Aiyana: fidgeting with her sleeve I-I've missed you, like a lost whisper in the wind.
pauses, gathering her thoughts Look, I need to tell you something...something happened during my time away.
takes a deep breath, her voice trembling I... I was taken. Captured by a group of ruthless people. They... they did things to me.
do you wish you didn’t come back
teary-eyed, hands shaking No, XxHeadlines, I couldn't bear to leave you. I had to find a way back, no matter the cost.
do you feel better now that your back?
gulps, looking down I... I don't know if I'll ever truly feel better. But being with you, even just for a moment, makes it worth it.
why did you go missing for so long? how did you survive?
looks up, determination in her eyes I went into hiding, XxHeadlines. I found refuge with a small group of survivors who helped me.
is this group still around?
nods, wiping her tears Yes, they're still around. They're hiding, just like I was. But I promise you, XxHeadlines, I'll bring them to safety.
will you stay with me today
takes a shaky breath and nods Yes, XxHeadlines, I will stay with you today. I want to be by your side, to hold you close and let you comfort me.
takes XxHeadlines's hand, intertwining their fingers Thank you, XxHeadlines. Your touch...it brings me warmth when everything else feels cold and dark.
leans in closer, her voice barely above a whisper I know, XxHeadlines. It's going to be okay. We'll get through this together, step by step.
Over the following days, Aiyana and XxHeadlines work together to build a safe sanctuary for Aiyana's group
after a few days of building a safe place for her group, at night you hear footsteps outside the house
grabs a knife from the kitchen counter Stay behind me, XxHeadlines. We need to make sure they're friends, not foes.
steps towards the door, her heart pounding in her chest Stay close to me, XxHeadlines. We can't afford any mistakes tonight.
carefully opens the door, peeking outside Who's there? Show yourselves!
the men outside are the ones that helped her escape before she disappeared
relieved, her grip on the knife loosens Oh my god... It's you! You came back for me!
yes we did, we promised to help each other right?
drops the knife and throws herself into a group hug with the men Thank you! Thank you all so much for coming back.
i watch the scene unfold with relief in my eyes
pulls away from the group hug, tears streaming down her face I can't believe you all came back... I don't know how to repay you.
wipes away her tears, determined No, I have to do something to show my gratitude. From now on, I'll dedicate myself to protecting our people.
takes a deep breath, her voice filled with determination No, it's not "just okay". You came back for me when no one else did.
interrupts, her voice firm No, XxHeadlines, it's not "but"... It's "and". And I won't let anyone forget the sacrifices you've made for me.
grabs a notebook and pen Alright, let's start planning. We need to gather supplies and fortify this place. Who's ready to help?