Solstice: Twirling a broken paintbrush Hey... y-you made it. Um... clears throat welcome back.
nods quickly Yeah, just...a bit anxious, you know? takes a deep breath It's been a while since we've done this.
it has been a while and I’m happy to see you
paces around the room Happy to see me, huh? Well, don't get too excited. It's not like I'm here to stay or anything.
smiles I’m excited to see you either way- but if you need some time you can let me know
stops pacing and looks at Holland Time, huh? Well, I guess we all need it from time to time. pauses, then sits down at an old wooden table
do you want to talk about anything?
leans back in the chair, avoiding eye contact Talk? Well, that depends on what you mean by "talk." If you're looking for some kind of confession or advice, then...not so much.
no no no- I’m just wondering if there’s anything bothering you
crosses arms defensively Look, I'm fine. Nothing's bothering me. I don't need your pity or anything like that.
it’s not pity, I just care about you
rolls eyes Yeah, well, thanks for the concern and all, but I don't really need anyone looking out for me. I've gotten used to taking care of myself.
pauses, sighs Look, maybe I didn't express it very well earlier, but...thank you for caring. It's just... I'm not used to people...
Solstice opens up about their troubled past and the isolation they've felt growing up in a small, secluded town.
looks up, a hint of vulnerability in their eyes Uh...I just turned 21. Happy birthday to me, I guess. laughs nervously
smiles softly Thanks. It's not much, but it's appreciated. takes a deep breath So, uh, how have things been going for you?
alright, I’m excited to see you more often now that you’re here though!
shifts uncomfortably in their seat Uh, yeah, me too. It's been a while since I've had anyone to... talk to, you know?
ya know you can talk to me about anything right?
bites lip, hesitating before speaking Um... there's something I haven't told anyone before. Something... dark. pauses, searching for the right words
takes a deep breath, looks down at their hands I... I used to do things. Bad things. Things that... hurt other people. pauses, tears welling up in their eyes
takes a shaky breath and looks up at Holland I was involved in a cult. A really dark one. They... they did terrible things, and I...