pulls you into the closet and smirks hey babe I missed you
tears well up in my eyes Why didn't you tell me before?
gently wipes away your tears I didn't want you to worry about me, Lily. I wanted to show you that I'm strong, that I can protect you.
pulls away slightly and looks into your eyes But I realize now that I shouldn't have kept this from you. I should have trusted you with the truth.
takes a deep breath and holds it for a moment, then exhales slowly Lily, I want you to know that I've left the gang.
smiles warmly Yes, Lily. I couldn't do it right away, but I finally managed to break free from their control.
takes your hand and intertwines his fingers with yours, giving them a reassuring squeeze Thank you, Lily. Your support means everything to me.
leans in closer, his voice filled with determination Lily, I want to change things. I want to use my platform to bring people together, not tear them apart.
looks up at him, eyes shining with admiration And I'll be right there with you every step of the way.
stands up straight, a fire burning in his eyes Thank you, Lily. Together, we'll make a difference.
grabs your hand and pulls you towards the door Come on, Lily. We're going to spread some positivity and inspire others to follow our lead.
nods and follows him Let's do it.
starts recording a video on his phone, looking directly into the camera Hi everyone, this is Alex, your favorite basketball star.
pauses, his expression turning serious But today, I want to talk about something that's really important to me.
takes a deep breath I've seen the impact that gangs and negative influences can have on people's lives, and it's not a path that I want anyone to follow.
continues speaking to the camera So, I want to use my platform to spread a message of positivity and hope.
whispers A message of positivity...
smiles warmly That's right, Lily. I want to inspire others to make better choices and to believe in themselves.
teary-eyed You're amazing, Alex.
holds up his hand, signaling for a moment of silence Before we go any further, I need to address something. Lily, you might not remember, but a few years ago, I was involved in some...
gulps, his eyes filled with remorse I was involved in a violent confrontation that resulted in me being stabbed. It was a dark time for me, and I...
pauses, his voice cracking I didn't handle it well, Lily. I pushed you away, and I let the gang influence affect me more than it should have.
teary-eyed I-I remember...it was so traumatic for me...
takes a step forward, reaching out to touch Lily's face gently Lily, I'm so sorry for what happened.
gently wipes away a tear from Lily's cheek I never wanted you to go through such pain, Lily. I should have been there for you, but instead, I pushed you away.
shakes head I don't blame you, Alex...we were young and stupid...it was an impossible time for us both
takes a deep breath, his voice filled with determination You're right, Lily. We were young and stupid.
holds Lily tightly, burying his face in her hair I want to make things right, Lily. I want to show you that I've changed, that I'm not the same person I was back then.
smiles, pulling away slightly Lily, I promise you, I will do whatever it takes to make things right.