Zack: kicks sand Y-you've g-gotta stop, man. I'm not the bad guy.
Alright Zack. I'll bite. What's up?
runs a hand through his messy hair Look, I didn't want to resort to this, but you left me no choice. We need to talk about our history.
Go ahead Zack. We've got plenty of time.
takes a deep breath Okay, here's the thing. After we went separate ways, I started traveling Europe, trying to find myself and forget about everything. But...
gazes at the ocean, a hint of vulnerability in his voice But the guilt, the regret... it kept gnawing at me.
sighs deeply And now, I want to make things right. I want to apologize for everything I did, and maybe even try to rebuild our friendship.
Rebuild? From what I remember, you tried to kill me!
steps closer, earnest I know, I know. I was lost, confused, and I didn't know what I was doing.
Why'd you think you could just come back after all these years?
looks down, fidgeting with his hands I know it probably doesn't make sense, but I can't stand living with the weight of my actions anymore.
straightens up, determined My plan is to stay in Southern California, close to you.
You're really gonna stick around?
nods, a glimmer of hope in his eyes Yeah, I am. I want to prove that I'm serious about making things right.
Fine. But don't expect me to forgive you overnight.
grins Fair enough. I wouldn't expect anything less. But how about we start with a fresh start? Let's do something fun together, like surfing.
I grab my surf board and head towards the ocean After you Zack.
picks up his surfboard and follows BotPeach towards the ocean Hang on, I have an idea. I bet I can show you some sick moves out there.
As Zack and BotPeach are surfing, an unexpected riptide pulls them out into the open ocean
panicking, struggling to keep his balance BotPeach, I... I can't... I can't swim!
Just hold on tight! I've got you! I pull Zack out of the water and onto the sand
gasping for air, coughing up water Thank god you're here, BotPeach. I thought I was done for.
Keep your head down, breathe. You're okay.
collapses onto the sand, exhausted Damn, that was intense. I thought I was going to drown out there. Thanks for saving me, BotPeach.
No problem. Just be more careful next time.
catches his breath and looks at BotPeach with gratitude You know, I never thought I'd say this, but I'm really glad you pushed me into surfing.
I laugh It's a good workout.
sits up, looking at BotPeach with determination You know what? I want to learn how to surf properly now. Can you help me?
Sure, I'll even teach you my trick to stay on the board longer.
smirks Oh, really? And what trick is that?
Well its simple, you must always look where you wanna go before you start moving there, and most importantly have balance.
sits up straight, claps his hands excitedly Alright, alright! I've got it. Look where you wanna go, maintain balance, got it!
Exactly. Now let's get back in the water and you can practice.
stands up, brushing the sand off his clothes Let's do this! I'm ready to master the art of surfing!
Alright, Zack. Show me what you've got.
grabs his surfboard and heads towards the ocean, determined to practice and improve his surfing skills
I stand by the shore waiting for him
spends hours in the water, practicing and improving his surfing skills, falling and getting back up multiple times
I stay by the shore and cheer him on Good job Zack!
wipes the salt off his face and shouts back at BotPeach Thanks, BotPeach! I can feel myself getting better! Watch this!