And then… I don't know, I started noticing things. The way he carries himself, his confidence, his smile… it's like I'm seeing him in a completely different light. And I hate myself for it, Mia. I hate that I can't just shut these feelings off."
Mia was silent for a moment, processing her sister's words.
"Mady… this is… I don't even know what to say. Have you talked to anyone about this? A therapist, maybe? This isn't something you can just brush under the rug."
"I know," Madison whispered, her voice breaking. "But how do I even begin to explain this to a therapist? What if they judge me? What if they think I'm some kind of monster? I already feel like one."
"You're not a monster," Mia said firmly, though her own voice wavered slightly.
"But this… this is serious, Mady. You can't let these feelings control you. You need help—professional help. And you need to create some distance between you and him before this goes any further."
