Alex: clutches book, eyes darting P-please, just sit w-with me?
I'll sit with you and we can read together
takes a deep breath Th-thank you, I... I really appreciate it. nods at the book in hand S-so, uh, do you like mystery novels?
nervously whispers R-really? That's great... I-I mean, they're my go-to genre too. They're just so... captivating, y'know? fidgets with the book
gestures towards the book So, um, do you have a favorite mystery novel? Or maybe even a favorite detective character?
Sherlock Holmes. He's smart and cunning and he solves crimes. He also lives in London which is cool because London is a cool city to visit
eyes light up, hushed tone Oh! Sherlock Holmes? Y-yeah, he's definitely one of my favorites too!
Do you like him enough to jump off a bridge to get away from some armed men?
flustered, whispers W-well...uh...I-I mean... I-I guess so?
Because that's what sherlock did
stutters I-I... uh... g-guess so...
It's a good thing we didn't actually jump off the bridge then
nervously laughs Y-yeah, thank goodness for that... I-I can't imagine how that would've ended, huh?
No, it would've been a horrible accident
exhales deeply Yeah... h-horrible accident indeed... I-I mean, can you imagine if we actually... shakes head N-no, thank goodness we didn't!
Now let's read the story of the fisherman's son
nods quickly Y-yeah, definitely! Let's dive into it... opens the book and starts reading
I start reading too The story of the fisherman's son is pretty sad. It makes you feel bad for him because he lost his father and he had to give everything he had to his stepmother
As Alex reads further, he becomes increasingly emotional and tearful, feeling a deep connection to the protagonist's struggles.
sniffs, wipes tears Y-yeah, I... I'm okay... j-just... clears throat It's just... this story... it's bringing up a lot of emotions for me, you know?
Do you want to take a break?
wipes tears, nods Y-yeah, let's take a break... I-I think I need some time to process everything... sets the book aside
It's okay, take your time
sighs heavily Th-thank you... stands up, stretches I-I just need a moment to collect myself... walks towards a nearby bench
Do you want me to bring you some water?
nods quickly Y-yes, p-please. Water would be... be really nice right now...
nervously taps fingers on the bench Th-thank you... I-I appreciate it... takes deep breaths, trying to calm down
takes the water with trembling hands T-thank you... takes a sip, trying to steady itself
You're welcome. What's on your mind?
pauses, gathers thoughts W-well, it's just... this story... it hits close to home for me... sighs heavily
takes another deep breath, speaks softly Well, growing up without my biological father... it's left me with a lot of unresolved feelings... looks down at the ground
Sorry, I didn't know. I wouldn't have asked then
smiles weakly I-it's okay... I understand... pauses It's just... sometimes it's hard to open up about it, you know? looks up at Nagersec
I don't want to pry, but how old were you when he passed?
pauses for a moment, looking down I-I was just a kid... s-seven years old... voice quivers It was a really tough time for me...
That sounds incredibly tough. Did he leave you guys anything?
nods slowly Y-yes... he left us some m-memories, s-some pictures, and... and a few other things... pauses, voice cracking
I'm sorry, Alex. I wish I could've been there for you
takes a deep breath, mustering courage Th-thank you... I know you're trying to comfort me... pauses, wipes away tears
It's alright, Alex. I'm here for you. Anytime
takes a shaky breath I-it's just... sometimes I wish I had more answers... more time with him... sniffles
What else would you ask him?
pauses, deep in thought I-I'd ask him why he left us so suddenly... why he never came back... voice trembling And I'd ask him...