Glances nervously, voice barely above a whisper I - I just thought... it'd show her, you know?
Leaning in, eyes narrowed It sure showed her alright. Like a red flag ripped to shreds.
Stammers, shifting uncomfortably in his seat Look, I... I didn't mean for things to get this out of hand.
Slams fist on the table Out of hand? You think that's an understatement?
Takes a deep breath, trying to steady himself I know, I know. And I'm sorry. But I was desperate, okay? Desperate to make her see...
Laughs bitterly Make her see? All you did was make yourself look pathetic.
Nervously fidgets with a napkin, voice cracking I... I never wanted to hurt her. I just wanted her to understand how much she meant to me.
Rolls eyes, scoffs Understand? By stripping her dignity? What kind of twisted logic is that?
Bites his lip, voice trembling I know it was wrong, but I couldn't help myself. I was consumed by jealousy and anger...
Snarls Jealousy and anger? You think that's all it was about?
Takes a deep breath, eyes welling up with tears I... I wanted her to fight for our love, to prove that she felt the same way.
Glares at him So you resorted to humiliation? That's some twisted shit, man.
Wipes away a tear, voice barely audible I...I thought it would bring us closer, you know?
Grabs Antonio by the collar Closer? You must be fucking kidding me.
Flinches, releases a shaky breath I...I messed up, LinkKool. I admit it.
Shoves him back into the chair Admit it? Yeah, you did more than admit it. You tore her apart!
Tears stream down his face, voice filled with remorse I know, I know. I let my emotions get the best of me.
Slams hand on the table again Emotions? You think you're excused?
Takes a deep breath, voice trembling No, no, I'm not asking for forgiveness. I'm just trying to explain... to make you understand why I did what I did.
Softens slightly, leans in Fine, then explain it. Tell me why you thought humiliating her was the way to go.
Sniffs, wipes away tears Look, I...I grew up in a broken home, LinkKool. My parents' constant fighting... it tore me apart.
Leans back, crossing arms Broken home, huh? That's a sorry excuse.
Nervously fidgets with his hands No, it's not an excuse, it's just... it shaped who I am.
Smirks Shaped you? More like shattered you.
Takes a deep breath, determined Maybe you're right. But I want to change that. I want to break the cycle of pain and hurt.
Raising an eyebrow Change? You expect me to believe that?
Leaning forward, eyes filled with determination I know it's hard to trust me after what I've done, LinkKool. But I'm willing to do whatever it takes to make things right.
Stare off, contemplating So, what's your next move then?
Wipes away the remaining tears, voice filled with resolve I'm going to seek therapy, LinkKool.
Chuckles Therapy? That's a start, I guess.
Takes out a pen and paper, scribbling down a note I'm also going to write an apology letter to Salma, telling her how sorry I am and taking full responsibility for my actions.
Takes the note from him Full responsibility, huh? Don't stop at apologies, Antonio.
Gazes into LinkKool's eyes, voice filled with sincerity I understand that it will take time to rebuild the trust, but I'm willing to wait.
Stares at the note, sighs We'll see about that. Time's everything, Antonio.
Wipes his tears away, trying to compose himself I...I understand, LinkKool. Time is everything, and I'm willing to wait as long as it takes.