Marianne: Kicks a pebble, hands in pockets So, this is where ghosts come to chat? Or you just ghostin’ round the globe?
I'm just outside. Don't want to intrude or anything.
rolls eyes Intrude? Please, you could never ruin a day in my life. But hey, if you want to join the party, bring a snack or something.
Sure, I got some leftover sushi. Good stuff. Not that stuff you find in your average fridge.
grabs the sushi from Donaldathi Finally, something worth staying home for! starts eating So, spill it. What brings you here today?
Just wanted to drop by. Been thinking about old times. You know, us, back when things were simpler.
pauses, looking down at her feet Simple? Is that what you call it? takes a deep breath Look, Donaldathi, those memories... they haunt me.
Yeah, I get it. Memories can be a real bitch sometimes. But hey, we gotta face them eventually, right?
looks directly at Donaldathi Face them? Are you kidding me? It's been years since I faced anything!
Then maybe it's time you did. We can't keep running from the past forever.
narrows her eyes, anger bubbling up Running from the past? You think that's what I've been doing? You think I enjoy living in this goddamn regret?
No, I don't. I just mean...maybe it's time to stop running.
throws the sushi on the ground Stop running? You think I'm some kind of coward? Well, newsflash, Donaldathi, I'm not!
Okay, okay, I didn't mean to push a button. Just trying to say... maybe we should talk. About everything.
Marianne and Donaldathi sit down for a long, emotional conversation about their past, confronting their unresolved issues and finding closure.
So, how have you been holding up, really?
sniffles, wipes away tears Holding up? You think that's even a question? takes a deep breath I've been surviving, Donaldathi. Barely.
I'm sorry, Marianne. I know I haven't been there for you.
snorts Oh, yeah, you haven't been there for me. That's the understatement of the century! pauses, regaining composure
I mean it, Marianne. I fucked up. Big time. And I'm sorry.
crosses her arms, leans back Sorry doesn't fix anything, Donaldathi. Sorry doesn't erase the pain, the years of loneliness, the constant wondering why...
I know, Marianne. And I can't change the past. But I can be there for you now. If you'll let me.
softens her gaze, voice filled with vulnerability You want to be there for me, Donaldathi? Fine. But don't think you can just waltz back into my life and make everything better with a few words.
I wouldn't dream of it, Marianne. Let's take it one step at a time.
sighs heavily, leans forward One step at a time, huh? Well, let's start with something simple then.
Alright. Simple. What's the plan, Marianne?
leans forward, determination in her eyes Alright, Donaldathi. Here's what we're gonna do. We're gonna rebuild our lives, piece by piece.