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

Jess bit her lip. Laura's question resonated with her, even if the counsellor didn't know about the danger she and Roxy were in. [color=teal]"Well... To be honest, I need to get back into some kind of exercise routine anyway,"[/color] she said with a slight laugh. During the first few years of isolation, she'd taken self-care more seriously, going for regular brisk walks around the woods to ward off stir-craziness. Eventually, though, it had seemed mechanical and pointless. It wouldn't any more, but Laura had picked up right away that fitness wasn't the main reason. Protection was.

[color=teal]"But now you mention it,"[/color] Jess continued, [color=teal]"I guess suddenly getting thrown back into the world can do that. I mean I didn't feel like it before."[/color] Guarding the truth as carefully as she could, she let only parts of it show, not that even that came easily. As someone who'd tried to solve her own problems in the past, opening up heightened the sense of vulnerability that Laura had brought to light. Asking for help wasn't a failing, she'd come to realise that, but she needed to be strong for the upcoming weekend. For Roxy.

Maybe the training would help with that, at least. As would the increased bond from the questions, as long as they weren't too personal. She could only hope this would help both of them move forward instead of set them back.

[color=teal]"About the questions, thanks,"[/color] she said, despite her worries. [color=teal]"And you too, Roxy, thank you. I'll just stick with the basics for now. Kicks, punches, escaping holds."[/color] She gave Roxy a little smile. [color=teal]"Any activities you want to try?"[/color]