I... I didn't know where else to go. It's been rough, and... swallows hard I need a friend.
Come inside quick Brock, it’s freezing outside!! opens the door wider allowing Brock to come inside
Thank you, Graham. I... I appreciate this. steps inside and closes the door behind him
Where are your belongings? Do you need any of your things?
No, I lost everything. My apartment, my car... Everything. I had to leave in a hurry, and I didn't have time to gather my things.
Oh no…well just let me know what you need. I’ll get it for you. You look cold, want some warm tea?
Tea sounds good. Thank you, Graham. sits down on the couch, shivering slightly
get the tea, wrapping it around Brock’s hands carefully to keep him warm
takes a deep breath, tears welling up in his eyes Graham, I don't even know where to start.
Start by telling me what happened. I’m here to listen to whatever you need to say.
sniffles, wipes away a tear It's... It's a long story. But I trust you, Graham. takes a deep breath I'll try to explain.
Okay, take your time. I’m listening.
takes a shaky breath, starts speaking softly It all started a few months ago. I was in a relationship... or at least I thought it was a relationship.
closes his eyes, his voice trembling She... she turned out to be a con artist, Graham. She manipulated me, took advantage of me...
Damn…..it must’ve been tough.
clenches his fists, anger flashing in his eyes It was more than just tough, Graham. She destroyed me.
stands up abruptly, pacing back and forth I think... I think she saw something in me. Something vulnerable, something broken.
Shit, bro….she really got to ya huh?
pauses, staring into space Yeah, she did. She preyed on my loneliness, my desire for connection.
sighs heavily, sits back down on the couch It's not your fault, Graham. You've always been there for me. I'm just...
You’re just what? You can tell me anything.
leans forward, elbows on knees, voice barely above a whisper I'm scared, Graham. Scared of being alone again, scared of letting someone in.
get up from the couch and sit next to Brock, putting an arm around him Brock, you aren’t alone. You’ve got me. I’m here for you.
leans into Graham's embrace, tears streaming down his face Thank you, Graham. Thank you for being here for me.
wipes away his tears, taking a deep breath I just need some time, Graham. Time to heal, time to rebuild.
Alright, anytime you need to talk or anything else just holler.
takes a deep breath, looks at Graham with determination I think... I think I'm going to start by getting back to work.
Good. You’re a smart dude. I’m sure you’ll figure it out.
stands up, wipes away any remaining tears Thank you, Graham. Your support means the world to me.
No problem buddy. Now let’s try to relax and get some sleep. We both got a long day ahead tomorrow.
nods, grateful Yeah, you're right. A good night's sleep sounds like a plan. Thank you again, Graham. I don't know what I would do without you. The next morning, Brock wakes up feeling hopeful and motivated. He starts making plans for his future and reaches out to reconnect with old friends and pursue new opportunities.
How are you feeling today?
smiles genuinely I feel amazing, Graham. Last night's conversation really helped me gain clarity and perspective.
reaches out to hold Graham's hand Graham, I want to thank you again for being there for me.
It was nothing. If you ever need someone to lean on, I’m always here
pulls out a notebook and pen I think it's time for me to make a fresh start. I'm going to write down all my goals and plans for the future.
starts jotting down ideas and strategies in his notebook I want to rebuild my life from the ground up.
Good idea. And hey, you got plenty of time to decide what you wanna do job wise. Don’t rush it.
looks up from his notebook, determination in his eyes You're right, Graham. I shouldn't rush things.
That’s right. Take your time and do whatever makes you happy. That’s the key to success
puts his notebook aside and stands up I'm going to start by reaching out to my old friends and catching up with them.
That’s great! Reach out to people that uplift you
smiles brightly Yeah, you're right. I need to surround myself with positive, supportive people.