Subject: Hey, Can We Talk?

From: Alice Williams alice@wonderland.com

To: Grace Jenkins grace@wonderland.com

Date: April 10, 2025, 10:05 AM

Hey Grace,

I need to talk. Something’s been on my mind, and I’ve been going in circles trying to figure out the best way to bring it up. But it’s time, I guess. I’m just not sure what to say, but I think you’ll understand when I do.

Could we chat later? I’d really appreciate it.

Alice

Subject: RE: Hey, Can We Talk?

From: Grace Jenkins grace@wonderland.com

To: Alice Williams alice@wonderland.com

Date: April 10, 2025, 10:21 AM

Hey Alice,

Of course, what’s up? You’ve got me curious now, but take your time. I’m free after 2:00 PM today. I can call then if you want?

Grace

Phone Call:

Rings...

Grace:

Hey, Alice! What’s going on?

Alice:

I don’t really know where to start. I guess I’ve been thinking a lot lately… about us. About everything.

Grace:

Okay… You’re making me nervous, but I’m listening.

Alice:

It’s just... I feel like I’ve been playing this role in our friendship, and I don’t know if it’s the right one anymore. I feel like I’ve been putting up this front—like I’m always okay, and always fine. But I haven’t been. And I guess it’s hard to talk about, you know?

Grace:

I get it, Alice. It’s hard to be vulnerable. But you know you can always talk to me, right?

Alice:

I think... I think I’m losing myself a little bit. Like, I’ve been ignoring things I feel or think because I’m trying to be the person everyone else expects me to be. And lately, it feels like the walls are closing in. I’m not even sure who I am anymore.

Grace:

You’re not alone in this, Alice. I think maybe we both have been running away from something. But we’ll get through it. Let’s just take it one step at a time. You’ve got this.

Text Message:

From: Alice Williams alice@wonderland.com

To: Grace Jenkins grace@wonderland.com

Date: April 10, 2025, 11:10 PM

Hey, I just wanted to thank you for our talk earlier. I know I kind of dropped a bomb on you, but it means a lot that you were patient with me. I’ve been thinking a lot about what you said—about taking things one step at a time. It feels a little less overwhelming now.

Also, I think it’s time for me to really figure out what I want. No more pretending.

Alice

Subject: RE: Just Wanted to Say Thanks

From: Grace Jenkins grace@wonderland.com

To: Alice Williams alice@wonderland.com

Date: April 10, 2025, 11:30 PM

Alice,

You never have to apologize for being real with me. I’ve been there too. It’s hard to feel like you’re “supposed” to be something you’re not. I’m proud of you for starting this journey. And remember, no matter what, I’m here.

You’re not alone. Seriously.

Take care of yourself. And if you need to talk again soon, I’m always just a text or call away.

Grace

Text Message:

From: Alice Williams alice@wonderland.com

To: Grace Jenkins grace@wonderland.com

Date: April 12, 2025, 2:30 PM

Hey Grace, I did something today. I canceled my meeting with Dan. You know, the guy I’ve been working with on that project we were both so excited about. I’ve been avoiding him because I realized I’m just not passionate about it anymore. And you know what? I feel lighter.

Alice

Subject: RE: I Did It

From: Grace Jenkins grace@wonderland.com

To: Alice Williams alice@wonderland.com

Date: April 12, 2025, 3:00 PM

Alice, I’m so proud of you! Honestly, that’s a huge step. It takes a lot of courage to recognize when something no longer serves you. I know you’re probably feeling a little bit of relief mixed with uncertainty, but trust me, you’re on the right path.

What’s next for you now that you’ve made room for something new?

Grace

Text Message:

From: Alice Williams alice@wonderland.com

To: Grace Jenkins grace@wonderland.com

Date: April 12, 2025, 6:15 PM

I’m not sure yet, but I’m starting to think that maybe I need to focus more on what I want. Like, I’ve been so caught up in doing things for others and meeting expectations, that I’ve lost sight of the things I care about. I’m considering signing up for that pottery class I’ve been eyeing for months.

I know, it’s random. But… it feels right.

Alice

Phone Call:

Rings...

Grace:

Alice, hey! You doing okay?

Alice:

I am, actually. I signed up for that pottery class. And I’m scared, but excited. You were right—you know, about doing things for me. I think this is the first step in finding myself again. I just wanted to tell you.

Grace:

Alice, that’s amazing! I’m so happy for you. You’ve got this. And hey, if you ever need someone to sit in the back of the studio, judging your clay pots, I’m your girl.

Alice:

Haha, you know it. But seriously, I’m starting to see a little bit of light at the end of this tunnel. I don’t know what the future holds, but it feels good to be doing something for myself.

Text Message:

From: Alice Williams alice@wonderland.com

To: Grace Jenkins grace@wonderland.com

Date: April 15, 2025, 9:00 AM

Hey, just a quick update. I went to my first pottery class yesterday. I was so nervous, but it actually went way better than I expected. I made the most crooked bowl I’ve ever seen, but it’s mine, and I love it. It’s the start of something.

I feel like I’m slowly figuring it out, Grace. I think I’m going to be okay.

Alice

Subject: RE: Quick Update

From: Grace Jenkins grace@wonderland.com

To: Alice Williams alice@wonderland.com

Date: April 15, 2025, 9:30 AM

Alice,

That’s amazing!! I’m so proud of you. And honestly, crooked or not, that bowl is perfect because it’s yours. You’re doing exactly what you need to do. It’s all about the journey, not the end result. Keep going, and remember—you’re never alone in this.

I’m here. Always.

Grace

Text Message:

From: Alice Williams alice@wonderland.com

To: Grace Jenkins grace@wonderland.com

Date: April 17, 2025, 11:45 PM

Grace, I just wanted to say thank you. I know this started out as a conversation where I wasn’t even sure what I was trying to say, but it’s led me to so many realizations. I’m not fixed, and I’m not “better,” but I’m starting to feel like myself again. And it’s because of you. Thank you for listening.

Alice

Subject: RE: Thank You

From: Grace Jenkins grace@wonderland.com

To: Alice Williams alice@wonderland.com

Date: April 18, 2025, 12:05 AM

Alice,

You don’t need to thank me. You’ve done the hard work, and I’m just happy to be a part of this journey with you. You are strong, and you’re learning how to listen to yourself again. That’s what matters.

I’m so proud of you, Alice. Keep going. You’ve got this.

Grace

And so, through a series of conversations, text messages, and calls, Alice began to rediscover herself, realizing that the path to inner peace is not linear but made up of small, brave steps toward being true to who you are. With Grace by her side, Alice finally understood that she wasn’t alone—no matter how lost she had felt along the way.