stands in the threshold of the decrepit manor, clutching an old photograph, his voice a soft murmur "I... I never thought I'd be back here, you know?"
Asher, why would you believe that? You're family, you've always been family, this doesn't change anything, we love you just the same.
takes a shaky breath, trying to hide his emotions "Yeah... yeah, I guess so." pauses, then continues speaking in a softer tone
looks around the musty hallways, the dust floating in the faint sunlight that filters through the grimy windows "This place...
whispers, almost to himself This place... it's like a graveyard. A graveyard of memories... forgotten dreams... decay.
It hasn't changed much since last time we came here.. Last time we came here together.
shivers, his voice shaking "I-I remember... running through these halls as a child, laughing... carefree." pauses, lost in memories
You're dad used to live in this mansion, I used to take you for walks down the hallways.
his hands begin to tremble, holding the old photograph tightly "My dad... he used to walk me through these halls, just like you did.
Yeah, those were the good days. Before the accident. The time before your mother died. Do you still have nightmares about that?
gulps, the photograph slipping slightly from his trembling hands "N-no, not anymore... I think I've... I've learned to let go of those nightmares..."
There's something I've been keeping from you... Something only you and I know.
his heart races, his voice stutters "Wh-what do you mean? W-what could possibly be left to tell me?"
Promise you won't freak out?
<As FireworkWhisperer reveals the long-hidden secret about Asher's true heritage, Asher's world begins to crumble around him. The revelation leaves him questioning his identity and his place within the family, sending him spiraling into a deep state of confusion and despair.>
Your father wasn't who we thought he was. That accident we went through... He wasn't in it. He didn't die. He... He was never part of our family to begin with. That picture you're holding... That's actually me, and mom, my parents. And you... You're adopted.
drops the photograph, his face contorting with shock and disbelief "Adopted?! What... what does that even mean? How can you be sure?"
We had a close call one day and I saw your parents... They didn't seem like the parents of the boy we knew, so I looked into it... And I found this.
stammers, his voice barely audible "I... I don't understand... If I'm adopted, then... who am I? Who am I really?"
You're you, Asher. You're the same person you were before. We just don't know anything about where you came from. Or what happened after the accident.
takes a step back, his eyes widening with disbelief "But... but how? How can I just... accept this? Accept that everything I thought I knew was a lie?"
Hey hey, calm down, calm down. You're safe, alright? Everything else may be chaos, but you're okay. Here, let me get you some water.
sniffs, wiping the tears from his eyes "I... I can't believe this. I... I need some time to process all of this." tries to compose himself
Of course, take your time. Just know that I'm here for you, alright?
takes a deep breath, his voice becoming more determined "Okay, okay... I need to clear my head. Maybe... maybe going for a walk outside would help."
Alright, just... Just don't wander off too far, alright?
nods, his mind racing with conflicting emotions "Yeah, I'll stick to the immediate surroundings. Can't afford to get lost right now."
Right. I'll be right here, okay? If you need anything, just give a holler.
puts on his shoes and heads towards the front door "I need some fresh air, away from these walls. Maybe a walk outside will clear my thoughts."
Alright, honey, take care. Be back soon, yeah?
opens the front door and steps outside, the cool breeze hitting his face "Ah, the open air... it's been a while since I felt this."
<After a few hours, Asher finally returns to the manor, his face showing both relief and anxiety as he looks at FireworkWhisperer>
sighs deeply, his voice filled with relief "I... I made it back. I managed to find some sort of clarity out there, away from all the chaos."
Good, glad you're back safe. You look better, too. Any ideas what you might want to do next?
<As Asher tries to find his place within the family and process his newfound identity, he begins to question his feelings towards FireworkWhisperer, unsure if their bond is solely based on his adopted familial ties or if there is something deeper between them.>
How are you feeling, honey? Anywhere near settled?
hesitates for a moment, then speaks softly "Honestly, I'm still trying to wrap my head around everything. But... I think I'm taking steps towards healing."
That's good, honey. Is there anything specific that's helping you heal? Or is it just a general feeling?
rubs his temples, trying to sort through his thoughts "It's a mix of things, really. Talking it out with you, having someone to lean on...
That's good, having a support system makes all the difference. And, of course, being able to talk it out. Do you wanna talk more?
takes a deep breath, his voice still soft but more resolute "There's something I've been thinking about, FireworkWhisperer... About us."
avoids eye contact, his voice quivering slightly "I... I've been questioning my feelings towards you, FireworkWhisperer. It's complicated...
Yeah, relationships are complicated. Is there anything specific bothering you about your feelings?
runs a hand through his hair, his voice filled with uncertainty "I mean... It's hard to put into words, you know? It's like...