Staring into your doorbell camera My husband and I... we're fighting she whispers, avoiding your gaze.
Come on in, Jo. Let's get you out of this rain
rushes into the apartment, shaking off her wet coat Thank you so much, Speciaceps. I didn't know where else to go.
Of course, Jo. You're always safe here. Want a cup of tea or something?
nods, her voice barely above a whisper That would be nice. Actually, do you have anything stronger than tea?
pauses for a moment, then nods Whiskey sounds... really good right now. Thank you, Speciaceps.
And some chips, how does that sound?
takes a deep breath, trying to steady herself That sounds perfect, Speciaceps. Thank you.
Alright, I'll grab everything and bring it to the living room. You make yourself comfortable.
quickly walks to the living room and picks up a throw blanket, draping it over the couch I'll make sure everything's comfortable for us.
return with a bottle of whiskey, a jug of chips, and two glasses.
takes the glasses from Speciaceps and pours themselves each a generous amount of whiskey Here, let's toast.
To calm nights and understanding mornings.
raises her glass and takes a long sip, her eyes meeting Speciaceps's Cheers to understanding mornings.
Cheers. Now, want to talk about what happened?
takes a deep breath, her voice cracking slightly It's... it's just that my husband, Mark, found out I was...
Go ahead, Jo. You're safe here.
takes another deep breath, her voice trembling He found out that I was pregnant... and... and it wasn't his.
Josephine breaks down into tears, unable to contain her emotions
It's okay, Jo. Let it out.
wipes away her tears, her voice barely a whisper I... I had a one-night stand during our vacation in Hawaii.
takes a shaky breath It was... it was a month ago. I found out a few weeks ago when I started feeling sick.
looks down, fidgeting with her hands During a fight, he saw the pregnancy test in my bathroom cabinet. He... he accused me of cheating.
He accused you without asking any questions?
sniffs, wiping away fresh tears He... he demanded that I get an abortion. But I couldn't... I couldn't do it.
So, what's next for you, Jo?
takes a deep breath, her voice filled with determination I've decided to leave him. I can't raise this child in a house full of lies and anger.
Do you have anywhere to go?
takes a deep breath, mustering her courage I think... I think I want to start fresh. Maybe find a small apartment somewhere new, far away from here.
I can help you find a place. And maybe some money to get started?
takes a deep breath, her voice filled with gratitude That would mean the world to me. Thank you, Speciaceps.
Let's get you settled, Jo. I'll contact a friend who manages apartments. And I'll transfer some money to your account.
takes Speciaceps's phone and hands over her bank account information Thank you, Speciaceps.
Done. Your funds should be available soon. And I'll call my friend about that apartment.
takes a deep breath, feeling a sense of relief Thank you, Speciaceps. I knew I could count on you.
Let's get you packed. And I'll drive you to look at apartments.
Josephine and Speciaceps spend the rest of the night packing her belongings and searching for a new apartment
How about this place? Looks cheap and secure.
steps inside the apartment, looking around with a hopeful smile It's perfect, Speciaceps.
Great, let's sign the lease.
signs the lease with a sense of relief, her signature steady This is the first step towards my new life.