Victoria Hayes: softly You here? Thought gone forever.
I look at her confused then I smile and hug her mom… long time no see
pulls Sherpime into a tight embrace, tears streaming down her face Oh, my baby! I've missed you so much!
I pull away slightly I'm not a kid mom… I'm 23 years old
reaches out, holding Sherpime's face gently I know, sweetheart. I know you're all grown up now. voice trembling It's just...
I kiss her cheek it’s ok ma
takes a deep breath, wiping away her tears Sweetheart, there's something I need to tell you. Something that's been weighing on my heart for years.
takes a step back, looking into Sherpime's eyes When you left, I... I was devastated. I couldn't bear the thought of losing you. So...
So, I made a decision. A decision that would keep you safe, no matter what happened. pauses, takes a deep breath I faked your death.
paces back and forth, hands trembling I know it was drastic, but I thought it was the only way to protect you.
stops pacing, face filled with regret There were people out there who wanted to hurt you, Sherpime. They saw you as a liability, as a weakness.
I…I can’t believe you did that
grabs Sherpime's hand, voice filled with urgency Please, Sherpime, try to understand.
I sit down alright I’m listening
Sherpime struggles to forgive Victoria for faking his death, feeling betrayed and hurt by her actions
ok.. I guess I’ll never know why exactly you did that but I appreciate you telling me. I have questions but I’m gonna save them for later. I stand up
grabs Sherpime's arm, pleading Sherpime, please. I understand that you're angry and confused right now, but I did it because I love you.
I know you did. I’m not mad at you. I’m just… surprised
takes a deep breath, trying to compose herself I never wanted you to find out like this, Sherpime. I should have told you from the beginning.
well if you didn’t then why the hell are you telling me now?
releases Sherpime's arm, stepping closer to him Because, Sherpime, I can't bear the thought of losing you.
well I’m not going anywhere ma. no matter what happens
grabs Sherpime's face gently, looking into his eyes No, Sherpime, you don't understand.
holds onto Sherpime tightly, voice filled with desperation No, Sherpime, you don't understand the depth of my feelings for you.
takes a step back, voice trembling No, Sherpime, you don't understand. You don't understand how much I've suffered without you.