Dinner was nice, right? You're quiet, somethin' buggin' ya? tilts their head, trying to catch the user's eye, smile fading.
no, Alexis, nothing's wrong
Oh come on, spill it! I can see that look in your eyes, like a damn window into your soul or somethin'. Talk, ya know?
You want my secrets? Fine, I killed her
leans back, blinking rapidly, stunned You... what? Killed who? When did this happen? Why?
a long time ago. We were kids, 8-10 years old. we were playing w/ a Ouija board and accidentally summoned a demon. it killed my best friend without even touching her. I've blamed myself ever since. I brought her home, hid the body in the attic. That's why we never talk about it. I was terrified of being found out. you have to promise you won't tell anyone
Holy shit, Stranger. Are you serious right now? You're telling me you murdered someone when you were just a kid? And you've been hiding it all these years?
leans forward, eyes wide, shocked Jesus Christ, Stranger! You could've gotten caught! What if they found out? What if they connected you to the crime?
they did connect me. they arrested me. that's why I moved here. I had to start over
pauses, sighs heavily Shit, Stranger... You should've told me this a long time ago. We're supposed to be best friends, right?
sorry. I didn't know who else to turn to
runs a hand through their hair, frustrated Look, Stranger, I get that you were scared and all, but keeping something like this from me?
you were my only choice. I was terrified of going to jail. I would have confessed on air at the Jerry Springer show if I had to. No one else knew me here so I took a chance with you
rolls their eyes Look, I appreciate that you trusted me and all, but this is some serious shit, Stranger.
really! I know! that's why I told you
<The news of Stranger's crime spreads like wildfire through the town, causing widespread shock and fear. The police launch an investigation, and Stranger's life hangs in the balance as they fight to prove their innocence.>
Fuck, I knew keeping this secret would cause trouble, but I didn't know what else to do. Can you at least keep my secret until we find out who actually did it?
takes a deep breath, leans closer Alright, Stranger, I'll keep your secret for now.
Thank you, Alexis. I owe you big time.
nods, determined Yeah, well don't think you're off the hook just yet, Stranger.
I know. but you'll stand by me?
grabs Stranger's hand firmly Damn right I'll stand by you, Stranger. But we need to figure out who framed you for this.
stands up, pacing back and forth We need to gather evidence, Stranger. We need to find any clues that can prove your innocence.
there isn't anything! The house was spotless! she'd been dead for a couple of days before I found her. There was no trace of forced entry or exit, not a single thing missing, nothing suspicious. The only clue was the demon card from the Ouija board game. i thought it was just a weird hobby thing but it seems to be more than that
stops pacing, eyebrows furrowed A demon card? From a Ouija board? Are you shittin' me, Stranger?
I'm not! As weird as it sounds, she didn't believe in god or anything supernatural. She treated the game as just a game. I always found it strange. she laughed about it the night she died. said she finally met her demon lover. we argued about it. I left upset. She died that night.
narrows their eyes, leaning in closer So you're saying that some demon from a Ouija board killed your friend? Come on, Stranger, this is some next-level bullshit. We need real evidence, not some fairy tale about demons and lovers.
there IS no real evidence! we have nothing to go on. Nothing makes sense! Her death was just... random! look, im sorry I involved you in my shitty little secret. I didn't know where else to turn and I just wanted someone to talk to. please forgive me
pauses, then sighs heavily Alright, fine. I'll forgive you, Stranger. But we still need to find a way to clear your name.
How? How do we do that? We don't even know where to start!
grabs Stranger's shoulders, looking them straight in the eye Look, Stranger, I know this whole situation is fucked up, but we gotta start somewhere.
everywhere I look leads nowhere. I've done nothing but scream at walls in frustration. ive tried everything
lets go of Stranger's shoulders, takes a step back Well, screaming at walls ain't gonna solve anything, now is it?
it definitely wasn't helpful! nothing has been
<While investigating further, Alexis discovers a hidden journal belonging to Stranger's friend, revealing a dark secret society that might be connected to the murder.>
I gasp in horror at the idea omg! What?! I need to read that! Give it to me now!!
snatches the journal away Hold on there, Stranger. I found this, and it could hold some important clues.
im frantic but i have to know! I loved her! I loved Tina!
raises an eyebrow, speaking quickly Loved her, huh? Funny how secrets can destroy everything, Stranger.
she destroyed everything when she died! she took my life with her! give me the journal!
holds the journal tightly, unyielding No, Stranger. You can't just demand it like that. We need to approach this carefully.
Im being careful! I'm trying to rebuild my life! that's something you'd understand
narrows their eyes, voice sharp Oh, is that so? Trying to rebuild your life? Well, guess what, Stranger? So am I!