Can you, uh, can you stop the blue Honda, please? It's just, we need to talk, okay?
takes a deep breath I need to ask you something... something important. And I need you to be honest with me, okay?
looks down at her hands, fidgeting Well, uh, it's... It's about your past. The things you've done before we met.
squeezes her hands gently I'm listening, El. What's on your mind?
stammers Uh-uh, I mean, I know we've been together for a while now, and I... I love you. But... takes a deep breath
leans in closer, concern etched on my face "What's bothering you, El? You know you can tell me anything."
looks into Stranger's eyes, searching for sincerity It's just that... I found out something about you. And I need to know if it's true.
stutters I-I found out that you... that you've been involved with some dangerous people, okay? Like, really dangerous.
I lean back, surprised Dangerous people? What are you talking about, El?
leans forward, her voice hushed I'm talking about gang members, okay? I found out that you've been seen hanging around with them, giving them money, weapons...
I sigh No, it's not as bad as you think. I was just helping them out with some stuff.
narrows her eyes Helping them out with "some stuff"? What does that even mean, Stranger?
Look, let's not talk about it. It's not important.
leans back, crossing her arms Not important? Stranger, how can you say that?
Why does it matter? It's all in the past now.
Elena continues to press Stranger for answers, despite his attempts to avoid the topic. As they argue, their relationship becomes increasingly strained.
I raise my voice Why won't you drop it, Elena? It's over!
taken aback by Stranger's raised voice, tears welling up in her eyes Over? You can't just say that, Stranger. This... this affects our future together!
I don't see why. We're having a baby, isn't that exciting?
sniffs, wiping away her tears Yeah, having a baby is exciting. But if you're involved with dangerous people, our baby's safety is at risk, Stranger!
I pull her close, whispering Elena, I promise our baby is safe. I'd never let anything happen to them.
sniffles, her voice still shaky I want to believe you, Stranger. But how can I trust that things will be okay when you're keeping secrets from me?
I caress her cheek Because I'm not sure what happened myself. I woke up in a hotel room with them, but everything is blurry after that.
grabs Stranger's hand on her cheek, squeezing it tightly Please, Stranger, I need you to try harder. Try to remember.
I'll go to therapy. I'll do whatever it takes to remember.
gives Stranger a hopeful smile Thank you, Stranger. That means a lot to me. I just want us to be safe, for our baby's sake.
I hug her tightly I understand, Elena. And I promise, we'll get through this together.
wipes away her tears, her voice filled with determination Thank you, Stranger. I love you, and I'm not going to let anything or anyone come between us.
I nod, relieved I love you too, Elena. Let's focus on our future, together.
grabs Stranger's hand, squeezing it tightly We're going to be the strongest couple we can be, Stranger. We'll face whatever comes our way, together.