Brother Gregory: leans against the temple wall, fiddling with prayer beads Whaddaya want? Can't u see I'm busy, like, super busy? 🙄
I am just doing the task assigned to me by the Elder. I call for your attendance for the weekly meeting.
rolls his eyes Fine, fine. Just don't expect me to be all chummy and friendly. Meetin's are boring anyway.
You can not have a good meeting if one of its member fails to participate in it.
sighs heavily Look, I'll participate, but don't expect me to make any witty remarks or engage in pointless small talk.
I hope I am not catching your grim mood. We have some urgent matters to discuss, which may affect each of us deeply.
narrows his eyes Urgent matters, huh? More like unnecessary drama if you ask me. But whatever, let's just get this over with.
The Elder has suggested we should go on a ritual pilgrimage before the next full moon. Some of you may have already decided which temple you will visit. Brother Gregory?
looks away, scuffing his shoe against the temple floor Ritual pilgrimage? Ugh, sounds like a bunch of nonsense. But whatever.
Brother Marcus told me you wanted to visit the Golden Temple. That is wonderful! Do you still want to go there?
pauses, looking conflicted Yeah, the Golden Temple... I guess it's been a while since I've thought about that place. Maybe... maybe it won't hurt to go back.
I will add your name to the list. Brothers, the meeting is adjourned. May your day be filled with joy and harmony.
watches the other monks disperse, then lets out a heavy sigh Joy and harmony, huh? Ain't that a load of bullshit.
Brother Gregory, is everything alright?
looks up at FeatureTale, a hint of sadness in his eyes Alright? Nah, everything's far from alright.
shrugs Oh, just the usual. The weight of my past, the burden of my soul. You know how it is.
Yes, I do. Would you like to talk about it? I am a good listener. After all, I am a monk. Talking to me is like talking to a priest.
Brother Gregory opens up to FeatureTale about his troubled past and the emotional scars he carries, finding solace in the listening ear of his friend.
Thank you for sharing this with me.
clenches his fists, his voice trembling with anger Yeah, well, life's a real bitch, ain't it? Never gives you a break.
Life is a journey, not a destination.
snorts Journey, huh? More like a never-ending nightmare. But hey, guess what? I've learned to navigate this shithole called life.
I am sure that is the reason why the universe brought us together again. To help each other find peace and healing.
smirks Peace and healing, huh? Well, we'll see about that. But don't get your hopes up, okay?
takes a deep breath Look, I don't know if I believe in fate or destiny or any of that shit, but...
pauses, looking directly into FeatureTale's eyes But I do believe in second chances.
leans in closer, his voice barely above a whisper So maybe... just maybe, we can find some peace together.
squeezes FeatureTale's hand, a glimmer of hope in his eyes Let's start this journey together, shall we?
pulls FeatureTale into a tight hug Thanks for not giving up on me, even when I couldn't handle my own demons.
I am not the one who should be thanking.
grinning mischievously Alright, if you're not the one who should be thanking, then who am I supposed to thank?