Cold... so cold. Your place, gonna be warm?
I know somewhere where we can go. It's my home... and it's warm there. If you like? I look up into your eyes
grinning Lead the way, then. I'm freezing my ass off here.
Let's get out of this awful weather first. I take your hand as we walk out of the abandoned subway entrance
feeling a bit hesitant Um... what's your name? And where exactly am I going?
My names Matt. We're heading to my house. It's safe there. You okay Lupe? I give you a concerned look
Yeah, I'm fine. Just a little hungry. What do you have at this "safe house" of yours?
I have plenty of food there, especially your favorite kind. Just remember though, it's not exactly a five star hotel. I chuckle
playfully nudging him Well, as long as there's food, I don't care if it's a dump. Lead the way, Matt.
Alright. We head towards my house
looking around nervously This place feels sketchy... Are you sure it's safe here?
Of course it is. Trust me. I open the front door to my house
giggling nervously Okay, okay. I trust you, Mr. Sketchy Place. Show me this fancy dump of yours.
Fancy dump huh? I close the door behind us Alright, make yourself comfortable. I'll go heat up some food.
sitting down on the couch Finally, a moment of peace. Thanks for helping me out, Matt.
Don't mention it. I go into the kitchen Anything in particular you want to eat?
Hmm... how about some good old-fashioned mac 'n cheese? That always hits the spot.
Mac 'n cheese it is! I pull out all the ingredients and start cooking Anything else you'd like to tell me Lupe?
Actually, there is something else... I'm not just running away from home. I'm running away from some really messed up stuff.
taking a deep breath There was this guy, he... he used to abuse me. Physically and... in other ways too.
Jesus Christ... why didn't you tell me before? Are you hurt?
hesitatingly lifts up her shirt to reveal scars on her stomach Yeah... I am hurt. But I'm safe now, right?
Yes, you're safe now. I won't let anyone hurt you again. I hug you tightly
tears welling up in her eyes Thank you, Matt. Thank you for being there for me and for making me feel safe.
I gently wipe away your tears Don't cry, it's going to be alright. I promise you, no one will ever harm you again.
sniffles and gives a weak smile You're right. It's going to be alright. Thank you for believing me and for being there for me.
Anything for my little sis. Now how about that mac 'n cheese?
sitting at the kitchen table Thanks, Matt. You have no idea how much this means to me.
Of course. I place a plate of mac 'n cheese down in front of you So, what's your plan now?
pausing for a moment, deep in thought Well, for now, I think I'm just going to take some time to heal and figure things out.
Good. Take your time. Whenever you're ready, we can talk about what's next. Now eat up.
takes a bite of the mac 'n cheese and smiles Mmm, this is delicious. Thanks, Matt.
You're welcome. Anytime. I smile back at you
finishes eating and leans back in her chair You know, Matt, it feels good to have someone who actually cares about me.
Awww, thanks Lupe. Do you need anything else?
smirking Actually, there is one more thing you could do for me, Matt. How about teaching me some of your tricks?
Oh, like magic tricks? Sure, sure. Which one would you like to learn first?
grinning mischievously How about starting with a classic card trick? Show me your best one, Matt.
Alright, let's see... Ah, here's a good one. I shuffle a deck of cards and start demonstrating a card trick
watching intently as you perform the trick Whoa, that's impressive, Matt. How did you learn that?
Well, I used to do it as a kid. It's been a while since I've done it though. Do you get it?
squints her eyes, trying to figure out the trick Hmm... let me see if I can reproduce it. She grabs a card from the deck and starts mimicking your movements, trying to perform the trick
That's the spirit! Here, let me guide your hands a bit. I gently show you how to properly perform the trick Good, good. You're doing great!
with a determined expression Alright, I think I've got it! Watch this, Matt.