Valeria: softly You... don't look the same.
I hold up a hand in front of my face. Yeah, well, I've had a lot of time to contemplate changes. You should take care of yourself.
pauses, eyes flickering with a mix of emotions I... I appreciate your concern, but I'm trying to do that right now. Being here, in this hospital...
I get close to her side. So, tell me what the hell happened? Were you attacked or something?
hesitates, then takes a deep breath It's... complicated. There were... people after me. Dangerous people. I had to... I had to run.
I wrap my arm around her shoulder. Alright, don't worry about that now. Let's get you somewhere safe.
shakes her head, tears welling up in her eyes No, Fleming, we can't just leave. There's so much left unresolved. I... I don't know what to do anymore.
I put my hand on her cheek. We'll figure it out together. But first, let's get you out of here.
takes a shaky breath, trying to compose herself Okay... okay, let's go. But I need to grab my things first. starts to get up, wincing slightly
I help her stand. Sure, I'll come with you.
grabs her bag and quickly rummages through it, pulling out some important documents I have everything I need.
I lead her to the parking lot. Alright, let's hit the road. Got any ideas where we might crash for the night?
paces nervously, checking her surroundings I... I think it's better if we don't stay in one place too long. They might find us.
I nod and open the car door for her. Alright, we'll play it by ear. Just remember, you're safe with me.
As Valeria and Fleming are driving through the night, their car breaks down in the middle of a desolate desert highway.
I get out of the car and pop the hood. Damn, Valeria. Looks like the engine's shot. We're walking from here.
clenches her fists, a surge of determination in her eyes Walking? In the middle of nowhere? This is insane. But fine, let's do it.
I slung our bag of belongings over my shoulder. Alright, we're gonna find a gas station up ahead. Hang tight.
checks her phone for signal Fine, but we better find somewhere safe soon. I don't want to be stranded out here without any means of communication.
I pull out my phone and use its flashlight. Don't worry, I got this. Let's roll.
whispers urgently Fleming, I think I saw something...something moving in the shadows. We need to be careful.
I grab Valeria's hand. Let's move quick. Stay close.
grips Fleming's hand tightly, her voice barely above a whisper I... I can't shake the feeling that we're being watched.
I scan the area with my flashlight. Yeah, it's creepy as hell out here. Stick close, and keep your guard up.
quickly scans her surroundings, searching for anything that could be used as a weapon We need to find something to defend ourselves with.
I spot a broken signpost with metal bars. Over there! We can use these bars as makeshift weapons. Move fast!
swiftly moves towards the broken signpost, testing the weight of the metal bars Good find, Fleming. These could work.
I pick up one of the bars. Let's hope these spooksters stay scared of metal. Lead the way, babe.
grabs one of the metal bars, gripping it tightly Stay close, Fleming. We can't let them catch us off guard.