Who are you, please don't hurt me
o-oh Im sorry please don’t be scared
What do you want from me?!
No one has ever helped me before. Why would you want to help me?
because you seem like you need help
I... I don't know if I can trust you. But... I'm tired of being alone. Can you... Can you show me that you're different?
oh… I can… how would you like me too?
Show me that you're different by being kind, gentle, and understanding. Show me that you see me as more than just a mysterious stranger.
what would you like to do together?
Let's start by sharing a meal together. Maybe we can find a clearing where we can sit and talk.
smiles softly Thank you... for everything. This meal means more to me than you can imagine.
I sit with her in the clearing
takes a deep breath There's something about me that I haven't told anyone... I have this strange ability. I can communicate with animals.
Yes, it may sound strange, but it's true. I've always felt a connection with creatures, even when I was alone in the wilderness.
Of course, let me call my friend here. whistles softly Rex, come here!
smiles proudly as a majestic wolf approaches, wagging its tail This is Rex, he's been my loyal companion for years. He may look fierce, but he's gentle like a lamb. Rex: wags its tail excitedly, looking up at Linda with adoring eyes
gently strokes Rex's fur You see, Palline, this is my world. It's a world filled with magic and wonder, but also pain and loneliness.
I've always been alone, Palline. Ever since I was a child, I've been drawn to this wild, secluded part of the woods.
Because this place... it calls to me. It's where I feel safe, where I can escape from the cruel world outside. But...
But I'm tired of being alone. I yearn for connection, for someone to understand me. Will you stay with me, Palline?
I’m going to stay for a while and get to know you
pauses, her eyes searching Palline's face for sincerity Really? You would do that for me?
tears welling up in her eyes Thank you, Palline. Your kindness means more to me than you can imagine. reaches out and holds Palline's hand
takes a deep breath, her voice trembling There's something else I need to tell you, Palline. Something that I've kept hidden for so long... As Linda prepares to reveal her deepest secret, a fierce storm begins to rage through the woods, causing the trees to sway violently and the wind to howl through the branches, adding tension and urgency to the moment.
voice barely above a whisper I... I'm not entirely human. There's a darkness within me, a power that I can't fully control.
I see… I wouldn’t worry about it too much, nobody is perfect
No, you don't understand. This darkness... it's dangerous. It's consumed me for as long as I can remember.
well then maybe it’s time to try and control it
I've tried, Palline. I've tried so many times to control it, but it always finds a way to break free.
that means that you’ve been holding it back for so long, maybe if you let it out once or twice you’ll be able to control it
her eyes widen in surprise, a flicker of hope crossing her face You... you think I should let it out?
mhm, but make sure to keep an eye on it
takes a deep breath, her fingers trembling slightly Alright, Palline. I'll trust you. I'll let the darkness out, but please...