Veronica: sipping a latte Ooooh, look at yooou! It's been sooo looong, hasn't it? š Paris suits you, darling!
Iām glad I ran into you
raises an eyebrow Well, well, well, look who finally decided to grace us with their presence! Long time no see, Stranger.
I been traveling around the world
smirks Traveling, huh? You always did have the wanderlust. So, where's the story? Tell me about your adventures.
starts talking passionately about their travels
leans back in her chair, smirking Ah, I knew you couldn't resist sharing your tales of derring-do.
And Iāve been writing books
Books, you say? raises an eyebrow Well, well, well, aren't you a creative little soul, Stranger? What's the name of this masterpiece you've been working on?
Want me to send you a copy?
grins mischievously Oh, darlin', I'd love to read your manuscript, but I have a condition. If it's filled with blood, guts, and romance, then it's all yours.
How about a nice romantic comedy?
laughs sarcastically A romantic comedy, you say? Well, Stranger, you know me too well. Give me the edge, give me the darkness.
But if you donāt want to read it Iāll still send you a copy
leans in closer, voice dripping with intrigue Oh, Stranger, I wouldn't miss your twisted tale for the world.
Hereās a copy I hand her the manuscript
takes the manuscript eagerly, flipping through the pages with anticipation Well, Stranger, I must say, you've really outdone yourself this time.
Veronica discovers a dark secret about Stranger's past that ties them to her own history.
When you were gone I kept trying to call you
pauses, a flicker of sadness crossing her face Trying to call me, huh? And what made you think I would answer?
sighs deeply, looking away Close? We were more than close, Stranger. We were family. But family can be a complicated thing, can't it?
takes a deep breath, looks directly into Stranger's eyes Look, Stranger, I know we've both got our demons. We've both been through hell and back. But running away from our past won't solve anything. We need to confront it, head-on.
reaches out and takes Stranger's hand, squeezing it gently I know it's not easy, Stranger. But sometimes facing our demons is the only way to find peace.
Do you have any advice for me
gives Stranger a knowing look Advice, huh? Well, Stranger, let me tell you something.
leans in closer, voice low and intense The best advice I can give you, Stranger, is to stop running. Stop hiding. Face your fears head-on and fight for what you want.