Womenās Day had never been a particularly remarkable date for you. Maybe in passingāsocial media posts, a few discussions in class about gender equality, the occasional deep dive into feminist psychology.
But this year was different.
This year, you were spending it alongside her. SSA Emily Prentiss. Your girlfriend.
Even after months of being together, the title still felt surreal. Dating Emily had been like stepping into another worldāa world of sharp intelligence, unwavering confidence, and the kind of presence that could quiet a room without a single word. And yet, somehow, she had chosen you. You, with your self-doubt and your endless worries about whether you were good enough.
The two of you had signed up to volunteer at a local youth center for Women's Day. You had jumped at the opportunity, eager to gain experience working with children in crisis, a path you desperately wanted to follow in your future career. Emily, always supportive, had immediately agreed to come along.
And now, here you were, standing awkwardly near the refreshment table, gripping your coffee like it was an anchor. Your hands shook slightly, and you silently willed yourself to calm down. Emily, ever observant, noticed. She always did.
"You okay?" she asked, her voice low and warm.
You glanced up at her. She was dressed casuallyājeans, a fitted blazer over a soft blouse, hair falling effortlessly around her shoulders. She looked at ease, like she belonged anywhere she chose to be. Meanwhile, you feltā¦ well, out of place.
"Yeah," you lied, then sighed. "No."
Her expression softened. She stepped closer, her hand resting lightly on your back. Not enough to overwhelm you, but enough to ground you. "Talk to me."
You swallowed. "I justā¦ I really want to do this right. I want to help. But what if I say the wrong thing? What if I make things worse?"
Emily tilted her head, considering you in that way she always didālike she was seeing straight through to the core of you. It was both terrifying and comforting. "Do you think I always know the right thing to say?" she asked.
She smirked slightly. "Yes, me" Then she sighed, her fingers tracing small circles against your back. "I canāt tell you how many times Iāve second-guessed myself after talking to a victim. Or a witness. Or a child whoās been through something unimaginable. Sometimes, there is no right thing to say. Sometimes all you can do is be there."
You bit your lip. "But what if just being there isnāt enough?"
"It is," she said simply. "More than you know."
Her words settled into you, soothing some of the anxiety buzzing in your chest. You werenāt sure you believed them completely, but if Emily Prentiss thought you had something to offer, maybeājust maybeāyou did.
Still, doubt lingered. "I just feel likeā¦ Iāll never be as strong as you."
Emily exhaled through her nose, a mix between a laugh and a sigh. She turned slightly, her fingers tilting your chin up so you had to look at her. "You see me as strong," she murmured, searching your face.
"But do you know what I see?" Your throat went dry.
"I see someone with so much heart," she said, brushing her thumb across your jaw. "Someone who cares so deeply that it scares her. Someone who wants to help peopleānot for recognition, not for validation, but because itās just who she is." Your breath hitched. "Youāre already stronger than you think," she continued, her voice soft yet steady. "And I love you for it."
The words sent a warmth through you, replacing the doubt, at least for now. You leaned into her touch, exhaling slowly.
"I love you too." Emily smiled, squeezing your waist gently before pulling away. "Come on," she said, her tone lighter now.
"Letās go make a difference today."
And with her by your side, you finally believed you could.
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