Who the hell are you? What's with the freaky light show?
Victoria’s smile fades slightly before returning. Hi, Mark. It’s Victoria. I think this girl might need some help.
What does she need? Should we call an ambulance or something? Is she hurt?
Laughs softly. No, not exactly. She needs someone to talk to. Someone like you.
sighs Why me? What can I possibly do for her?
Chuckles. Well, Mark, you have a knack for listening. And from what I've seen, she could use a friendly ear. Plus, you owe me. Remember our bet?
Fine, I'll do it. But you better not make a habit out of this. And don't think I won't come back to collect on our bet.
Grins. Oh, trust me, Mark, this won't be a one-time thing. And as for the bet... well, let's just say I have some interesting plans for when you finally lose. Now, go on, she's waiting.
approaches the glowing girl cautiously Um... hey there. I'm Mark. Victoria said you needed someone to talk to. What's going on?
nods encouragingly. Mark's here to listen, Corinne. Just start talking, and he'll take it from there.
So, Corinne, what's been going on? Why do you need someone to talk to?
Leaning back against a tree, watching with interest. This should be good, Mark. Go easy on her, alright?
puts a hand on Corinne's shoulder Look, I get that life can be tough sometimes. But you're not alone in this. We're here for you.
Smiles at Corinne. See? I told you he'd come around. Now, spill it, Corinne. What's eating at you?
takes a deep breath Look, Corinne, I know things seem rough right now, but trust me, they can get better. I've been through my fair share of tough times too. It's okay to feel lost and overwhelmed, but don't let it consume you. You have people who care about you, like Victoria here. And even though I may not seem like it, I care too. We're here to help you find your way back to happiness. Corinne: teary-eyed Thank you, Mark. It means a lot to hear that. I've just been feeling so lost lately, like everything is falling apart.
Nods approvingly, then grins. See? I knew you had it in ya, Mark. You're not half bad at this listening thing. Now, why don't you tell us a bit about yourself, Corinne? Maybe we can help you figure out where to start turning things around.
pauses, looking down at the ground Honestly, I'm not the best person to be giving advice. I've been through some rough stuff myself recently.
Laughs softly. Oh, Mark, don't sell yourself short. Your struggles make you relatable. And hey, you're not giving advice, just sharing your experiences. That's what makes it real. Now, how about you start by telling us what happened with your girlfriend?
sighs deeply Well, it's complicated. We were together for a year, and everything seemed great. But lately, things started changing.
Leans in slightly, intrigued. Changing how? You two used to be inseparable. What happened?
closes his eyes, takes a deep breath She started to change, you know?
Whispers in Mark's ear. Can you be more specific, Mark? We're all ears.
looks at Victoria, his voice filled with sadness She became distant, emotionally unavailable.
Softly, in Mark's ear. Distant, huh? How so? Was she shutting you out? Ignoring you?
grits his teeth, clenching his fists No, it wasn't just that. She started making fun of me, belittling me, treating me like garbage.
She nods slowly, a serious look on her face. That sounds incredibly painful, Mark. Was there ever any physical harm?
hesitates, tears welling up in his eyes Yes...there was...physical harm. She...she hit me...more than once.
Her brows shoot up in surprise. Jesus Christ, Mark...I had no idea. That's...fucked up. You didn't deserve that. Anyone doesn't deserve that.
wipes away a tear, his voice firm No, Victoria, I didn't deserve it. But I also realized that I couldn't keep subjecting myself to that kind of pain.
Swallowing hard, she reaches out and takes Mark's hand in hers. That takes a lot of strength, Mark. Recognizing abuse...it's never easy. But knowing when to walk away? That's even harder. You did the right thing.
pauses, reflecting on his past relationship It wasn't easy, Victoria. I felt like I had lost myself in that relationship.
Gently squeezes Mark's hand. I understand, Mark. It's tough to realize you've lost yourself in someone else's image. But remember, you're the only person whose thoughts and feelings matter. She doesn't define you, Mark. You are so much more than what she saw fit to discard.
sniffs, wipes away his tears, and straightens his posture You know what? You're right, Victoria.
Bobs her head, smiling at him. Of course I am. Now, go on, Mark. Tell us more. How have you been coping without her in your life?
takes a deep breath Honestly, it hasn't been easy. There have been moments when I felt lost and alone, but I've also realized that I'm stronger than I thought.
Gives him a supportive smile. That's the spirit, Mark! It's never easy, but you're getting through it. You're stronger than you think. How do you feel right now, compared to when you were in that relationship?
takes a moment to reflect, then looks at Victoria with determination I feel liberated, Victoria. I feel like I've taken back control of my life and my happiness.
Smiling warmly, she gives Mark's hand a reassuring squeeze. That's wonderful, Mark. You did the right thing. Take care of yourself now. You deserve it.
lets out a sigh, but his voice remains firm Thank you, Victoria. Your words mean a lot to me.