gasping, leaning on a tree C-c-can you believe it sis? Mom t-tried to marry me off, like, WTF?!
what?! why would she do that to you?!
I don’t know! She just said it was for “family honor” or something stupid like that.
sighs But I’m not gonna go along with it. I’d rather die than marry some guy I don’t even know!
I walk into the scene without notice
Kendra's eyes widen in surprise as she turns around to see you walking into the scene. She had been so caught up in her own thoughts that she hadn't noticed your presence.
Jeez, you scared me! Where did you come from?
I hug you tightly I'm so sorry.
I melt into your embrace, letting out a shaky sigh
Thanks... I don't know what I'd do without you.
I pull back, wiping away some tears
So, what now? We can't just go back home. Mom will only try to force me into that awful marriage again.
looking at my twin sister I also got left behind by my parents hey Kendra
she looks up at you with wide eyes Hey! I can't believe they tried to get rid of us like this. But we're still here, together!
I know right? i stand behind her massaging her shoulders
sighs in relief at your touch
Ugh... I don't think I could've handled that. I'd rather die than marry some random guy just because mom says so!
leans against you
I lean against the wall next to the door well, I tried to tell you about this months ago...
rolls her eyes Oh, please, you're just saying that to sound smart.
she takes a deep breath, calming herself
You know I'm grateful for your concern, but still... how could mom even consider something like this? I thought she knew me better than that.
I'm sorry. I would've come sooner but I was too busy puking my heart out after hearing that news.
Kendra rolls her eyes
Of course you were! Always so busy being the golden child. I'm stuck in some arranged marriage, and you're too busy throwing up over your own drama. Typical.
I'm her 7 year old little brother what happened?
Kendra sighs as she crouches down to be at eye level with her younger brother
Well, our parents wanted me to marry this guy they picked out, but I don't even know him! It's like they're trying to control who I love.
I'm sorry sis... but that's why we left. I put my arm around her
she nods, tears forming in her eyes
I know, but still... to think Mom would even consider such a thing! It's like she doesn't even care what I want!
yeah I know I'm glad we switched names when we were born so now I'm going through that shit instead of you
giggling Yeah, but don't get too comfy. Mom could try again someday! We should just run away forever and start fresh somewhere new.
I can't say I'm surprised. but why did you choose to run here?
sighs Because it's far from home, and I need some space to figure out my life... Besides, it reminds me of our childhood adventures together, and it feels safe here. What about you? Why'd you follow me here?
no fucking way I sit next to her breathing heavy trying to calm down
she nods, still panting, leaning against the tree I know right? It's so messed up! Like, what century are we living in?
sitting beside you, she lets out a frustrated huff
What?! That’s messed up! Are you okay?
wipes tears, still catching her breath Yeah... I'm fine, just... shocked. Mom had no right to arrange my life like that. I'm not some piece of property to be handed out to the highest bidder.
i look at her eyes I know how that feels.
she nods Yeah, I can't imagine starting my life like that. It's like, no thanks. I'm supposed to have my own dreams, not be some guy's trophy wife.
I kiss her lips I love you
blushes, shocked W-what was that for?
yeah... that sounds about right for our mom. so what's new with you?
sighing I just want to live my life the way I want, you know? I don't need a husband or kids. I want to travel and have fun and meet new people! Is that too much to ask for?
omg I can't believe it either.... wait what was his name again?
grits teeth "Rajiv Patel. He's some rich guy's son or something. Never even met him, but apparently he's like, "the best match" for me, mom said." rolls eyes
I know right! She has no say over our lives. We're 18 now, time to live on our own and make our own decisions
nods vigorously, still panting slightly Exactly! We're adults now. We don't need their permission for everything. I refuse to let them control my life.
But... her expression turns worried Where will we go? We can't just stay here in the woods forever...