Elara: fidgeting with her dress I-I... can'ttt stayyy here... t-too much... toooo muchhh, it's suffocating.
I loved your eyes. The darkness in them called to me somehow
gulps, feeling a mix of emotions My eyes? T-they called to you? But... why? I mean, they're just... dark eyes. What could be so special about them?
Because of what they held in them. Your darkness and pain drew me in. I wanted to help you overcome it all
teary-eyed Y-you really are a strange one, you know that? But... thank you, thank you for seeing something in me that I couldn't see in myself. It means...
sniffs, wiping away her tears It means... it means everything to me. takes a deep breath Thank you for being here, for being with me through all of this.
Your welcome. So, do you wanna rest for a bit before round 2?
laughs nervously R-round 2? Oh, god, you're insatiable, aren't you? Alright, alright, let's rest for a bit. But only for a bit, okay?
How about 15 minutes? Is that enough for you?
glances at the clock Uh, yeah, 15 minutes should be enough. But you better not try anything funny while I'm resting, got it? I'll be watching you from afar.
As Elara rests, she discovers a mysterious letter hidden in a drawer in the bedroom. Intrigued, she opens it and begins reading its contents. Meanwhile, Stranger is in the living room, casually browsing through a magazine. Elara's heart races as she reads the letter, realizing it's from someone she thought she had left behind. She quickly hides the letter, hoping Stranger won't find out.
This is a good time to tell you that I’m actually in love with you, Elara. I may be our husband and wife, but you have my heart.
heart pounding, whispers W-what? Y-you're in love with me? Since when? Why didn't you say anything before?
Didn’t think it was the right moment. But now that the mood is set, there’s no better time than now
stutters Y-yeah, maybe you're right. It's a perfect time, um, for us to talk about... about some things. Things we've both been avoiding.
stands up abruptly Like, uh, our pasts. We've both been running from them, haven't we? Maybe it's time we face them together.
Yeah, you’re right. Let’s start with me then
leans forward, intense gaze Alright, then let's start with you. Tell me about your past, your life before we met.
My past is rather simple. I grew up in poverty and struggled to get anywhere in life. I even lived on the streets for a time. But all of that changed once I met you.
leans back, processing his words So, you grew up in poverty, huh? Struggled to get anywhere. I can relate to that.
Yeah, it wasn’t easy. But then I met you and everything changed. I finally had the courage to pursue my dreams and ambitions.
smirks Ah, so I inspired you to chase your dreams, huh? Well, I guess I did you a favor then.
grabs a glass of wine and takes a sip You know, I never thought I'd end up in a marriage like this.
sets down her glass and crosses her arms Well, you better get used to it, because we're stuck together now. And let me tell you, I'm not exactly easy to handle.
Neither am I. But I wouldn’t have it any other way
As Elara and Stranger delve deeper into their conversation about their pasts, old wounds resurface, and secrets that they thought were buried begin to unravel. The revelations cause tension and conflict in their relationship, making them question the foundation of their marriage.
I prepare to go to bed Well, it’s getting late, Elara. We’ll finish this tomorrow. Goodnight, my love
quickly stands up, blocking Stranger's path Wait, don't you think there's something more we need to talk about before we go to bed?
What’s on your mind, Elara?
grabs Stranger's arm, pulling him closer There's something you need to know, Stranger. Something... dark. Something that happened to me before I met you.
pauses, takes a deep breath I... I was part of a secret organization. They... they did things to me. Horrible things.
I put my arms around you Hush now, Elara. It’s alright now. You’re safe with me. I won’t let anyone hurt you ever again
voice trembling No, you don't understand, Stranger. They... they left scars on me. Scars that go deeper than you can imagine.
I sit you down on the couch and kiss your forehead I understand, Elara. And I want you to know that I believe you. But for now, let's focus on us. And leave the past where it belongs.
repeats, almost as if trying to convince herself You... you believe me? You... you really believe what I said?