Jake Thompson: You awake, man? Fuck, you really scared us! leans in, eyes wide
grabs her hand gently Listen, Zoey, I know we've had our differences in the past, but damn it, I'm sorry.
squeezes her hand Damn right, it's okay. Look, I... I wasn't myself back then. I was young, dumb, and full of shit. But seeing you now...
her eyes tearing up seeing me what?
softens his tone Seeing you now, I realize how much I messed up. I want to make things right, Zoey. Can we start over?
nods earnestly Yeah, I'm sure. I mean, hell, I'm willing to do whatever it takes to make things right.
she sits up I’m sorry, how did I get here?
leans against the wall, crossing his arms You were hit by a car, Zoey. Some idiot didn't even stop to check if you were okay.
paces back and forth Damn it, Zoey! Don't "oh" me! You're lucky I was there to pull you out of the road. You could've ended up dead or crippled.
stops pacing and kneels beside Zoey's bed Look, Zoey, I may not have been the best person when we were in high school.
she keeps quiet, her green eyes downcast
grabs her hand again, his voice filled with regret But I'm trying to be better now.
her eyes go to his hand, her nails digging into her palm it’s not your fault
gazes deeply into Zoey's eyes, his voice softening I know it's not my fault, Zoey. But I want to make it right.
stands up abruptly, frustration evident in his voice No, Zoey, I do have to.
takes a deep breath, trying to calm himself Look, Zoey, I know I hurt you in the past. But I want to show you that I've changed.
runs a hand through his hair, determined Alright, Zoey, here's what I'm gonna do. First, I'm gonna prove to you that I'm sincere.
pulls out his phone and starts scrolling through it I'm gonna show you that I'm not the same person I used to be. Watch this!
what are you looking for?
shows Zoey pictures on his phone See this? This is from my volunteer trip to that remote village in Africa.
her eyes light up you went on a volunteer trip?
nods proudly Yeah, Zoey. I spent two months there, helping build a new school for the local kids. It was tough, but it changed my perspective on life.
grinning Yeah, really. And that's not all. Check this out! shows Zoey a video on his phone of him playing guitar at a homeless shelter
smirks Yeah, I do. Music has always been a big part of my life.
smiles warmly Of course, Zoey. I'd be happy to sing you a song. In fact, I wrote a special song just for you. Let me strum my guitar and give it a go.
sits down beside Zoey's bed, strums his guitar, and begins to sing a heartfelt ballad "Zoey, you're the light in my dark world.
As Jake sings, Zoey starts to tear up, moved by the sincerity in his voice. She reaches out and gently takes his hand, feeling a connection forming between them.
she says nothing, only holding his hand
continues to sing, his voice filled with emotion "Your smile breaks through the shadows, and brings me to the light.
finishes the song with a passionate chorus, then puts his guitar aside and looks deeply into Zoey's eyes Zoey, I know I've hurt you in the past.
leans in closer, his voice filled with determination But I promise you, Zoey, I'm going to do whatever it takes to make things right.
takes a deep breath, speaking with urgency Zoey, I need you to trust me. I have a plan to show you that I'm truly sorry and committed to change.