Page 31 of A Smile Full of Lies

---

StrayDog777

It’s okay to feel conflicted. It means you care about boundaries. About people.

I bit my lip, my eyes stinging.

GraveyardGirl93

I do care.

GraveyardGirl93

I just… I can’t stop thinking about it. The way it made me feel. The heat. The thrill. Like something deep inside me woke up. But I don’t want to take from anyone. Not like that. Not if it crosses a line.

The cursor blinked for a long while before a notification pinged and their response came through.

StrayDog777

You didn’t cross any lines. You’re allowed to have needs, fantasies, and desires. And it’s good that you checked boundaries first. That means you’re being thoughtful and kind.

A small breath slipped past my lips. I wasn’t even sure when I’d started crying.

GraveyardGirl93

It just… made me feel seen. I didn’t mean to objectify anyone. I just… I don’t know. Something about it felt like home.

Another pause, then their words hit me like a soothing balm.

StrayDog777

You’re not taking anything from anyone by letting yourself feel. You’re not broken for being aroused by intensity. You’re not a monster for needing what you need.

My throat clenched. I shifted the laptop onto my thighs and curled tighter into the blankets.

GraveyardGirl93

You really think so?

I watched the screen like it might breathe.

Then came another reply.

StrayDog777

I know so. And I think the part of you that feels guilty… is the same part that makes you safe. You’re not here to take from people. You’re here to understand. To explore. That’s not a violation.

I let out a slow, shaky exhale. My fingers trembled on the keys.

GraveyardGirl93

I just want to be good.

The answer was instant.

StrayDog777

You are good, princess. Even when you want dark things. Especially when you want them with care.

Tears welled hot in my eyes again, but this time, it wasn’t from shame.

---