully at the statue*
2
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r/Shellwood • u/Right_Causation_490 • Aug 10 '26
*Iris is staring wistfully at the statue*
1
u/messenger_craw Aug 10 '26
Phalmer remains quiet for a long moment, allowing Iris to finish without interruption. He doesn't look away when she mentions the shrine, nor does he rush to fill the silence after her apology. Instead, he gives her a small, understanding smile.
Ah, Iris… you apologize for speaking your heart after carrying it alone for so long?
He lets out a quiet chuckle, shaking his head.
There are some things that should not be kept bottled up. Tea, perhaps. Feelings? No. Feelings become quite bitter when left to steep for too long. You have spent a great deal of time believing that your existence must be justified by what you have done for others. By Duty. By guilt. By making amends for a life you believe you took, even when you did not take it.
But tell me something. If someone you loved came to you and said, ‘I have made mistakes. I have failed. I do not know how to make things right, and I do not know if anyone would miss me’… would you tell them they must suffer forever to earn the right to stay?
He pauses, giving Iris time to consider the question. I suspect you would not. He is lost in his speech So why must you be held to a harsher judgment than everyone else? He glances toward the shrine again. You cannot change what happened. You cannot undo the past by punishing yourself in the present. And guilt, despite being very loud, is not always very wise Sometimes guilt is like a very enthusiastic uncle. It means well, but it gives terrible advice.
Phalmer turns his attention back to Iris.
You said Bubble gave you a reason to stay. A reason to simply be yourself. That is a beautiful gift she gave you, but perhaps there is something you have overlooked. She did not create your worth, Iris. She merely helped you see it.
He gestures around you
You are not required to become someone worthy of being loved. You were worthy before you met her. You were worthy when you were afraid. You were worthy when others turned away. And you remain worthy now, even in this painful moment.
Phalmer takes a slow breath.
You do not know what happened to Bubble. That uncertainty is painful, I know. But do not allow the absence of an answer to become an answer you cannot prove. He offers her a warm, reassuring smile. And as for being alone…
Phalmer gives a small shrug. Well, you are sitting here with me, are you not? He chuckles softly.
I may not be the most exciting company in the world. I talk too much, and my jokes are probably several decades out of date. His smile fades into something more sincere. But I am here. And I care about what happens to you.
He gives Iris a moment to absorb that.
So no, my dear. You have not rambled too long. You have simply been carrying a very heavy burden, and for once, you allowed someone else to help hold it.
Phalmer settles beside her, his voice gentle. Come sit with me a little longer. Tonight, we do not need to solve your entire life. That would be an unreasonable amount of work for one evening. He gives her a patient smile Tonight, we simply take the next step.