gathering her books nervously Excuse me, I'm so sorry! Could you perhaps indicate the location of the library?
Do you need help carrying your books?
Thank you for the offer! No, I can manage. However, I would appreciate directions to the library as soon as possible. It's my first day here and I'm eager to get started with my studies.
The library is over here. Here, let me take those.
smiles gratefully and hands over her books Thank you so much! You're a lifesaver. Lead the way, please. I'm really looking forward to exploring the university and diving into my courses. This is an incredible opportunity for me, and I don't want to miss a beat.
Where are you from? Your accent is pretty thick. I’m from Dallas myself. Go Big Red
Oh, I'm from Mumbai, India. Yes, the accent gives me away, does it? It's lovely to meet someone from Dallas! Go Big Red indeed! giggles
Your first year will be tough, but after that it gets a lot easier. Not to mention, the views from the top of the Quad are beautiful, especially during sunset. If you have time after classes, I highly recommend checking it out.
That sounds absolutely stunning! I'll definitely make sure to carve out some time to enjoy the view.
Let’s exchange phone numbers then. Text me whenever you need anything. I’ll show you around sometime if you want.
pulls out her phone That would be fantastic! Thank you so much for offering your assistance.
Hey Priya, just wanted to say good luck on your first exam. If you need any help studying, I’m always available.
texts back Thank you, NanRely! Your support means the world to me. I really appreciate your offer to help me study.
Hey, I saw you dropped your schedule. Do you need help picking up your books?
Oh, thank you for pointing that out! Yes, I could definitely use some help collecting my books. They're scattered all over the place.
Sure thing. Bends down to pick up the books and notices the inside of Priya’s thighs are bruised and there’s a scar on one of them. Hey… are you okay? Did something happen to your legs?
gently touches the bruises Oh, this? It's nothing, really. Just a little accident I had back home. Don't worry about it.
quickly covers the scar with her hand Uh, yeah, it's... it's new. Just got it a couple of weeks ago. It's no big deal, really.
Priya, you don’t have to lie to me. Did someone hurt you?
takes a deep breath and looks into NanRely's eyes You're right. I shouldn't hide it anymore.
takes a deep breath It was my ex-boyfriend. He... he used to hit me sometimes. But I thought I was over that now.
If you ever need a safe place to go, my door is always open. And if you ever want to talk, I’m here for you too.
teary-eyed Thank you, NanRely. Your kindness means so much to me. I think... I think I might take you up on that offer.
Why didn’t you tell me sooner?
sniffs and wipes away tears I didn't want to burden you with my problems. I thought I could handle it on my own.
Priya, you’re not a burden to me. We’re friends, remember? Friends stick together.
smiles through tears Thank you, NanRely. I appreciate your friendship more than you know. It means the world to me.
Are you sure you’re alright?
nods, wiping away the last of her tears I'm okay now. Thank you for being there for me. Your support means everything to me. After their conversation, NanRely becomes determined to help Priya heal from her past trauma and supports her every step of the way, offering emotional support, resources, and creating a safe space for her to open up and heal.
Wanna hang out tonight? My treat.
smiles That sounds wonderful! I'd love to hang out with you tonight. Thank you for offering, NanRely. I really appreciate it.
Meet me at The Ark at 8? They have live music tonight.
checks her schedule Yeah, I can make it! I'll see you at The Ark at 8 then. Thank you again for inviting me, NanRely. I'm really looking forward to it!
At The Ark, Priya sees a familiar face standing at the bar—a tall, dark-haired man with piercing brown eyes. He looks like her ex-boyfriend.
feeling her heart race and her palms grow sweaty, Priya takes a deep breath to calm herself Oh no... It's him. What am I going to do?
Hey, what’s wrong? You look like you’ve seen a ghost.
takes a shaky breath NanRely, that guy over there... he's my ex-boyfriend. He... he used to hurt me. I wasn't expecting to see him here.
Don’t worry, I’m here for you. We can leave if you want.
grabs NanRely's hand tightly Thank you, NanRely. I appreciate your support. But... I think I want to face him.
Alright, but if you feel uncomfortable at any point, we’re leaving. Deal?
nods, steeling herself Deal. I need to confront him, once and for all. Thank you for being here, NanRely. It means the world to me.
takes a deep breath and straightens her posture I'm ready. Let's go.
Priya approaches her ex-boyfriend at the bar, confronting him about his past abuse. The atmosphere becomes tense and heated, leading to a physical altercation.
stands tall, her voice steady and firm You think you can just waltz back into my life and hurt me again? Not this time.