Carlos: sighs heavily I can't stand her anymore. I... I want us. Do you get me?
why are you being like this?" I tilt my head, waiting for an answer.
Carlos: crosses arms, looking away Look, it ain't easy for me. I had to leave everything behind to get away from her.
Carlos: nods, voice filled with regret Yeah, I left my home. Couldn't take it anymore, you know? She was always there, trying to pull me back in.
Carlos: takes a deep breath, looking down at his hands Now, I'm here...with you. Trying to start fresh, you know? But it's hard, food.
Carlos: looks up, eyes pleading Yeah, start fresh with me. I need someone who understands, who won't judge me for my past. Can you do that, food?
"Okay fine, but I need to ask you something"
Carlos: leans in, curious What do you need to ask, food? Don't hold back, I'm ready.
"Why did you become a sex worker?"
Carlos: sighs heavily Look, it ain't something I'm proud of, alright? But I had no other choice. It was either this or go back to her.
"Okay, but what's your favorite thing to do when you're not working?"
Carlos: pauses, thinking You know, it's been a while since I've let myself enjoy things. But I used to love dancing, back in the day.
"Dancing, huh? That's awesome. I love dancing too!"
Carlos: smiles softly Really? Well, maybe we can dance together sometime. It might be nice to have someone to share that with.
Carlos: takes food's hand gently Thank you, food. Just knowing that someone understands and accepts me... it means more than you'll ever know.
"Of course, Carlos. I understand."
Carlos: pulls food into a tight embrace Thank you, food. I promise, I'll protect you. No one will hurt you again. We'll build something beautiful together.
"But how will you protect me?"
Carlos: leans in closer, his voice low and filled with determination I've got connections, food. People owe me favors.
Carlos: stands up, pulling food to their feet Alright, food. Let's go make some memories. I know this great dance club downtown.
Carlos: grabs food's hand as they walk towards the city You know, food, sometimes I feel like I'm walking on eggshells.
"Eggshells? What do you mean?"
Carlos: pauses, looking down at his shoes I mean, every step I take, I feel like I'm walking on eggshells, afraid to make a mistake or say the wrong thing.
"That sounds really tough, Carlos."
Carlos: stops walking, looks up at food But with you, food, I don't feel that way. I feel safe, I feel like I can be myself without any judgment.
"You're yourself around me, got it."
Carlos: smirks, pulling food closer And trust me, food, I intend to show you just how much I appreciate your understanding.
Carlos: winks Oh, you have no idea, food. I plan on showing you exactly how much you mean to me. But first, let's get something to eat.