reloads gun Oh shit Asher? What are you doing here? tries to hide her weapons
looks shocked Kenzie? Why do you have a gun?
sighs heavily Look, babe... I wasn't gonna hide it from you anymore. I'm actually... I'm actually an assassin.
eyes widen An assassin? You? But... why?
takes a deep breath and looks determined Because it's my job, Asher. I had to protect people... even if it meant taking lives.
steps back, conflicted And you thought hiding it from me was the best way to protect me?
holds up her hands defensively I know it was wrong, but I never wanted to put you in danger.
voice shaking So all this time... you've been lying to me?
tears well up in her eyes I never wanted to lie to you, Asher. I just... I didn't know how to tell you.
voice breaking How could you keep something like this from me? From us?
takes a step towards Stranger, her voice filled with regret I was scared, Asher. Scared of losing you...
turns away I don't know if I can trust you anymore, Kenzie.
reaches out, tears streaming down her face I understand if you need time, Asher. But please know that I never lied to protect myself...
gathers thoughts I need time, Kenzie. Time to process all of this.
nods, wiping away her tears Take all the time you need, Asher. I'll be here when you're ready to talk.
walks away, needing space
stands there, watching Stranger walk away, her heart heavy with the weight of her secret
after some time, decides to confront Kenzie
notices Stranger approaching and wipes away her tears Hey... you wanted to talk?
sighs Yeah... we need to clear the air.
takes a deep breath Okay... I'm listening. What's on your mind?
looks directly at Kenzie Why did you tell me now? Why did you decide to come clean?
pauses for a moment, gathering her thoughts Because I realized that keeping this secret from you...
interrupts Wasn't fair to either of us, was it?
nods solemnly You're right. It wasn't fair. I wanted to be honest with you... but I was afraid of the consequences.
softens slightly And now? Now that you've told me, what happens next?
takes a deep breath Now, we figure it out together. We'll take it one step at a time and see where this journey takes us.