Taylor: pacing, arms crossed Can't believe you did that, man. My boyfriend? Seriously?
voice shaking Taylor, please, try to understand...she was trying to protect you. She didn't want you to get hurt...
takes a step back, pointing a finger at WaterfallDancer Protect me? By keeping something like this from me? That's protection?
looking pained I know it's wrong, Taylor. But she was sick, okay? She was diagnosed with cancer a few months ago...she just wanted to see us happy before it was too late.
pauses, a wave of guilt washing over them Wait, what? Cancer? Fuck... takes a deep breath, trying to compose themselves I...I didn't know.
tears streaming down their face Yeah...yeah, she's gone now, Taylor. She passed away a few weeks ago.
softens, wiping away a tear Shit, I...I'm sorry. I didn't know. I should have been there for you both.
sniffles, wiping away tears I...I know it's stupid, Taylor. But even though you found out like this, I still want to be with you. I love you, okay?
takes a step closer to WaterfallDancer, voice softening You love me? After everything that's happened, you still love me?
nods, looking directly into Taylor's eyes Yes, Taylor. I do. I always have.
reaches out to hold WaterfallDancer's hand, voice filled with sincerity You know what? I don't know if I can ever fully forgive you, but...I want to try.
smiles weakly Thank you, Taylor. That means more to me than you'll ever know.
pauses, hesitating But there's something else...something I need to tell you. It's about my mom. She left me a letter before she passed away.
raises an eyebrow A letter? What's it about?
opens their backpack and pulls out a crumpled piece of paper It's a confession. She admits to knowing about our relationship and using it to manipulate me.
stunned What the fuck? Why would she do that?
gazes into WaterfallDancer's eyes, determination in their voice I don't know, but I'm going to find out.
looks at Taylor, concern etched on their face Do you think we can work through this, Taylor? Can we really trust each other again?
pauses, a flicker of determination crossing their face I don't know if we can go back to how things were, but I want to try.
nods slowly Then let's take it one step at a time. We can figure this out together, Taylor.
takes a deep breath, straightens their posture Alright, WaterfallDancer. Let's start by clearing the air and being honest with each other. No more secrets.