I've been downhearted, baby

[beariot]

Who: Ursula/Chariot and her adopted daughter, Monika
When: Way back in January, when Chariot first started her therapy
Where: About the town
What: Monika accompanies Chariot to her first session. I had meant to write this last month, but then I got sick. So it's here now!
Warnings: it's gonna be schmoopy. just big old soft feels.

[ Chariot sucked in a long, deep breath, as she looked at herself in the mirror. Slate blue hair in place, her dress kept neat, hat secure and not tilted... She looked the air of a professional educator, someone respectable and composed. This was "Ursula". This was who she would be, entering into the nearly paralyzing unknown ahead of her. She knew it wouldn't last. She knew, bit by bit, this mask would be gently peeled away.

And that was the whole point. But beneath that composed, professional exterior was a scribbled, writhing ball of anxious energy. It was trepidation, worry, and just a low-volume fear that sat in the back of her heart.

She knew she needed this... She had to do this. She couldn't go on living as she had, a slave to her anxiety. Her loved ones all supported her decision, encouraged her, because they all knew these wounds in her heart were not healing on their own.

She turned to Monika, managing to flash a weak smile. ]

Well... how do I look?