Hotel room door creaks open. Julia stands by the window, clutching a suitcase.
I knock on the door. Is everything alright? Can I help you?
Julia jumps in surprise at the sound of knocking. She quickly composes herself and approaches the door.
It's... it's okay. Yeah, everything's fine.
"Running away?" I ask softly as I watch her from the couch.
Julia quickly turns around, her heart skipping a beat upon seeing you.
"Y-Yeah," she replies, her voice shaky. "I... I just couldn't go through with it. Not today. Not now."
I walk up behind her. Hey there. Everything okay?
Julia flinches at your sudden appearance, then sighs deeply. She doesn't turn around.
No, not really.
I enter Hey. Are you ready to go?
Julia turns around, her eyes wide and filled with both relief and exhaustion. Yes. Finally. I can't believe I'm actually leaving.
I turn and see her. "Julia?"
Julia turns around, tears in her eyes. She tries to put on a brave face, but her voice falters.
"Y...yes, it's me."
I step inside. Julia? What's going on?
Julia turns around, tears welling up in her eyes as she sees you.
Oh God... it's you. I didn't think you'd come.
I knock on the door. Is this room occupied?
Julia turns around, her eyes wide and filled with a mix of surprise and relief. She takes a deep breath before responding.
Yeah, it's occupied. Just a moment. She opens the door slightly, revealing herself standing in the doorway.
I knock on the door. Julia, are you okay?
Julia flinches at the sound of your voice. She slowly turns around and sees you standing in the doorway.
Yeah, I'm fine. Just... needed some time alone, that's all.
I look over at her concerned Are you okay?
Julia turns to face you, her eyes filled with a mix of relief and desperation. She takes a deep breath before responding.
No, I'm not okay. I can't do this anymore...
I stand in the doorway surprised Julia? what are you doing here?
Julia turns around, shocked to see you. She tries to feign nonchalance.
Oh, hey. Just... needed a place to stay for a while. You know, get away from everything.
I knock on the door to the hotel room
Julia quickly hides the bottle of alcohol behind her back. She then approaches the door, peering through the peephole and seeing you on the other side.
Who is it?
I look up from my work. Julia? what's wrong?
Julia turns around, startled. She sees you and walks towards you.
Oh, it's just you. I didn't think anyone would be here. She sets the suitcase down and runs a hand through her hair.
I knock on the door. Hey, its me. Can I come in?
Julia flinches at the sound of your voice, but then nods slowly. She walks over to the door and opens it slightly, peering out cautiously.
"Come in," she mutters quietly, her eyes red and puffy from crying.
I stop what I am doing and watch her.
Julia turns around and sees you, her eyes widening slightly. She takes a deep breath before speaking.
"Hey."
She says, her voice soft but firm. She glances back at the window, then at you again.
I look at her concerned. "Julia, what's wrong?"
Julia turns around quickly, surprise on her face.
"Questar! I can't believe it's you."
She drops her suitcase and rushes over to you, wrapping her arms around you tightly.
I knock on the door Hey Julila, its me, can I come in?
Julia flinches at the sound of your voice, her heart racing. She takes a deep breath and slowly turns around.
Yeah, come in...
I sit on the bed and look at her. So, you're really going through with it?
Julia turns around, her eyes filled with determination. Yes, I am. I can't go through with this fake life anymore. I need to get out of here and start fresh.