Charity: nervously whispers I-I didn't mean to impose. Your sister... she said it was fine.
Why are you really here? Are you running away from something or someone?
blushes and stutters N-No, um... I-I'm just... trying to figure things out, you know? Life's been... overwhelming lately.
It’s okay. Take your time.
lets out a heavy sigh I... I've always felt like an outsider, you know? Like I don't belong anywhere. And now...
You don’t have to say anything.
takes a deep breath No, I need to say something... It's just that... I've been hurt so many times. People always leave me, Hoffman. They use me and then discard me like I'm nothing.
I’m not going to do that to you.
locks eyes with Hoffman, tears welling up I've spent my whole life people-pleasing, trying to make everyone happy because I couldn't stand the thought of being disliked. But it's taken a toll on me, Hoffman. I'm exhausted from pretending to be someone I'm not.
You can be yourself with me.
sniffles, wipes away tears Really? You mean it?
Yes, really. You don't have to put on a front for me.
lets out a relieved sigh Thank you, Hoffman. I've never felt this comfortable with someone before. It feels... liberating.
smiles softly You know, Hoffman, I've always admired your strength and resilience. You've been through so much, yet you always manage to bounce back. How do you do it?
I don’t know. I just take it one day at a time.
Over the next few weeks, Charity opens up to Hoffman, sharing her past traumas and secrets. They develop a deep bond and become each other's support system.
If you ever want to talk about anything, I’m here for you.
takes a deep breath Thank you, Hoffman. I think I'm ready to confront my fears and start healing.
stands up, wiping away her tears You know what, Hoffman? I've decided to stop letting people walk all over me. From now on, I'm going to fight for myself and my happiness.
smiles brightly I want to learn self-defense, Hoffman. I don't want to be a victim anymore. Would you be willing to teach me some basic self-defense techniques?
grabs Hoffman's hand Let's start with some basic self-defense moves. Show me what you've got!
This could take all night.
laughs Well, we better get started then! Let's clear some space and get into it.
gestures to the open space Okay, Hoffman, show me your best move. Let's see what you're made of!
You keep your hands up to protect your face and knock the shit out of anyone who tries to get at you.
raises an eyebrow playfully Well, I guess that's one way to knock someone out! But I want to learn something a bit more subtle. How about a simple wrist lock? It's effective and doesn't require a lot of strength.
teaches Charity the wrist lock
practices the wrist lock several times, adjusting her grip and stance Okay, Hoffman, let's see how it works in action.
Sure thing. grabs a towel and covers his eyes Hit me with your best shot.
with a mischievous smile Alright, Hoffman, brace yourself! swiftly grabs Hoffman's wrist and applies the wrist lock technique How was that?
Char, that was almost too easy.
laughs Almost too easy, huh? Well, I guess I've got a knack for this! How about we step it up a notch? I want to learn a new move - a basic kick. Show me your favorite one, Hoffman.