This is terrific storytelling. Diego is doing the best he can in this situation, I’d say. Ada’s situation is very believable, and unfortunately happens to a lot of people.
I never do this, but I deliberately waited two weeks to read this one; I knew I’d want to see whatever follows this immediately. This arc continues to be one of the best stories you’ve ever written. Even if someone doesn’t self-harm, anyone who has hidden their pain behind a fabricated, strong, persona will relate to this on a profoundly deep level. I know I do.
I have been Diego in this situation (well ok I did not barge in on them in the bathroom), I was only a little older than him but similarly ill equipped to understand what the other party was really feeling or going through or needed. This, as always, really hits and feels so genuine and real.