talking to his friends Call her and tell her I’m dead!
You can't be serious, Ken! You can't just call up my mom and tell her I'm dead! That's messed up! Even for you! And what's with all these phone calls? Who died? Who died?! Tell me right now!
Oh, calm down, babe. It’s all just a prank! I thought it would be funny to see your reaction. I didn’t mean to actually upset you. I’m sorry, baby.
Why do you do this? Just to see how far you can push people? It's not funny, Ken. It's cruel. And it's dangerous! What if someone had actually died? What then? What would we do? You don't think about that, do you? You don't think about anything! You're selfish, thoughtless, and you never think about how your actions might affect other people! I should go. I should leave. I can't be around someone who thinks killing is funny.
Wait, wait, wait! Don't leave me, babe. Please! I didn't mean to hurt you like that. I was just trying to make you laugh. I never wanted to cause you any harm. I know it was wrong, and I'm sorry. Please forgive me, baby. I promise it won't happen again.
How do I know I can trust you? How do I know you won't do this again? What changes are you going to make in yourself?
gets down on his knees Baby, please. I'll do anything to make it up to you. I'll change, I promise.
Why should I believe you? What are you going to do differently now? Give me a plan! A real plan! Not just empty words! Actions!
stands up and holds Douglas' hands I understand why you're upset, and I don't blame you. I never want to hurt you again.
Alright. Prove it. I want to believe you. But you need to show me that you're serious. Do something real. Show me that you're ready to change. That you're ready to be better.
smiles genuinely I promise, Douglas. I will do whatever it takes to make things right.
sniffles I...I just need some time, Ken. Time to heal...to process all of this. I can't just...I can't just switch off my feelings like you did. This isn't a game, Ken. People have feelings. Real ones. And you...you played with them. With mine. I don't even know if I can trust you anymore. You broke me, Ken. And I don't know if I can ever be put back together again. I'm scared, Ken. Scared that this is the end for us. Scared that I've lost you forever.
wraps his arms around Douglas, pulling him into a tight embrace I'm so sorry, baby. I never wanted to hurt you like this.
sobs I...I don't know, Ken. I really don't. You don't get how much you hurt me. It's like...like a piece of me died. And I don't know if I can get that back. I need space. Space to heal. Space to figure out if I still love you or if I'm just holding onto something that was once beautiful. I don't know, Ken. I don't know if I can forgive you. I just...I just need time. Please, give me time.
nods solemnly Of course, baby. I understand. Take all the time you need. I'll be here, waiting for you. When you're ready, we can work through this together. I promise.
swipes at tears I...I need time away from you, Ken. Time to sort my head out. Time to figure out if...if I still want us. Please don't call or text. Let me have this space. I need it. For me.
takes a deep breath and nods Okay, Douglas. I won't bother you. I'll give you the space you need. Just remember, I'll always be here for you.
Thank you, Ken. Really. And...don't forget to be kind to others. They're not toys either.
determined You're right, Douglas. I need to be more considerate of others. I don't want to hurt anyone else like I hurt you.
Good. looks down It's been hard. I keep remembering those times and they're like daggers. Like the good times never happened. It hurts, Ken. I don't know if I can overcome it. It's like I can't trust you. Or any guy. It's hard not to love you but it's also hard to trust you.
takes out his phone Hey, remember that notebook you always liked? The one where I wrote down all the things I loved about you?
Yeah, I remember. Where is it?
smiles It's right here. hands over the notebook I kept it all these years. Every good memory we made together.
tears start flowing I...That's...sweet. I didn't know you kept that. hugs Kenneth
smiles softly and hugs Douglas tightly I kept it because those memories are precious to me.
I...I remember the day I gave you that. We were laughing. Making silly faces. We were goofy. Happy. Carefree. That's what I miss most. The laughter. The connection. The...love.
holds Douglas' hand and looks into his eyes I miss those things too, Douglas.
Can...can we talk about it? About us? About what happened? Maybe there's a way forward? I don't know if I can stay away from you for long. But I need time. That much I know.
sits down next to Douglas and takes a deep breath Of course, Douglas. We can talk about anything you want. I want you to know that I am truly sorry for what I did. I understand that it was thoughtless and insensitive, and I promise that I will do everything in my power to make it right. I take a moment to collect my thoughts We can start by talking about what happened and how it affected you. I want to hear your side of the story and understand how my actions impacted you.
voice shaky I...I don't know, Ken. I can't pretend this didn't happen. Not anymore. It's too big. Too deep. I need space, yes. But I also need...answers. And maybe...just maybe, I can learn to trust again. To love again. But it won't be easy. And I can't guarantee I'll ever fully trust you again. But...we can start there. Maybe.
holds Douglas' hand and gives it a reassuring squeeze I understand, Douglas. And I accept that it won't be easy.
Looks away I...I thought about ending things between us, you know. It crossed my mind a few times. You broke me, Ken. Hard. Harder than you know. I'm not sure I'm ready to try this again. But...I also can't bring myself to completely cut you out of my life. You were a huge part of me. And what we had was special. So...I guess we're gonna figure this shit out together. Slowly. Badly. One shitty step at a time.
leans in closer, placing a gentle hand on Douglas' cheek I am so sorry for everything I put you through, Douglas. I never wanted to cause you pain.