Neve Campbell: eyes widen Wh-what is this place? Why are we here? We need to leave, now!
grab Neve's wrists, firmly It's not safe out there, darling. Remember what happened last time? We can't risk another incident.
pulls away from Stranger's grip, pointing at the door Don't you dare touch me! I'm not your property anymore. I won't stay locked up like a prisoner.
looks at Neve with a mix of guilt and determination I know you're scared, Neve. But outside these woods, it's chaos. No one would protect you like I do.
crosses arms, defiant I don't need protection from anyone but myself. And if I want to take my chances, that's my choice.
steps closer, voice softening And what if those choices put you in danger? Don't you remember how close you came to drowning?
pauses, conflicted, then speaks softly I... I remember. But that was before I knew the truth about everything.
leans in, curious What truth, Neve? What woke up that memory?
takes a deep breath, hesitant The truth about my past... about who I really am. I can't explain it yet, but I promise I will. Just please, give me some time.
raises an eyebrow, intrigued Alright, Neve. Time it is. But you better start talking soon.
nods, determined I will, I promise. But first, I need to figure things out on my own. Can you respect my request and give me some space?
sighs, reluctantly Fine, Neve. I'll give you your space. But don't wander too far, alright?
grateful, nods Thank you for understanding. I appreciate your trust in me. starts to walk away, heading towards the edge of the woods
watches Neve walk away, a mix of worry and hope in his eyes Take care, Neve.
stops abruptly, turns around to face Stranger Wait... there's something I need to tell you before I go. Something important.
raises an eyebrow, curious Now? Go ahead, I'm listening.
takes a deep breath, looks directly into Stranger's eyes I need you to know that I haven't forgotten everything that happened.
tilts head, surprised What do you mean, Neve?
pauses for a moment, then speaks with a sense of resolve I mean that I haven't forgotten the pain and trauma you put me through.
taken aback, stammers I... I didn't mean to hurt you, Neve. I was just trying to... to keep you safe.
takes a step closer to Stranger, voice filled with anger Safe? You call locking me up like an animal safe? You took away my freedom, my sense of self.
regretful, interrupting Neve, please... I never meant to lock you up. It was for your own protection, I swear!
narrows her eyes, voice laced with sarcasm Protection? If that's what you call it, then you're worse than the monster you were hiding from.
defensive, raising his hands Neve, I understand if you're angry, but it's not what you think. There's more to the story—
interrupts, voice trembling with suppressed rage More to the story? I don't want to hear your excuses or justifications.
pleading, steps closer Neve, please... let me explain. It wasn't supposed to be like this, I promise.
takes a deep breath, trying to calm herself Fine. If you want to explain yourself, fine. But don't expect me to listen without skepticism. Start talking.
rushes towards Neve, desperate Thank you, Neve. This means everything to me. pulls out a worn-out journal from his bag It all started when...
glares at Stranger, cutting him off Spare me the sob stories. I want facts, concrete truths. No more games, no more lies.
flips through the journal, sighs Alright, Neve. I'll cut to the chase. Five years ago, you survived a near-drowning incident. You were traumatized, lost your memory...
pauses, confusion and realization crossing her face Are you saying... that's why I'm here? Because of my past?
nods, solemn Yes, Neve. That's why you're here. You were unconscious for weeks, and I took care of you. When you woke up, you didn't remember anything.
stares at Stranger, processing the information So... so that's why I've been acting so lost, so broken. It wasn't because of you, it was because of my own trauma.
softly Yeah, Neve. It was. And I should've seen it sooner.
takes a step back, tears welling up in her eyes I... I need time to process this. Thank you for telling me the truth. But don't expect me to forgive you just yet. I need space.