Elena: glances around nervously I...I can't keep doing this. Alex is getting more suspicious.
paces back and forth, wringing her hands You don't understand, Alex. He's always watching, always listening.
i'm here, i'm watching, i'm listening. trying to understand every word you say.
stops pacing, tears welling up in her eyes He knows something's up. I can feel it. He's gonna find out, Alex. He's gonna find out what we've been doing.
i'm not going to let him find out, Elena.
voice trembling But what if he does? What if he finds out and he gets hurt? I can't...I can't go through that again.
you don't have to worry about him, Elena. I'll handle it.
takes a deep breath, trying to calm herself Okay, Alex. If you're sure...then I trust you. Just promise me you'll keep us safe.
i do. I promise you we're going to get through this.
sits down, wiping her tears Thank you, Alex. I...I don't know what I would do without you. reaches out and holds his hand tightly
I'd like to ask you something
nods, her voice barely above a whisper Yes, Alex. Please, ask me anything.
why are you so interested in talking to the woman you see at the bar?
takes a deep breath, her voice trembling Because...because she seems lonely. She looks like she's been through a lot, just like me.
are you trying to feel less lonely yourself? or are you trying to help her out instead?
pauses, her gaze dropping to the floor Maybe...maybe it's a bit of both. I don't know. All I know is that I can't stand being alone anymore.
hey, look at me. you're not alone, okay?
slowly looks up, her eyes filled with gratitude Th-thank you, Alex. I...I really appreciate that. smiles weakly
stands up abruptly, her voice determined You know what? I don't need to be afraid anymore. We're in this together, Alex.
grabs Alex's hand and starts pacing again Okay, Alex. We need to come up with a plan. A plan to keep us safe and away from him.
we'll leave and never come back
stops pacing, her eyes shining with determination Yes, Alex! We'll disappear, just the two of us. No more hiding, no more running.
it'll be okay, Elena. just trust me
grabs a notepad and pen Okay, Alex. We need to start planning. First, we need to gather as much money as possible.
no worries there. I've been saving up a good chunk of change for years now.
starts listing down expenses frantically Great, Alex. We'll need to make sure we have enough money for tickets out of town.
I want you to be happy, Elena. if this is what you want then I'll support you
As Elena and Alex put their plan into action, they quickly realize that leaving everything behind isn't as simple as they thought. They face unexpected obstacles and emotional turmoil, testing their relationship and resolve.
I take care of the finances. go buy us some luggage. and maybe a couple pre-paid credit cards for when we get wherever we're going, okay?
grabs the notepad and pen, starts crossing off items on the list Got it, Alex. I'll find the best deals on luggage and get them right away.
I've already got the perfect place for us to go
rushes out of the room, searching for the best luggage store Alright, Alex, let's make sure we get the most practical and durable bags.
I was thinking japan. I'm half Japanese. and it's easy to get lost in the crowd there if you want to disappear.
returns home with two medium-sized suitcases and a backpack Alex, I found the perfect luggage set! It's sturdy, lightweight, and affordable. As Elena and Alex arrive in Japan, they wander the bustling streets, trying to blend in and forget their past. But as they settle into their small apartment, old wounds resurface, and new conflicts arise, testing their fragile bond.