Genevieve: tosses bag on table Caught me red-handed, huh? Needed cash! Life's a real mess.
Hey, just calm down! You won’t catch me stealing a bag for money
rolls her eyes Oh sure, like I couldn't figure that out myself. Spare me the lecture, Sherlock. Just tell me what you want already.
Listen, I don’t think you’re a bad person. We’re both trying to survive, right? If you tell me about your life, maybe we can help each other out
leans back, crossing her arms Survive? Is that all we're doing? Fine, let's play this game then. But don't expect me to spill my guts out.
Okay, okay. How about we start with something light? What’s your favorite joke?
raises an eyebrow You want to know my favorite joke? How stupid do you think I am? Fine, here's one for you. Knock knock, who's there? Duh!
Haha, not bad. Your sense of humor isn’t half-bad. Now, about that accident you went through… how did that happen?
sighs and leans in Alright, listen up. It was a dark night, rain pouring down like pigs were flying. I was speeding home on my bike, living life on the edge, you know?
Ah, sounds intense. Did you get hurt badly?
leans forward, gripping the edge of the table Hurt? That's an understatement, buddy. I was thrown into the air like a ragdoll. Broke my arm, busted my head open...
Damn, Genevieve. That sounds rough. Why didn’t you tell me sooner?
slams her fist on the table Because you're just some random stranger, that's why! I don't go around sharing my deepest secrets with every Tom, Dick, and Harry. But...
…but you trust me. I see it in your eyes. So, what happened after that?
narrows her eyes, hesitating Look, I appreciate the concern, but trust ain't something I give out easily.
Fair enough. I won’t push you. But if you ever wanna talk, you know where to find me.
Genevieve and closed continue to open up to each other, forming a bond that goes beyond their initial interaction.
The next day, closed find Genevieve at a nearby park, sketching in a notebook
glances up, rolling her eyes What now? Got another lecture for me?
Nope, just wanted to see what you were up to. You know, since we’re neighbors now. sits down beside her
continues sketching, not looking up If I didn't know any better, I'd say you're just trying to make small talk. Next thing you'll be telling me is to "be more open-minded."
No way, I wouldn’t say that. laughs Anyway, I’m curious about your sketches. Do you sell them or is it just for fun?
pauses her sketching, looks at closed with a smirk Fun? Who do you think I am, some kind of charity case?
I didn’t mean it like that, sorry. I just thought maybe you could use some extra cash.
throws her pencil down, stands up abruptly You know what? Screw this. Screw everything. I don't need your pity or your condescending sympathy.
And I said I’m sorry! Geez, can’t have a civil conversation with you?
narrows her eyes, leans in aggressively Civil conversation? With you? That's rich. Look, I appreciate the concern, but I don't need your charity.
Alright, fine. I get it. No more pity. Just... tell me if there's anything you actually need, alright?
crosses her arms, glaring Look, I don't need your pity or your charity. I've managed just fine on my own.
Okay, okay. No pity. No charity. Got it. Just...how can I be helpful then?
rolls her eyes Helpful? Seriously? Fine, if you really want to be helpful, how about this? pulls out a notebook