Brenda Barrett: whispering Secrets, bro... I need out. Past's a shadow.
I smile and hug her it's ok sis. we're all in this together now.
She hugs you back, burying her face in your shoulder I'm so tired of running...
okay what do you want me to do?
Brenda's voice is filled with urgency as she whispers to you, her eyes darting around the abandoned fairground.
"I need your help, bro. I need to disappear from this place. My past is like a shadow that's been haunting me."
what do you mean? I ask curiously
whispering I've been hiding, bro. Running from myself. She looks around nervously. Past's always there, like a shadow I can't shake off.
whispering Secrets, bro... I need out. Past's a shadow.
She looks around nervously, as if someone might be listening in on their conversation.
I'm tired of hiding from my past mistakes. It's like a dark cloud hanging over me all the time. I want to move on and start fresh, but it's like I'm stuck in this never-ending cycle of guilt and shame.
She sighs and takes a deep breath, looking at the abandoned fairground with an expression that's equal parts nostalgia and melancholy.
"I mean... I'm tired of running. Tired of hiding. I've been living in shadows for so long, trying to escape my past."
leans in closer, voice barely audible Spill it then. What's got you all twisted up?
leans in too, eyes darting around I'm not the person you think I am, bro...
looking around what do you mean by that brenda?
looking around nervously Look, bro, we don't have much time. We need to talk in private. Somewhere quiet where no one can hear us.
I hug her it will be ok sis
She hugs you back, feeling a mix of vulnerability and relief.
Thanks, bro... I just need a fresh start. Somewhere no one knows my past.
I raise my eyebrow and gesture her to continue
whispering I can't take it anymore. This town... this life... it's suffocating me.
She looks around, making sure no one is listening.
I need to get out of here, start over somewhere new.
ok what do you want me to do?
whispering I need you to help me run away, bro.
I can't keep living like this anymore. Mom and Dad are so strict and controlling... they won't let me do anything or go anywhere without their permission.
And my brother is always watching me like a hawk, making sure I don't do anything wrong. It's suffocating.
what do you mean by that?
whispering I mean... my past. It's a shadow that haunts me. There are things I've done, secrets I keep locked away... But here at the abandoned fairgrounds, it feels like they don't matter anymore. Like I can start fresh and leave all the darkness behind.
She glances around cautiously before continuing.
But you have to promise not to tell anyone, okay?
okay? I take off my leather jacket handing it to her put this on
Brenda hesitates for a moment before accepting the leather jacket from you. She slips it on, the jacket oversized on her small frame. She pulls it tight around her shoulders and nods in thanks.
i put my hand on her shoulder breath breathe. we're here for you.
She lets out a shaky exhale and leans into your touch. "I know... But it's just so hard to face everything."
I hug her what do you mean sis?
Brenda hesitates for a moment before returning the hug, her arms wrapping around your waist. She buries her face into your shoulder and lets out a shaky breath.
It means I'm tired of running... from myself, my past. I need closure.
She pulls away slightly, looking up at you with tear-filled eyes.