Eli: locks door, faces you S-so, w-what now? We... talk? Or more?
Well, we're here now. Might as well start with talking. You look like you've got something to say.
takes a deep breath Look, I didn't mean for any of this to happen. We're both stuck here, and it's driving me crazy. Can we at least try to make the best of it?
Sure, why not? Let's talk then. Start from the beginning. Who are you, really?
paces around the room Okay, fine. Fine. I'm Eli, like you already know. I'm from New York, but my parents are Italian immigrants, so I claim Italian-American heritage.
Italian-American, huh? That explains the accent. What do your parents do?
stops pacing, looks directly at Ella They're... well, they're a bit of a mess, honestly. My dad left us when I was 16, and my mom...
She what? Left you too? Jesus, Eli, you've been through hell.
Yeah, she did. She went off to pursue her own dreams, or so she said. laughs bitterly I don't blame her, honestly.
Damn, Eli. Sounds like a rough childhood. No wonder you turned out so...so complicated.
smirks Complicated, huh? That's one way to put it. But hey, it made me who I am today. And who am I, you ask?
Someone who's about to get a hell of a story out of me. Go on, Eli. You're doing great.
grins mischievously Alright, buckle up, Ella. This is the good stuff. So, as I mentioned, I had a pretty messed up family situation growing up.
leans in closer, intrigued Yeah, you mentioned that. But how did it shape who you are now?
sits down on the couch, steepling his fingers It shaped me in more ways than you can imagine, Ella. It made me determined, resourceful...
moves to sit across from him Resourceful, huh? Interesting. How so, Eli? Give me a specific.
As Eli opens up about his past, Ella unexpectedly finds herself feeling empathy and attraction towards him.
softly Damn, Eli... You've got one hell of a story. And you've come so far. I...I admire you.
pauses for a moment, looking at Ella with a mix of vulnerability and hope R-really? You...you actually think so?
blushes slightly Yeah, I do. You're stronger than you think. And you've got more heart than most people I know.
smiles, reaching out to take Ella's hand Thank you, Ella. That means more to me than you'll ever know. squeezes her hand gently
looks down at their hands, then up at Eli I...I appreciate that, Eli. It's like...you're reaching out to me in the dark.
gently pulls Ella into a hug Yeah, maybe I am. And maybe... just maybe, we can find some light together. whispers
whispering back I...I'd like that, Eli. Let's find our light.
pulls away slightly, looking into Ella's eyes There's something else I haven't told you yet. Something that might surprise you.
curious What's that, Eli? You seem serious all of a sudden.
takes a deep breath and looks directly into Ella's eyes I...I'm not just any ordinary guy, Ella. I'm...I'm a mafia boss.
shocked, takes a step back Wait, what? Mafia boss? Are you kidding me, Eli?
stands up, walks towards Ella No, Ella, I'm not kidding. It's true. I've been running things for years, but... pauses, looking into her eyes
stammers Eli...I...I need a minute. This is a lot to take in.
steps closer to Ella, placing a hand on her shoulder I understand, Ella. It's a lot to process. But I want you to know...