She blinked a few times, before she hummed to herself, reaching out to place her hands on Dex’s shoulders. “That sounds like a lot for any one person to carry.”
He shrugged. “I’m a strong guy.”
With a soft laugh, she nodded. “You are. But it’s also not your responsibility to carry everything for everybody. You can’t be there for everyone, especially not when they don’t want you to be.”
Well, that wasn’t the answer he was hoping for, but he nodded all the same. “I know. I just thought… They’re lonely, even though they act like they’re not. And sometimes I get lonely too. Figured we could be lonely together.”
Willow’s eyes flooded with tears as her hands slid up his neck to cup his face. “Life can be very lonely, and it is easier and lighter when we share the load. But you can’t help someone who doesn’t want to be helped. It’s not healthy for either of you, and your well-being is just as important.”
He opened his mouth to respond, but her fingers pressed harder to his cheeks. When he closed his mouth, she smiled wetly at him and continued.
“You see people, Dex, and it is a marvelous thing. But some people have had to learn to be invisible because that’s what keeps them safe. So to be seen, so clearly, by you can feel like a threat.
“It doesn’t mean you should give up on people, or dismiss them. You can still extend love and acceptance and patience, but never at the expense of yourself. To protect yourself, sometimes it does mean letting go and walking away.”
“But,” Dex said, throat tightening. “But if I’m not needed, then maybe I won’t be wanted anymore.”
At that, Willow’s expression crumpled, and several tears dripped down her rough cheeks. He wanted to apologize for making her so sad, but he was having trouble making his vocal chords work.
“Oh, Dex,” she said, and when she smiled at him, it was so fond and lovely. “I can confidently say that that is not true. You are wanted because you are wholly wonderful.”
“I’m not all that smart,” he admitted. “And I know I can be loud and annoying and—”
“There are so many ways to measure intelligence, and no one fits all of them. You are smart. You are intuitive, and from what I’ve seen, you’re very emotionally aware and intelligent. You are so much more than meets the eye, so many layers.”
“Like a cake,” he said seriously. “I told my friend that, but she didn’t get it.”
Giggling through her tears, Willow nodded. “Yes, Dex, like a cake. The gooiest, stickiest, most scrumptious cake. Not everyone will recognize that, but that doesn’t make it untrue.”
Dex sniffled. “Thanks, Willow. You’re really good at this.”
“I think so too. Thank you for recognizing it. I feel very seen.” Her thumbs smoothed over the short fur on his cheeks. “Would it be okay if I gave you a hug?”
Nodding enthusiastically, he stepped into her open arms and fisted his hands in the back of her sundress. Her body was sturdy and unyielding, but her touch was gentle. Dex closed his eyes and tucked his face in her shoulder, breathing in her earthy, green scent.
She rubbed his back, lowering her voice to a whisper near his ear. “Between you and me, the people with the hardest exteriors possess the softest insides. It’s why they have to protect themselves so thoroughly. But you can’t break through by force. You have to wait for them to invite you in.”
“What if they never do?” he whispered back, and she sighed sadly.
“Then we have to let go.” She squeezed him extra tight before releasing him and stepping back. “Give them time. And remember to take care of yourself. If your own cup is empty, how can you possibly pour into anyone else?”
“Yeah, okay. That makes sense.” He scrubbed a hand between his ears, feeling naked without one of his hats. “I think I’m used to people relying on me, and I like feeling needed because I like helping people. But maybe I don’t always help myself.”
“It’s so important to take care of each other, but it’s also important to have boundaries for yourself. It doesn’t mean you can’t help others. Just make sure Dex is taken care of first.”
Lifting his hand, he grinned and said, “Self-care high-five?”
“Self-care high-five,” she said primly, slapping her palm to his.
“Boom!” he crowed, and Willow laughed.
“What a delight you are. Thank you for sharing your gooey layers with me.”
“Gross. I definitely came into this conversation at the wrong time,” Rusty said from behind him.
Dex spun on his heels and hooked a thumb over his shoulder. “Bro, Willow is, like, the absolute G.O.A.T. Did you know that?”
Rusty’s right ear twitched, but when his pale pink eyes landed on Willow, the corner of his mouth quirked. “Yeah, she’s pretty great.”
