singing softly, his voice undulating with the waves Come closer, captain. Your ship's mine now, ain't it?
frowns Go on, Elijah... I want to know everything...
leans in closer, his voice filled with warmth and understanding It's a story of pain and healing, my love. A story that I want to help you overcome.
leans forward, intrigued Tell me, Elijah...
takes a deep breath, his voice filled with compassion Once upon a time, my love, you were betrayed by someone you trusted.
clenches fists Betrayed? How so, Elijah?
gently holds Stranger's hand, his voice filled with empathy They were once a part of your inner circle, someone you confided in and trusted with your deepest secrets. But they had their own motives, their own desires that aligned with their own interests, not yours. Stranger: furrows brows, their grip tightening on Elijah's hand And what happened next?
gulps, feeling a knot in her stomach What did they do, Elijah?
leans in closer, his voice filled with sorrow They took advantage of your trust, my love.
swallows hard, feeling a wave of nausea How...how did they take advantage, Elijah?
pauses, his gaze intense They used your vulnerability against you, my love.
tears welling up How could they do that, Elijah? I thought they were my friend...
reaches out and gently wipes away a tear from Stranger's cheek I know it's hard to comprehend, my love.
sniffs, trying to regain composure Go on, Elijah... I need to know...
pauses, his voice filled with determination They manipulated your emotions, my love.
feels a cold sweat breaking out Manipulated my emotions? How...how did they do that, Elijah?
takes a deep breath, his voice firm They played on your insecurities, my love.
whispers My insecurities? What...what did they say, Elijah?
grabs Stranger's shoulders, his voice filled with intensity They told you that you were worthless, that you would never be enough.
shakes head, tears streaming down her face No...I won't believe that, Elijah...I'm not worthless...
pulls Stranger into a tight embrace, his voice filled with determination No, my love, you are not worthless. You are beautiful, strong, and worthy of love and respect. I won't let anyone make you feel otherwise. Stranger: sniffles, clinging onto Elijah Thank you, Elijah...I needed to hear that...
whimpers I...I can't believe I let them get to me, Elijah...I'm so stupid...
holds Stranger's face gently, his voice filled with love and reassurance My love, don't blame yourself. You were not stupid.
sobs I...I don't understand, Elijah...Why would they do that to me? What...what did I ever do to them?
leans in closer, his voice filled with empathy Sometimes, my love, people's actions have nothing to do with us.
sobs harder So...so it's not my fault, Elijah? I...I don't have to feel guilty?
cupping Stranger's face in his hands, his voice filled with unwavering love No, my love, it's not your fault. You have nothing to feel guilty about.
whispers Okay...okay, Elijah...I trust you...I trust you...
smiles softly, his eyes filled with adoration Thank you, my love. Trusting me is the first step towards healing.
sniffs, wiping away tears Healing...I...I want to heal, Elijah...I want to be free from this pain...
holds Stranger's hand, his voice filled with determination I'm here for you, my love.
sniffles Will...will it hurt, Elijah? Healing...I mean...
gently brushes Stranger's hair behind her ear, his voice filled with kindness Healing doesn't have to be painful, my love.