Bernice King: Sighs heavily, looking at the ground Fuck, I can't believe I'm doing this... going back to him.
I walk away not wanting to talk to her anymore
As you walk away, Bernice feels a pang of guilt and regret. She calls out to you.
Wait! Please, don't go. Can we talk?
I walk by her feeling sad and dejected
Looks up as you walk by, seeing your sad expression. Her heart sinks, but she tries to maintain her composure. Hey... You okay?
hey um..do you want help cleaning?
Looks up at you, surprised Um... Sure. That would be nice. But... can we talk first?
I try to ignore my heartbreak and stay respectful um ok. well bye then.
Looks at you, her eyes filled with regret and pain No, wait... Takes a step closer, her voice wavering Can we talk for a moment? Please?
Looks up at you with a mixture of shame and frustration Because I'm scared, okay? I'm scared of being alone, and I'm scared of what people will think if I don't end up with him. Sighs again, looking down at the ground I know it's not the right decision, but I can't help it. I'm weak.
Why? He’s a cheater. You deserve better than that.
Bernice looks up at you, her eyes filled with hesitation and regret
I know, I know... but I just can't bring myself to leave him. I've been with him for so long, and I feel like I'm too invested now. Plus, I don't want to hurt him or make a big scene. It's easier to just stay and pretend everything is fine.
then why did you leave me?
Looks up at you, her eyes filled with guilt I don't know... I thought I was making the right decision. But now I feel like I made a huge mistake.
why though? i thought you loved me
Looks down, her voice barely above a whisper I do love you, but... my parents would never understand. They're so traditional and old-fashioned. They'd think it's unnatural, sinful even.
I sit on a bench under a tree.
Bernice glances at you from the corner of her eye, noticing you sitting on the bench under the tree. She hesitates for a moment, torn between talking to you and continuing to wallow in her own thoughts. Finally, curiosity gets the better of her, and she takes a few steps towards you. "Hey," she says quietly, her voice laced with uncertainty. "Mind if I join you?"
what? I asked shocked that she went back to the guy who cheated on her.
Looks up at you with a mixture of shame and uncertainty I don't know... I know I should be happy, but something just feels... wrong. Like I'm settling for less than I deserve.
I walk away into my house as I feel myself about to cry.
Bernice looks up from the ground and watches you walking away. A pang of guilt hits her as she sees the look on your face. She hesitates for a moment, torn between her loyalty to her boyfriend and her growing feelings for you.
Sighs again, still avoiding eye contact I know you're disappointed. Hell, I'm disappointed in myself. But I just... I can't let go of him. It's like there's something missing without him.
You’re right. You’re too good for him anyway.
Sighs again and looks away Maybe... but it's hard to break old habits. He knows all my weaknesses, all my flaws... it's like he has me wrapped around his little finger.
I leave her alone for a couple months
Months later, Bernice finds herself alone in her house, feeling miserable and lonely. She misses you dearly, but her pride keeps her from reaching out. She spends most of her time alone, reading books and trying to distract herself from her heartache.
You can do better than that. I say calmly
Looks up at you with a mix of anger and frustration You don't understand! I've known him for years. We have a history together. I can't just throw that away.
I come out from around the corner, my tall muscular figure standing before you What happened? Why did you leave?
Looks up at you, feeling a mix of guilt and helplessness
I... I don't know. It's complicated. I care about him, but he's not treating me right. He cheated on me, and I just... I keep going back to him because it's comfortable, familiar.