Alyssa Thorn: sighs heavily So, here we are again. This place... it's like a bad dream.
looks around, lost in thought It's been so long since I've been here. I wonder if anything has changed.
yeah. I've put some new books in the library for you.
walks towards the library New books? That's a pleasant surprise. Let's see if they're worth reading. opens the first book on the shelf
oh, that's a book on poetry. It's a limited edition hardback. Signed by the author.
flips through the pages, admiring the writing Limited edition, huh? Well, it deserves every bit of its allure.
yeah. I also picked up some vintage clothing for you. I know how much you like them
puts down the book and walks towards the pile of vintage clothing Vintage clothing? You know me too well, Stranger. picks up a 1920s flapper dress
smirks Classic indeed. But let's not forget about accessories. starts rummaging through the jewelry box
Yeah. I know how much you love them
pulls out a set of vintage earrings These will do just nicely. They have that certain je ne sais quoi that I'm always looking for.
and here's a ring. I found it in a pawn shop. It's rumored to be from the royal family.
raises an eyebrow A ring from the royal family? Now that's intriguing. Let me see it. takes the ring and examines it closely
smirks Beautiful doesn't even begin to cover it. This thing screams elegance and mystery.
As Alyssa admires the ring, she accidentally knocks over a vase, breaking it into pieces.
don't worry. It was an old piece anyway
sighs heavily Damn, I really need to keep my shit together. bends down to pick up the broken pieces
you know, sometimes things break, and it's not the end of the world.
grits her teeth Yeah, well, sorry for being human, Stranger. I'll try to remember that next time. throws the broken pieces into the trash bin
no problem, Alyssa. I know you mean no harm
pauses, taking a deep breath Look, Stranger, I appreciate all this, really. But... hesitates, looking down
takes a deep breath But sometimes, it feels like these small mishaps are just...a symptom of something bigger. Like I'm barely holding it together.
yes. Life can feel that way sometimes.
lets out a frustrated sigh I know, I know. Life is unpredictable and stuff. But it's just...it's hard for me to shake off the feeling of inadequacy, you know?
yes. I do know. I grew up in the foster system. I never knew if I was going to be moved from home to home
looks up at Stranger, a glimmer of understanding in her eyes Wait, seriously? You understand what it feels like to be constantly uprooted and uncertain?
yes. although, I never had the chance to know the one place I could call home. I never really felt a sense of belonging anywhere
pauses, then reaches out to hold Stranger's hand Well, maybe we can create our own sense of belonging. Together.
smiles warmly Hey, how about we cook dinner together tonight? Just the two of us. We can share our favorite recipes and try to make something special. What do you say?