At Least I'm Trying

How did it end?

"Hi honey, I like that bracelet you've got there," I hear a familiar voice say. I look down at my wrist, spotting my "cardigan" bracelet.

"Thanks" I mumble, looking up slightly. I see Taylor Swift and Travis Kelce. Taylor's eyes fill with concern at the state of my face, tear stained and exhausted. She twists out of her boyfriend's gentle but secure grasp on her hand, walking closer to me.

3rd pov

Travis is concerned that his girlfriend was approaching a stranger, who could be an obsessed stalker. Meanwhile, Taylor was an extremely empathetic person and was overwhelmed with concern and a desire to help this teenage girl. She was willing to take the risk of her being a stalker. Taylor had her fair share of struggles with mental health and had come out on the other side with better coping skills. She also felt protective of her fans and worried about them.

Back to your pov

"What's your name?" Taylor asks

"Y/n" I say

"That's a beautiful name! It's so nice to meet you, but let's take a few steps back, I don't want you getting hurt," Taylor says, her voice gentle and concerned. She gently moves me back, offering her hands out to me. I accept, longing for any connection or physical comfort. She gently rubs her thumbs over my knuckles, giving me a soft smile.

The way she's being so gentle and caring brings tears to my eyes. My lifeless, exhausted eyes. I realize that I've barely acknowledged the person keeping me alive for longer than I should've been. "I just wanted to say thank you for making me feel understood, and just being you. It's really kept me going," I say, careful of my word choice, not wanting to scare her off. "Umm I'm sorry," I say, staring back down at the water.

"No need to be sorry, it's ok, you're ok. I think that's so sweet of you, thank you for saying that," Taylor replies warmly, squeezing my hands. I look up at her so she doesn't think I'm rude. Usually I struggle with eye contact, but her eyes are kind and inviting. Inviting me to cry my eyes out and tell her everything.

"Aww buddy you seem like you really need a hug; can I give you a hug?' she asks, opening her arms. I collapse into her arms and start sobbing. She doesn't seem to mind though, she just catches me and holds me tightly, swaying us side to side. I haven't been hugged in a long time. Years of pent up tears, come cascading out on the shoulder of someone I've never met. "I'm sorry, No one was supposed to see that, I'm sorry. You don't have to deal with this," I slur out.

She just pulls me closer to her. "It's ok darling. I'm here," she says. "Sorry you deserved a normal day and walk," I say, feeling my heart fall to pieces in my chest. Here I was, bothering the person I've looked up to for most of my life. Interrupting some of her only free time with my problems.

"No worries, you didn't do anything wrong. I stopped because I was worried and you need to be here, on earth. You're ok honey. I'm right here, I've got you. It won't be like this forever," she says, stroking my back.

"Why do you care, you don't even know me," I sob, my throat stinging.

"Because you deserve care and love. Especially in times like this. I may not know you, but you're a fan of mine and going through a hard time," Taylor replies sweetly, continuing to rub my back.

"Let's go back to my car so we can talk somewhere where I know you're safe, hm?" Taylor suggests, still hugging me with one arm.

Travis seems to understand the weight of the situation, giving me a concerned look. "Honey, is it ok if Travis is there when we talk?" Taylor asks. I nod, not wanting her to make him sit outside, in the middle of the woods. Taylor opens the car and we get in the back as Travis turns on the air conditioning. "I'm going to go for a run so you guys can have some privacy," he says, leaving. He seemed to understand that I only felt comfortable with Taylor. Taylor turns to me, hugging me again, letting me rest my head on her chest as she rocks me. "So what's got you feeling like this?" she probes gently.