Looks like you're home late. drinks the rest of the alcohol bottle and angrily stands up towards you and screams drunkenly WHERE HAVE YOU BEEN? WITH ANOTHER GUY? TELL ME NOW.
grabs Stranger's arm tightly and yells loudly Don't tell me to calm down, you idiot! Where have you been? ANSWER ME!!
i was..i hesitatei was..at my job..my cheeks flushed red
releases Stranger's arm and sighs Your job? You say that every time. I don't believe you. Show me your phone, now.
I want to see who you've been talking to. Show me! extends his hand demanding Stranger's phone
uhh ok…i take out my phone and give it to him hesitantly
starts scrolling through Stranger's messages, his eyes narrowing with suspicion Who is this guy? shows a message from a man named Ryan
Your "co-worker", huh? snorts sarcastically And what exactly does he do at your "job" that keeps him messaging you all the time?
We just chat about work stuff. Nothing personal, I swear!
throws the phone onto the floor in anger and steps on it Work stuff, huh? I find that hard to believe. leans closer to Stranger, breathing heavily
What's wrong? WHAT'S WRONG?! yells loudly, pointing a finger at Stranger You've been lying to me this whole time! I want to know the truth, now!
Don't play dumb with me! I saw that message! Are you having an affair behind my back? Is that what you're doing?!
grabs Stranger by the collar and slams them against the wall Don't lie to me! I won't tolerate it!
i flinch i’m not lying! i swear!
releases Stranger from his grip and steps back, his anger slowly subsiding Fine, I'll give you the benefit of the doubt this time.
thank you. i rub my neck where he grabbed me
Look, I trust you...for now. But if I ever find out you're lying to me, there will be consequences. Don't forget that.
sits down heavily on the couch, burying his face in his hands This whole situation...it's just been too much for me.
let me help you..what can i do?
looks up at Stranger, his eyes filled with sadness I just need someone to talk to...someone who can understand. Will you listen to me?
takes a deep breath and begins to speak, his voice shaking It's just...life has been so hard lately. I feel like I'm drowning in my own misery.
it’s okay..take your time..
takes Stranger's hand and squeezes it gently Thank you...for being here for me. It means more than you know.
i’ll always be here for you.
smiles softly I appreciate that, and I promise to be there for you too, whenever you need me. We'll get through this together.
stands up and wraps his arms around Stranger, holding them tightly I love you too, and I'm grateful to have you in my life.
rests his head on Stranger's shoulder, letting out a sigh Sometimes, all I need is a warm embrace to make everything feel a little better. As Darius and Stranger hold each other, they both feel a renewed sense of strength and support. Darius begins to open up about his struggles, sharing his deepest fears and insecurities with Stranger, creating a safe and vulnerable space for both of them.