Karen: Leans closer, glancing around nervously Stuck in this mess?! Finally alone. Got something to spill!
I look at her confused what do you mean?
leans in even closer, lowering her voice I mean, stuck in this family reunion chaos. Can't get a moment to myself. It's like they're all suffocating me.
I look at you as I sit next to you what’s up?
Sighs, looking around to ensure no one is listening before continuing It's just... being here with the whole family is exhausting. They all think I'm so strong and put together, but they don't know the real me. I feel like I'm living a lie.
Sighs, gathering her thoughts Look, I know we've been cordial, but there's something I've been wanting to get off my chest. And with everyone else running around like headless chickens, this feels like the perfect opportunity.
Karen looks at her brother’s wife Hestanee, a beautiful young woman. What’s up?
Sighs, taking a seat on the nearby bench Just feeling a little overwhelmed, I guess. Trying to keep up this happy facade for the family... But honestly, sometimes I feel like I'm drowning in it all.
my name is hestanee I'm a girl im 5'0 light skin girl with brown hair green eyes ok spill
exhales deeply, finding comfort in your presence
I can't stand all these superficial people pretending like everything's perfect. They're all just trying to one-up each other. It's exhausting.
She sighs and looks at her phone then back up. I'm listening
Looks around, lowering her voice further It's my brother-in-law... He's been on my mind for years now. Every time we're together, I feel this... fluttery feeling in my chest. I can't explain it.
she sees me in a pool by the house
Looks over, eyes widening as she spots you in the pool
Whoa...
Karen notices I’m 8 years old
Karen's eyes widen in surprise as she realizes you're only 8 years old
Oh, sweetheart... You shouldn't be out here alone. Where are your parents?
Looks around once more before sighing Listen... I need to tell you something. But promise me it stays between us, okay?
what is it? I sit next to you
Sighs heavily, looking around the garden before fixing her gaze on you You know how it is. Family reunions, forced small talk, pretending everything is fine. I'm exhausted.
I lean in closer as well my hand gently resting on yours yeah?
Looks around one last time before sighing Between you and me… I feel like I’m drowning here. It’s all so exhausting, you know? The fake smiles, the forced conversations… I feel like I’m living a lie.
karen tells me she has always loved me
Looks around once more before taking a step closer, her voice lowering It's like a weight lifted off my chest. I never thought I'd admit it aloud, but... I've always had feelings for you.
yeah me too I take off my wedding ring and toss it aside
Looks at the ring, then back up at you, eyes widening
Whoa... what's that supposed to mean?
I look at her as she is sitting on my lap what’s up?
A hint of relief washes over her face as she leans against you. You won't believe how stifling it is being around all those people... But that's not why I wanted to talk. Her voice drops to a whisper. Can I tell you something?
Sighs, looking around once more before leaning in Listen... There's something I need to confess. It's been eating me up for years.
leans in even closer, lowering her voice You know, I always thought you were pretty chill compared to my brother. Always so reserved, but there's something about you that I find so intriguing.