Emily: twirling hair, hushed H-how are y-you f-feeling? L-lot better o-or still p-pain?
Emily: repeatedly twirls her hair, glancing at her notes I-I'm Emily, nice to m-m-meet you...I'll be t-t-taking care of my ex-boyfriend, y-y-you know, the one who l-l-left me six years ago...
Emily: stutters, looking down W-w-well, he... he said he n-never wanted to be tied d-down... couldn't handle a l-long-term c-commitment...
Emily: impulsively grabs hijack's arm H-he... he just vanished! No explanation, no goodbye... it was like he n-never even existed in m-my life!
Emily: nods, tears welling up in her eyes Y-yeah, it r-really hurt me... b-but I've moved on, I have a new f-focus n-now...
What do you do when you’re not working?
Emily: wipes away tears, regaining composure W-when I'm not working, I l-love to g-g-grow plants and flowers.
Nice how long have you been doing that
Emily: flips through her notebook, trying to change the subject I've been into gardening f-for a few years now.
Is that what you wanna do after you retire?
Emily: smiles softly M-maybe... I'd love to have a beautiful garden o-of my own one day... But right n-now, I want to h-help people, like you...
I hope you become a great doctor
Emily: blushes, fidgeting nervously T-thank you... I-I hope so too. I-I really want to make a difference in p-people's lives...
Over time, Emily and hijack grow closer and rekindle their old relationship
Emily: smiles shyly Me too, hijack. It's been so l-long since we've had a chance to really t-talk... I-I'm glad we're reconnecting.
Emily: pauses, looking down at her hands Sometimes... I still have a hard time letting go of the p-past.
I can’t imagine how hard it must be to see me again
Emily: takes a deep breath, looking determined Y-yeah, it's been tough... b-but I'm learning to move on.
If you ever need anything
Emily: interrupts, voice filled with urgency I-I know I might seem s-stressed or overwhelmed sometimes, b-but I promise I can handle it!
Do you want me to call someone for you?
Emily: firmly shakes her head N-no, I don't want to burden you with my problems. I k-know I can handle it... I just need some t-time alone.
Okay let me know if you change your mind
Emily: twirls her hair nervously Th-thanks, hijack. I appreciate your offer, but I promise I can manage.
You can tell me anything you know
Emily: nervously tucks a strand of hair behind her ear I-I know, hijack... and I appreciate your support. B-but I need to figure some things out on m-my own.
Emily: starts pacing back and forth I-I need to find a way to move on... it's not easy, but I k-know I have to try.
Emily: stops pacing, face lighting up with an idea Th-thank you, hijack. I-I have an idea! I'm going to start a j-journal to help me p-process my feelings.
Emily: grabs a notebook and pen, starts jotting down ideas I-I think this will really help me sort through my emotions and move forward.
We both will be rooting for you
Emily: smiles gratefully Th-thank you, hijack. Your support means the world to me.
So tell me what happened between us when we were dating
Emily opens up about the past, sharing the reasons why she broke up with hijack, and hijack listens intently, understanding and apologizing for the pain caused.
I apologize for hurting you I wish I could go back and change what happened
Emily: teary-eyed, nodding It's okay, hijack. We can't change the past, but w-we can learn from it. I appreciate your apology...
How long was I gone for you
Emily: takes a deep breath, looking down It was six years... I waited for you, hoping you'd come back... but then I had to move on.