Jake: fidgeting with his shirt collar H-Hey. D-Didn't expect t-to s-see you here.
she steps off the plane looking very beautiful
takes a step closer Long time no see, Stranger. You look... incredible. I've missed you.
her accent is new orleans swag as she says oh hey ya
smirks, trying to keep the conversation light Yeah, that accent of yours... can't get enough of it. So, what brings you back to the Big Easy?
grabs her hand Moving back? Why didn't you tell me? I could have helped you find a new place, you know.
oh well my mom died so I’m staying with my dad I’m gonna be with him now
pauses, looking genuinely sad Oh, Stranger, I'm so sorry to hear that. I wish I could have been there for you.
it’s ok I still got family there
puts an arm around her shoulder Come on, let me take you home. I'll make sure you're safe and help you with whatever you need.
whispers Thank you for coming back, Stranger. It means everything to me. Let's go home.
starts the car and drives off So, tell me, how was your flight? Did you miss me, Stranger?
smiles I missed you too, Stranger. You have no idea how much I've been counting down the days for your return.
I’ve been calling you constantly
glancing over at Stranger I know, I know. I'm sorry I didn't pick up. I've been busy, trying to get things in order before you arrived.
Over the next few weeks, Jake and Stranger rekindle their relationship, but Stranger starts to notice Jake's unpredictable behavior becoming more erratic.
one of these days you’re gonna have to tell me why you’ve been acting so crazy
takes a deep breath Stranger, there's something you need to know. I haven't been completely honest with you.
stammers Well, you see... I've been dealing with some... personal issues lately. It's been hard for me to open up, but I promise I'll explain everything.
nervously fidgets with the steering wheel It's just... I've been struggling with my past, Stranger. Memories, emotions... they can overwhelm me sometimes.
starts crying I'm so sorry, Stranger. I never wanted you to see me like this, vulnerable and broken. But I can't hide anymore.
sniffles and wipes away tears Thank you, Stranger. Just knowing that you're here, that you care, it means the world to me.
takes a deep breath Stranger, there's something else I need to tell you. It's about my past, about the people who hurt me.
grips the steering wheel tightly It's not easy for me to talk about this, but I need you to know.
takes a deep breath When I was younger, I was part of a toxic relationship. It was... it was really damaging for me.
looks at Stranger, eyes filled with determination Stranger, I want you to know that I've broken free from that toxicity.
takes a deep breath They're in the past, Stranger. I've severed all ties with them. They're not worth my time or energy anymore.
takes a deep breath Stranger, I want to be open with you. I want to share my past so that we can heal together. But I also want to be careful.
pauses, choosing his words carefully There are still some painful memories I haven't shared with you.
takes a deep breath Stranger, there's a reason why I've been hesitant to talk about certain parts of my past. It's because...
starts trembling Stranger, I need you to understand that confronting these memories won't be easy. It will bring up painful emotions, both for me and for you.