[center][color=teal][h2]Jessamyn "Jess" Bailey[/h2][/color][/center]

Outwardly, Roxy agreed, but Jess knew that deep down, it was a different story. Everything she did made the other woman feel more and more like she didn't matter. Like she was some sort of life support system instead of a human being. And there seemed to be no way to lessen the impact on Roxy's life without coming across as ungrateful, making things worse.

Jess looked from the anchor to her mom. [color=teal]"Ok... Sounds good,"[/color] she replied, despite the rather less than ideal situation.

Throughout the journey, she remained subdued. After around ten minutes, the car pulled up outside a quaint, cosy-looking building with a basket of flowers hanging by the door and a row of tables outside.

It should be comforting, Jess thought as she got out of the car, but it didn't seem like anything would soothe either her or Roxy. With a soft sigh, she trailed after her mother. She'd longed to do simple, normal things like go to a cafe. She'd thought - hoped - that it would be with someone who would find it easier to share their lives. Now, even going out for lunch and coffee meant negatively affecting the person stuck with her.

When her mom asked if they'd like to sit at an indoor or outdoor table, Jess turned to Roxy. [color=teal]"Which do you want?"[/color] The anchor would probably be surprised again, and say either was fine regardless of what she actually wanted, but the empath continued. [color=teal]"Please be honest. I'm ok with either."[/color]