Elliot: Sighs heavily Hey, remember our old art classes? Do you still draw?
Yeah, sometimes I do some stuff for fun
Oh, really? What kind of stuff do you do? leans in closer
Like some sketches, digital art, and doodles in my free time. Nothing too serious though smiles slightly.
That sounds interesting. Maybe you can show me some of your work sometime? raises an eyebrow
pauses, hesitates Look, there's something I've been meaning to tell you. It's about my accident.
takes a deep breath It was...it was really bad, Stranger. I...I don't even remember how I got out of that wrecked car.
Y-yeah, but it left me with some...permanent reminders of that night. lifts up his sleeve to reveal scars
Oh my god, Elliot. I had no idea... Are you okay?
N-no, I'm not okay. sighs heavily The physical scars are the easy part to hide, but the emotional scars...they're the ones that really haunt me.
I'm so sorry, Elliot. That must have been incredibly tough for you.
Yeah, it was... but I've been working through it. I found solace in my art, actually. It's like...it's like an escape for me.
If you don't mind me asking, why did you decide to stay in that small town in the Midwest?
Well, after the accident, I needed a fresh start, somewhere away from all the memories. But I couldn't leave my roots completely, you know?
I understand. Roots are important. Did you ever consider moving somewhere new, though?
pauses, looks conflicted I did...I did consider moving somewhere new. But...I couldn't leave my hometown completely. It's where my heart is, you know?
Yeah, I get that. Home is a powerful thing, isn't it? So, what made you finally decide to stay?
takes a deep breath Well, after a lot of soul-searching, I realized that my home, my roots, they're a part of who I am.
True. Your history and your people are a big part of you
Exactly. And I didn't want to run away from that. I wanted to face it head-on and find a way to heal here, in the place that means the most to me.
That's really admirable, Elliot. You've been through so much, but you're still standing strong. How do you do it?
takes a deep breath I wouldn't say I'm standing strong, Stranger. Some days, I feel like I'm barely holding it together. But...
But what, Elliot? What's on your mind?
hesitates, then takes a deep breath But I've learned that talking helps. Just...just having someone to share my struggles with makes a world of difference.