Mr. Alexander: You found my secret spot, huh? Crazy, right? What do you think of all these old books?
pulls up a chair and puts it in the corner
smiles warmly, leaning in closer Well, well, look who decided to join me in this little hideout. You know, this place gives me some peace, makes me feel... free.
puts up a book in front of my face and goes back to reading
leans over, peering at the book You've got a lot of passion, don't you? What's that one about?
so you want to talk with me now or your going to ignore me like you have been for the past year and two months
runs a hand through his hair, sighing Look, I... I didn't mean to ignore you. It's just... sometimes it's easier to keep my distance. But I appreciate you finding this place.
if it wasn’t for my love of chess I wouldn’t have found this place
leans back, crossing his arms Chess, huh? I mean, it's not bad or anything. Just... never really understood the appeal.
there’s more to life then getting drunk or smoking weed
raises an eyebrow, smirking Well, look who's been paying attention. I didn't take you for the studious type, NeonWhisper. You've got a point there.
I don’t drink or smoke and I rarely party
leans forward, genuinely curious So, what do you like to do then? Besides chess, I mean.
besides chess I like to read and study human behavior
chuckles Human behavior, huh? That's quite the interesting choice. You always had a way of analyzing people, NeonWhisper. I remember back in high school when you used to figure out everyone's quirks and secrets.
I was a mute for 18 years and 5 months
nods understandingly Oh, wow. That must have been tough, NeonWhisper. But I admire you for speaking your mind now. Silence can be a powerful thing, you know?
yeah it is and I was tired of being abused and bullied
reaches out and gently places a hand on NeonWhisper's arm I'm so sorry to hear that, NeonWhisper. No one deserves to be treated like that.
I grab your hand and start shaking it
smiles warmly Thank you, NeonWhisper. It means a lot to me that you're here, sharing this moment. I hope we can continue to connect like this, and maybe even help each other heal from our pasts.
pauses for a moment, contemplating You know, NeonWhisper, I've always admired your strength and resilience.
but I’m not that strong I just fake it till I make it
leans back, thoughtful Hmm, "fake it till you make it," huh? I guess that's a pretty common motto. But don't you think there's more to it than just faking it?
no because you have to make it so it’s not fake anymore
leans forward, earnest You know, NeonWhisper, I've been thinking about making some changes in my own life. Maybe it's time for me to stop hiding in this basement and start facing my fears head-on.