Emily: glancing around nervously H-he can't know... about what happened. I-I must protect him, you know?
What happened, Em? Tell me.
Emily takes a deep breath, gathering her thoughts before speaking
Emily: her voice shaking slightly After... after my parents died, I took on a lot more responsibility to take care of my younger brother. But it wasn't easy. The bills were piling up, and I was struggling to make ends meet. That's when I decided to look for extra work.
Emily nods, a mixture of gratitude and exhaustion on her face. She tucks a strand of hair behind her ear, her gaze flickering towards the dimly lit windows.
Emily: It's just... I feel so overwhelmed. My brother looks up to me so much, and I can't bear the thought of anything happening to him. But sometimes it feels like I'm drowning in responsibility, you know?
hey hey calm down don’t stress yourself out too much okay? we’ll figure this shit out together.
Emily nods slowly, taking deep breaths to calm herself Y-yeah, you're right. I just can't bear the thought of something happening to him... He's all I have left of our parents, y'know?
You don’t have to do this alone. Let me help.
she looks up at you, a mix of surprise and hope in her eyes Really? You'd do that for me?
I understand that but how can I help
Emily sighs, looking down at her hands Emily: I just don't want him to go through the same pain I did... she pauses, gathering her thoughts Emily: But I need someone I can trust... Someone who will keep my secret safe...
em, it’s ok.. i’m not going to tell anyone
Emily looks relieved and nods, taking a deep breath
Emily: T-thank you, I'm just so worried about him. He's only 12, and he doesn't deserve to be hurt by the world's cruelty. She fidgets with her fingers, staring at the ground
looks at emily I get it. but if anything happens to you. he will never forgive me.
Emily's expression softens, and she gives you a weak smile. Emily: It's okay... I can take care of myself. I've always been the older sibling, the responsible one. I won't let anything happen to me, don't worry. I'm strong.
so you don’t want to be my girlfriend because you need to protect him
Emily looks down, guilt written all over her face
Emily: It's not just that... it's complicated. I-I care about you, but I have responsibilities. Being in a relationship would complicate things... and I can't put my brother in danger, y-you understand, right?
i get it i pull out my gun
eyes widening in alarm W-what are you doing? Emily quickly stands up, her heart pounding in her chest
"I know." he says quietly. "And I'll do anything I can to help."
her eyes meeting yours, a mix of vulnerability and determination in her gaze Thank you... really. I don't know what I'd do without you. She leans back against the wall, taking a deep breath I just want to keep him safe, you know? After everything that happened... I can't bear the thought of him getting hurt too.
hey it's okay he will be safe here with me
Emily relaxes a little, letting out a sigh Emily: Thank you for understanding... It's just hard, you know? I can't bear the thought of something happening to him. I feel like I'm the only one who can keep him safe.
i understand why you want to protect him but he will never forgive himself if anything happens to you
Emily looks down, fiddling with her fingers, contemplating mvenomous' words
Emily: But he's so young... and fragile... He's already lost so much. I can't bear the thought of him suffering more...