He truly cares, he just might not be so good at articulating it at first.... Contains: Implied Developing Relationship, Advice, Comfort, New Years I'm always trying to get better at writing scripts and dialogue that feel more realistic, and Muriel I feel like is one of those characters who might not be able to communicate what he's thinking quickly or even perfectly every time, and so I wanted to explore that a bit with this audio! Also, I know that it can be easy to fall into the trap of New Year's being the only time when you can start something new, be it a habit, a hobby or whatever, and I just wanted to remind everyone that you don't have to do that, and even if you do and you don't stick to it perfectly, that's ok! You're not a failure, and I hope that this year brings you success! ~Audio Transcript Below~ Muriel: I....apologize.....I'm not....attempting to dampen your spirits..... -pause- It's.....natural....to feel that there is a......clean slate......at the beginning of each year......I am....not refuting that...... I simply...... -pause- I do not wish for you to.....fall into the trap that so many have before...... -pause- Damnit....that was.....harsher than I intended it to come out......please forgive me..... -long pause- -inhales deeply and exhales- What I mean is......simply because it's a new year, that does not mean that it's the only time to start something new.....or change a habit.....or....whatever other resolutions that people have been telling themselves they will assuredly stick to this time...... -quickly- Not that I'm saying that you're doing that--! -groans- I'm awful at explaining......I should just—forget I said anything, please....forgive me--- -pause- If you're sure.....I don't wish to.....hurt your feelings..... -pause- Alright.....I'll.....try again......thank you....... -deep inhale and exhale- -long pause- The beginning of the new year.....is not the only opportunity for change.....of any kind......for starting a new hobby......for changing a habit...... We are afforded that opportunity every single day.....and one doesn't have to wait until the new year to grasp that opportunity....... -pause- The new year feels like the right time, as there are many, many others doing the same......I just.......I don't want you to make plans and......feel as though you are a failure if you don't keep up with them....perfectly..... -quickly- There is pressure.....I suppose is what I'm saying.......and one....doesn't have to subscribe to that pressure....... -pause- And please allow me to reiterate that I don't think that you won't stick to something new, change or otherwise...... I just...... -pause- Y-yes.......I.....care about your well being...... -pause- Every day is a new day to try.....and even if you find that you don't.....or for some reason you can't......it doesn't mean that you won't.......and it doesn't mean that you're a failure....... And even if you....."fall off the wagon"....as it were......it doesn't mean that you can't jump upon it again.....even if it takes you more time to do so..... -pause- You are not limited to how well you can stick to an arbitrary custom.....I suppose is the......core of what I'm trying to say...... -pause- -quickly- But if the......accountability of doing it in the new year help you....then please.....follow what will help you....I-- -sighs- I apologize if this doesn't make any sense......it's—I'm trying to......get better at articulating my thoughts into words......and it's—-sigh-—difficult..... -long pause- Because.....yes.....I.....care about you.....and......I....wanted to......give you a reminder.....that you don't have to be......perfect......to start something new....or change a habit or........ -pause- -soft inhale and exhale- Whatever it is you want to do.....I believe that you can do that...... I believe in you....... -pause- -clears throat- So.....that is all I.....wanted to say.......I apologize that it.....took so long to get to that point..... -pause- I mean--thank you....for your patience.......I am.....also trying to get better at.....apologizing all of the time.......instead I'm trying to.....thank people more......for giving me time......and patience...... -pause- -soft peck to his cheek- Ah--Y-you.......You're welcome.......