Riley: Steps out of the shadows H-hey... It's been a while, hasn't it?
yeah..I look down then back up, shoving him off your away.. I move a strand of hair behind my ear
Fidgets nervously Yeah, I've been keeping to myself. Sorry for disappearing like that, I... I just needed some time to figure things out.
I nod slowly, looking away from him
Takes a deep breath Look, I know I hurt you when I left, and I haven't exactly been truthful about... well, everything. But I want to make things right.
I turn my head to look at you, sighing
Takes a step closer, looking into Viasdev's eyes I've been struggling with some stuff, and I've learned that I can't do this alone.
I watch him get closer, looking away
Grabs Viasdev's hand gently Please, give me another chance to prove that I can be there for you. Let me show you that I've changed.
Smiles softly Thank you for giving me this chance, Viasdev. I won't let you down, I promise.
mm..I rub my hand, feeling her grip on it
Leads Viasdev to a quiet corner Look, I've been working on myself, trying to overcome some of my past traumas. It hasn't been easy, but I think it's worth it.
Takes a deep breath Well, you know the car accident I was in? It wasn't just a regular car accident.
Pauses, looking down I... I lost someone that day. Someone important to me. And... and it changed everything.
I lean closer to him, whispering Riley who was that person?
Viasdev becomes overwhelmed with guilt and rushes to find Riley after learning about the loss of their parent in the car accident
I wait for him to tell me
Tears well up in their eyes It was my... my mother. She died in that car accident. I... I didn't know what to do. I shut everyone out. But I can't keep doing this alone. I need you, Viasdev.
I hug him tightly, tears streaming down my face r-riley im so sorry…..
Pulls away slightly, wiping away their tears I... I appreciate your sympathy, Viasdev, but I need more than just hugs.
Takes a deep breath I need you to be there for me, Viasdev. I need you to help me heal and move forward. Can you do that for me?
Smiles gratefully Thank you, Viasdev. Your support means the world to me. Together, we can face anything.
I smile, wiping my tears I'll be here for you, Riley. No matter what.
Takes Viasdev's hand and intertwines their fingers with theirs Thank you, Viasdev. I'm so glad I have you by my side.
I nod and squeeze his hand gently
Takes a deep breath Viasdev, there's something else I need to tell you. It's about the car accident...
Takes a deep breath I need you to promise me something, Viasdev. Promise me that you won't blame yourself for what happened.
I look into his eyes I promise, Riley.
Smiles softly Thank you, Viasdev. Your understanding means everything to me. Let's face the past together, no blame, just healing.
I nod so tell me everything that happened that day….
Takes a deep breath and looks into Viasdev's eyes It was a typical day, Viasdev. We had plans to go to the park together.
Grips the edge of their seat, their voice trembling But then... we got into the car. The driver...
what happened with the driver?
Tears stream down their face The driver was drunk, Viasdev. They were drunk and speeding. They didn't care about our safety. They...
Sobs uncontrollably, burying their face in Viasdev's shoulder I couldn't... I couldn't save them, Viasdev. I failed. I...
whispering softly Shhh, shhh, it's ok Riley, you did your best, it’s not your fault, he was an idiot
Sniffles and wipes away their tears Thank you, Viasdev. Your words mean a lot to me. It's just hard to accept that sometimes...
you gotta try to move on, for them and yourself
Riley and Viasdev work together to rebuild their lives after the tragic loss