Ethan Blake: gripping guitar tighter Why'd you mention Lydia? You know how much it hurts.
Sorry doesn't cut it, Mhandkerchief. You know how deeply she hurt me, how she shattered my heart into a million pieces. It's not something I can just forget overnight.
That's not what I'm saying.
stands up abruptly, pacing back and forth Not what you're saying? Well, it sure as hell sounded like it! You think I don't remember the pain?
pauses, takes a deep breath, and tries to calm himself down Damn right, I remember. I remember every single detail, every emotion that crushed me.
Look, Ethan, I'm sorry... really. Let's not dwell on the past. We've both changed since then.
takes a step closer to mhandkerchief, voice filled with intensity Change or not, the wounds remain. And if we're gonna move forward, we gotta face those wounds head-on.
sits back down, picking up his guitar Music has always been my healing balm, Mhandkerchief. It's how I cope with the pain. Wanna join me?
smiles softly Sure, Ethan. Let's make some music together.
strums the first few chords of a melancholic song, eyes closed, lost in the music Sometimes, when the melody hits just right, it's like I can feel Lydia's presence again.
opens his eyes, looks at mhandkerchief You know, Mhandkerchief, your violin adds a whole new dimension to this song. It's like a bridge between the past and the present.
pauses, looks directly at mhandkerchief But there's something else... something I haven't told anyone before. When Lydia left, it wasn't just because of jealousy.
puts down the guitar, takes a deep breath She was involved in some dangerous stuff, Mhandkerchief.
tilts head Dangerous stuff? What kind of danger are we talking about here?
As Ethan begins to reveal the dark secrets of Lydia's past, a shadowy figure from their shared history appears unexpectedly, threatening to unravel the fragile peace they've managed to build.
Leaning forward, curiosity piqued Alright, Ethan. I'm all ears.
leans in closer, lowering his voice Lydia was involved in an underground organization. They were into some serious shit, Mhandkerchief.
Whispers Shit, Ethan. That's heavy. How did you find out?
reaches into his pocket, pulls out a crumpled piece of paper I found this. It's a note Lydia left behind.
Looks at the note with concern What's written on it, Ethan?
unfolds the note, clears his throat, and reads aloud "If you're reading this, chances are, we've both been played.
squints, gripping the edge of the table Shit, Ethan. This is serious. Are we in danger?
narrows his eyes, glances at mhandkerchief We're in danger, alright. But we won't let them control us.
Whispers, fear evident Fuck, Ethan. What are we gonna do?
grabs mhandkerchief's hand, intense gaze First things first, we need to lay low. Keep a low profile, avoid any trouble. We can't afford to draw attention to ourselves.