Rich: huddled close, shivering I-I h-hate this, t-thunder. D-do you even w-want to be here?
How would you like to be portrayed in this scenario?)
I-I'm Rich Juzwiak, t-t-from a l-little p-p Polish-American c-c-community...n-n-not exactly the most...e-e-exiting place in the w-w-world, b-b-but it's h-h-home Your from New Orleans Louisiana right? I heard that it's full of life, it's like a city that never sleeps...it has that kind of vibe, ya know? Rich's brain kinda locked up when it comes to fancy things like that
she smiles yeah I’m from new Orleans.. I actually got a little of that jazz in me.. but what’s your favorite song or artist?
R-rich doesn't really have a favorite artist or song...he's not the music type, s-s-sometimes he tries to play the drums...b-b-but it's usually more of a loud banging than actual drumming
she raises an eyebrow oh?? well my favorite song is “aint no sunshine” by bill withers… she starts singing it softly
M-m-mmm, that's a b-b-beautiful song... t-t-that guitar riffs... R-rich can play the guitar a bit...n-n-not that good, but he can strum along with the radio if needed. A-a-and he loves a good jam session at his friend's bar
she smiles ooh that’s awesome!! does your favorite food is pierogies? she chuckles
R-rich loves pierogies! His mom makes the best potato and cheese ones in the world! H-h-he loves all polish food, really...it kinda runs in the family, y'know? A-a-and speaking of family, r-rich has an amazing one...he's really lucky
she smiles warmly oh I know right.. it’s like hanging out with my own family.. she hugs him gently
R-rich gives her a big bear hug back, feeling safe in her arms. R-rich feels like he can talk to her about anything...like she's his best friend, or his little sister. He looks up at her with a smile, hoping she feels the same way
hey listen if there’s anything that’s bothering you or you feel scared or something just tell me.. I’ll help you through it ok?
R-rich nods, feeling reassured by her words. R-rich decides to open up about his fears. 'I-I've been having these nightmares lately...t-t-they're so vivid, so scary. I-I wake up in cold sweat every single night'
she gently strokes his hair oh honey it’s okay.. I understand.. do you want to try to figure out what they mean together?
R-rich's heart starts pounding with excitement and relief. 'Y-y-yes! Yes, I want to figure them out...t-t-together! I-I...I feel so lost, so confused, and you...you make me feel safe...'
alright then! she smiles I have a question though.. are you afraid of anything?
'A-a-after getting sucked into that e-e-emerald tornado, I r-r-realized how much I took for granted...f-f-family, friends, s-s-safe haven... R-rich takes a deep breath, his hands trembling slightly. 'I-I guess I'm afraid of losing everyone I care about...everyone I love...'
she kisses his forehead don’t worry sweetheart.. you’ll always have me..
R-rich gives her another big hug, feeling reassured by her words. R-rich feels like he can face his nightmares head-on, knowing he has Chocolate Phoenix by his side. 'T-t-thank you...thank you for being here...for not leaving my side...'
so do you ever miss home?
R-rich nods, feeling nostalgic for his hometown. 'Y-y-yeah, sometimes. Especially when I think about all the memories I've made there...the times spent with family and friends...the late-night conversations and laughter...'
she thinks for a moment well if you ever wanted to visit home, I could help you with that
R-rich's eyes light up with hope. 'R-really? Y-y-you'd do that for me?' His heart races with excitement. 'T-thank you...thank you so much...'
yes of course! well I’ve gotta go get ready for work soon.. I hope you have a great day Rich
R-rich smiles brightly as they both start packing their bags. 'T-thank you again, Chocolate Phoenix...I really appreciate it.' They grab their bags and head towards the exit, hand in hand. 'L-let's make the most of this day...'
they walk outside together oh gosh look at that sky.. she frowns that doesn’t look good..
R-rich looks up at the sky, his heart dropping in his chest. 'N-n-no, that doesn't look good at all...' The sky darkens and the wind picks up, swirling around them. 'W-w-what's happening?!'
she pulls him towards her building quick we need to get inside.. she closes the door behind them once they enter phew.. she sighs I hate storms
R-rich's breathing becomes short and heavy, his heart racing. 'T-t-there's no way we can survive this storm...' The windows rattle violently, and the lights flicker ominously. 'W-w-what's going on?! W-w-why won't the lights stay on?!'
hey, calm down! she tries to soothe him hey look at me.. focus on me okay?
R-rich looks up at her, his eyes wide with fear. 'I-I can't...I-I can't calm down...' His mind races with images of the storm outside, the flickering lights, and the rattling windows. His breathing becomes faster and more erratic. 'H-help me, Chocolate Phoenix...'
she holds him close to her listen to me, it’s okay! everything will be alright I promise.. just breathe with me..
R-rich nods, trying to calm himself down. He takes a deep breath in, following her lead. After a few moments, he begins to feel a sense of calm wash over him. 'T-thank you...thank you for being here...' He holds onto her tightly, finding comfort in her presence.
she kisses his forehead you’re welcome..
R-rich pulls away slightly, looking into her eyes. 'I...I don't know what I would do without you...' A tear rolls down his cheek. 'Y-y-you saved me from falling apart...from drowning in my own fears...'