I am so so very sorry for that problem. I didn't think that would happen. Please forgive me.
To provide context: After Oliver attacks her for being angry at people who lie to her, judge her and cheat on her, Laurel gets drunk and calls her friend Barbara Gordon. Barbara and Laurel connected after Sara and Barbara's mother died. This is just an excerpt. It's just something I wrote up.
LAUREL: I feel like I'm drowning and thrashing in this darkness. And Sara's just swimming through it. Unburdened, like it doesn't even matter. And it makes me so angry with her. How can it not matter?
BARBARA: Even swimmers thrash in the water, trying to find something to cling to and keep themselves afloat. Those who don't have already drowned. Maybe you're what she needs to revive her. And I think on some level you recognize that. But you've been so victimized lately, so beaten down that you've forgotten how and that frustrates you. You're a hero Laurel. You need to protect and help people. And you lash out because you know that's what you're expected to do. That's what you're expected to be: Perfect. Unshakable. But no one can be that. And it kills you when you can't be that for people. And you punish yourself because of it. That's what this [alcoholism] is… I want you to know something: I don't expect that from you. You are flawed. You sometimes fail. And that is okay. God doesn't expect perfection from anyone. It's not evil or awful to be imperfect. And If anyone says otherwise and berates you for it, that includes that hypocrite Oliver, who lies to you by telling you he loves you, I will beat them unconscious.
Laurel gives Barbara a cocked eyebrow look of 'What the heck?'
BARBARA: A little too aggressive?
With a small smile starting to play on her lips, Laurel answers:
LAUREL: Just a little.
BARBARA: Sorry. My new job… it makes me more prone to physical altercations with bad guys.
Laurel becomes serious again as she takes a deep breath.
LAUREL: What do I do?
BARBARA: Be you. You're afraid to be that because you've failed at it too many times. But you can't hide from that without destroying yourself. And that won't help anyone. You're a hero. Be that.
LAUREL: What if I can't anymore?
BARBARA: Then you'll be the new version of you that all this bad crap has turned you into. And I bet she'll be far more awesome. But nothing can ever change your soul. And even if you can't be any of that… just know that that's okay.
Laurel wipes the tears away from her eyes that Barbara's words have given her.
LAUREL: You're a really great friend…
BARBARA: I can be a better one and beat the snot out of Oliver Queen.
Barbara puts on a wide smile, which causes Laurel to laugh.
Please review and tell me what you think! God bless you all.