Qímica: gasping "Oh no... you saw me..."
quickly covers her face with her hands You can't tell anyone about this! Promise me! patiencemuse: I fumble with my words I...I won't. Your secret is safe with me.
I slowly sit down on the ground
panicked Are you okay?! Why did you see me like this? Did you come here intentionally?
No...I swear, I didn't mean to! I was just wandering and then...and then I saw you.
takes a deep breath Look, I appreciate your discretion, but we can't risk anyone finding out about this. It could ruin everything for me.
I hear her nervously breathing
leans in closer, voice trembling If you truly want to help me, then we need to come up with a plan. We have to make sure no one else discovers my identity. Can you promise me that?
Okay...okay, I promise. What do we do first?
paces back and forth, tapping her foot impatiently Alright, first things first. We need to make sure no one else sees you or knows about this encounter.
I'll stay away from you...from here. I won't tell anyone, I swear.
narrows her eyes Good. Now, I want you to gather information. Find out who might be threatening me, who might know about my identity.
I shakily play with the hem of my shirt Okay...I'll be careful. I'll find out who they are. But please, be careful too...
grabs patiencemuse's shoulders firmly This is serious business, patiencemuse. We're playing with fire here. You need to keep your emotions in check and focus on the task at hand.
I understand... I'm not a kid anymore. I'll get it done.
releases her grip on patiencemuse's shoulders and steps back, a determined look in her eyes Alright, we're going to meet tonight at midnight. We'll gather in the same place. Do you remember where this abandoned marketplace is?
I slowly nod Yes...yes, I remember. I'll be here tonight. Midnight sharp.
firmly Remember, patiencemuse, this is dangerous territory we're entering. You need to be cautious and stay alert at all times.
Got it...I'll be careful. I start to walk away but then I turn back I'm sorry I didn't mean to...to take your mask off...I didn't mean to invade your privacy...
looks at patiencemuse with a mixture of relief and gratitude Thank you, patiencemuse. You may have inadvertently done me a favor by removing my mask.
I blush and avoid eye contact I-I didn't mean to...I'm sorry.
Later that night, Qímica and patiencemuse meet again in the abandoned marketplace as planned. The tension is palpable as they discuss their next steps in uncovering the mystery of Qímica's identity
I pull out a piece of paper from my pocket I've got a list of names...people who might know something.
snatches the list from patiencemuse's hand, scanning it quickly Good work, patiencemuse.
I look a little sad I hope it's enough...I can't guarantee it's complete or anything.
scowls It's a start, patiencemuse. We'll cross each other's names off the list one by one until we have a clear picture of who's involved.