LONER, miles morales

EIGHTEEN.

(a month after the events of into the spider-verse)
*:･ﾟ✧*:･ﾟ✧
(BONUS CHAPTER)
CHAPTER━━ EIGHTEEN
ˏˋ°•*⁀➷ 恋人┊͙✧˖*°࿐

DR. ANDREA JACOBS sat in front of Meg in her cozy therapy office, which featured warm lighting, comfortable chairs, and plants. Dr. Jacobs had been a licensed therapist for years and was in her middle-age. Her warm and welcoming personality put her patients at ease as soon as they entered her office. Her soothing voice and caring demeanor made it easy for them to open up and discuss their problems and concerns. Dr. Jacobs had been Meg's therapist since she was ten years old, after her father disappeared mysteriously. Meg mother, Estelle believed that Meg was the one most affected by it, and so she was sent to therapy. Meg had never been sure if it had really helped her or not, but it had become a part of her routine.

Meg sat nervously and fidgeted as Dr. Jacobs began to speak. As she looked at Meg, Dr. Jacobs's eyes shifted between a notebook and her patient. "So, Meg, how have you been feeling since our last session?" she asked, looking up and studying Meg's body language for any sign of discomfort.

Meg thought about it for a moment. She had been feeling different lately. Happier, even. It was strange, but something had changed inside of her. She thought back to the source of her newfound happiness and felt a smile spread across her face.

"I've been feeling better," she said, with quiet confidence. "Actually, I've been feeling really happy lately."

Dr. Jacobs raised her eyebrows and sat back in her chair, intrigued. "That's great to hear, Meg. What do you think has changed?"

Meg hesitated a bit, unsure of how to articulate her newfound happiness. But she decided to take a chance and trust her therapist. "Well, it's because of my uh, friend...Miles Morales."

Dr. Jacobs's expression turned surprised, and she leaned forward. "Oh? Tell me more about this friend."

Meg blushed a little, feeling slightly embarrassed to talk about it. "He's just this guy I met at school. He's really cool and we've been spending more time together lately. He's really understanding and supportive, and he just...makes me feel happy."

Dr. Jacobs nodded her head thoughtfully, listening intently. "That's wonderful, Meg," she said. "It sounds like Miles is a positive influence in your life. Have you talked to him about your therapy sessions?"

Meg shook her head, feeling somewhat hesitant. "No, not really. I don't want to burden him with my problems. He has things to deal with, too, you know?"

Dr. Jacobs's eyes softened, and she looked at Meg with empathy. "I understand how you feel, but you should know that friends are there to support each other. If Miles cares for you, he'll be there to listen."

Meg nodded slowly, feeling a sense of comfort wash over her. "Yeah, I guess you're right. Maybe I'll talk to him about it."

Dr. Jacobs smiled warmly. "I think that's a good idea. And I'm so glad to hear that you're feeling happier, Meg. That's always been the goal of our sessions together. Do you feel like you still need to come, though?"

Meg thought about it for a moment. She had been coming to therapy for so long, it was hard to imagine not having these sessions in her life. But at the same time, she couldn't deny that things had been getting better.

"I'm not sure," she said finally. "I feel like I've made progress, but...I don't know. What do you think?"

Dr. Jacobs opened her notebook and took a few notes before offering Meg a gentle smile. "I think that's something we can figure out together, Meg. For now, let's just focus on celebrating your progress. And if you ever need to talk or have any concerns, you know where to find me."

Meg smiled back, feeling grateful for Dr. Jacobs' support. Maybe she didn't need therapy anymore, but she knew she would always be grateful for the help it had provided her over the years. And as she thought back to Miles, she felt a sense of warmth fill her chest. Therapy had been a consistent part of Meg's routine, but she had realized that things had changed completely since she met him.

She didn't know what the future held, but she knew that whatever happened, she had friends and support to help her through it. And that was more than enough.

Dr. Jacobs smiled as she noticed the change in Meg's demeanor. "I'm glad to see you're feeling better, Meg. And having supportive friends can make a big difference in our lives."

Meg nodded eagerly. "Yeah, it really can."

Dr. Jacobs looked down at her notes and glanced back up at Meg. "I think that concludes our session for today, Meg. But before you go, how about we make another appointment to check in and see how you're doing?"

Meg smiled, feeling grateful for the supportive environment Dr. Jacobs provided her. "That sounds good to me."

As she left the therapy office, Meg felt a sense of hopefulness wash over her. She knew that she still had a lot to work on, but she also felt a sense of comfort in knowing that she had friends and support, like Miles and Dr. Jacobs, to help her through it.

Meg pulled out her phone and texted Miles, letting him know that she was on her way to their usual hangout spot; a café called Foam Party. As she walked, she couldn't help but smile at the thought of spending time with her friend. And as she arrived at the coffee shop and saw Miles sitting at their usual table, she felt a sense of calm wash over her.

"Hey, Megara," Miles said, smiling as she approached.

"Hey, Wonderboy," Meg replied, taking a seat across from him. She's been calling him that ever since she saw re-runs of Hercules with Miles last night. "Thanks for meeting me today."

"Of course," Miles said. "So, how was your day?"

Meg chuckled. "You're the second person to ask me that today. It was good, actually. I got some new art concepts to show you." She pulled out her small art book from her purse.

"That's great to hear!" Miles exclaimed. "Let me see."

He took the art book from Meg and flipped through the pages, admiring the colorful drawings and vibrant pieces. "Wow, these are amazing," he said. "Your creativity never ceases to amaze me."

Meg smiled, clearly pleased with his response. "Thanks, it means a lot coming from you. I've been experimenting with new techniques and styles, and I think it's paying off."

"It definitely is," Miles agreed. "I can see the progress you've made since the last time you showed me your work. Keep it up, Megara."

"Thanks, I will," Meg replied, tucking the art book back into her purse. "I'm excited to see where my art takes me in the future."

"I have no doubt it'll take you far," he said with a smile. "Your talent is remarkable, and I can't wait to see what you come up with next."

Meg took a sip of her hot chocolate (that Miles had order for her prior to her arrival) and looked at Miles. She realized that he had become a really important person in her life and that she was lucky to have him as a friend. "Miles," she said, "I just wanted to say thank you. You've been there for me when I needed it, and I really appreciate that."

Miles looked at her, looking touched. "Of course, Megara. You're my friend, and that's what friends do." He place his hand on-top of hers for a few seconds.

Meg smiled, feeling grateful for the friendship they had. She knew that she still had a long way to go before she was completely healed, but for now, being surrounded by supportive friends like Miles was enough.

As they chatted and laughed, Meg realized that she was truly happy for the first time in a long time. And as she looked out at the world, a sense of hopefulness flowed through her. She didn't know what the future held, but for the first time in a long time, she felt like everything was going to be okay.