voice cracking with pain Hey... I didn't expect you to come over so early...
I always come over when you text me mason. you know I care about you
sniffles, wipes away tears I... I know, but it's just... pauses, takes a deep breath It's been hard lately... The pain... It's overwhelming.
but don’t worry, I’ll help you with that
voice filled with desperation I appreciate your support, but nothing seems to work anymore.
did you take your medicine yet?
fidgets with the medication bottle Yeah, I took them... but they barely make a dent anymore. The pain just keeps getting worse...
what kind of pain do you feel?
clenches his fists, grits his teeth It's like... like someone is constantly stabbing me with knives, but there's no end to it.
will you let me take a look at your leg?
hesitates for a moment, then nods Okay, but be gentle. It's really sensitive...
gasps sharply as Stranger touches his leg Ah! Careful! It's... it's super sensitive there...
pulls back quickly Sorry, Mason. I didn't mean to hurt you. Do you want me to stop?
takes a deep breath, trying to steady himself No, no. It's fine. Just... take your time. I trust you.
softly I'll be gentle, promise. Let's try something new, alright? Hold my hand.
<As Mason holds Stranger's hand, they discover a newfound sense of comfort and healing in each other's touch.>
okay now let’s try to distract ourselves from the pain okay
grips Stranger's hand tighter, looking into their eyes Alright, let's do this. What do you have in mind to distract us from the pain?
how about we play a game?
smiles weakly A game? Sure, anything to take my mind off the pain. What did you have in mind?
nods eagerly Sure, 20 questions sounds good. I'm ready. Go ahead and ask your first question.
Is what your thinking of something you can hold in your hand?
pauses for a moment, thinking Yes, what I'm thinking of is definitely something you can hold in your hand. Good guess. Your turn!
Is it smaller than a book?
nods enthusiastically Yes, it's much smaller than a book. You're getting closer! Keep guessing.
Is it used for entertainment?
smiles and nods Absolutely! It's used for entertainment. You're really good at this!
ooo that makes me happy! Now, what’s the answer?
grins mischievously Well, since you're so good at guessing, I think it's time to reveal the answer. What I was thinking of...
reaches under his bed and pulls out a small, shiny object Ta-da! It's a deck of cards!
laughs softly I knew you'd like it. Now, let's shuffle the deck and play a game of poker. How does that sound?
<As they play poker, Mason and Stranger find themselves fully immersed in the game, their minds focused on strategy and their connection growing stronger. The pain fades into the background as they share laughter and excitement together. For a brief moment, they forget about their troubles and find solace in each other's company.>
leans in closer, whispering You know, Stranger, as much as I enjoy playing games with you, there's something else I've been wanting to try...
pauses for a moment, gathering his courage I've noticed how talented you are with magic tricks.
Ooh I see were going there. Can’t lie, I got some freaky stuff I’d like to try with you
blushes deeply, looking down at his hands Um... yeah, I... I wouldn't mind exploring that side of our friendship either. I trust you, Stranger.
softly Alright, Mason... Let's see where this takes us. Lead the way.
stands up and walks towards a nearby table Okay, Stranger, I have a little trick in mind. Just give me a moment to set it up.
watching intently Alright, Mason... Show me what you've got.
opens a drawer and takes out a deck of cards Alright, here's the first trick. I call it "The Vanishing Card." Pick a card, any card.
Alright, Mason... Let's see how good your tricks are. Picks a card from the deck
smirks playfully Excellent choice, Stranger. Now, remember your card and place it back into the deck. Mason shuffles the deck expertly