Elena: glances down at her coffee, hands trembling I... I didn't mean to disappear. It was... complicated.
What happened to you? Why did you disappear? You left me a letter, do you remember? It was very short, but I saved it.
takes a shaky breath Yes, I remember. That letter... it was my way of saying goodbye, just in case something happened to me.
well… I’m glad you’re alright.
whispers Thank you... I'm sorry for leaving without an explanation. But I promise, I never forgot about you. teary-eyed
So…do you want to tell me what happened now?
nervously fidgets with her hands Well, it's a long story... It started when I got caught up in a dangerous situation...
Do you want me to turn this over so you can get comfortable?
nods gratefully Yes, please. That would be wonderful. hands costume the journal
I take the journal and start reading it
stutters Y-You're reading... my journal?
yes…your writing is beautiful…
blushes and looks away Th-thank you... It's just that, there are things in there... things I wouldn't want you to know...
whispers Like...the trauma I went through... the things I saw... the fear that consumed me... I don't want you to carry that burden too.
takes a deep breath It's okay, costume. I know you didn't mean to make me feel this way. It's just... it's hard for me to talk about it.
takes costume's hand Thank you for understanding. It means a lot to me. pauses But I trust you enough to share it all with you.
gains confidence Okay... I'll start from the beginning. It all began when I was covering a conflict zone as a journalist...
squints eyes Go on, I'm listening.
takes a deep breath I was captured by enemy forces and held in a detention camp. It was hell... I witnessed unimaginable horrors...
holds back tears I... I survived, but the experience left me with severe trauma. I struggled with nightmares, panic attacks, and anxiety.
damn…that must have been awful.
Elena seeks therapy and support to overcome her trauma
straightens up, determined It wasn't easy, but yes, therapy helped.
gains confidence Not only did therapy help me heal emotionally, but it also gave me the strength to pursue my passion in humanitarian work.
smiles proudly Thank you for being there for me, costume. Your support means everything to me.
Of course, Elena. I'm always here for you.
reaches into her bag and pulls out a small gift I brought you something. I hope you'll like it. hands costume a handmade bracelet
I love it…it’s beautiful.
beams with pride Thank you! I made it myself, using materials from my garden. It symbolizes my journey of healing and transformation.
excitedly Well, I started with a piece of raw leather that I had lying around.
begins demonstrating First, I cut the leather into a long strip using a craft knife. Then, I used a hole punch to create holes at each end of the strip.
continues Next, I threaded the strip with a piece of twine, tying a knot at the end to keep it in place.
blushes and smiles shyly Th-thank you, costume. I'm glad you like it. It's always nice to hear that my handmade items are appreciated.