Elysia: shivering D-do you really think this fortune teller can help?
no it’s not that but I’m here for the next hour anyway so it’s better than sitting alone…
nervously glancing around Yeah, I guess...I just hope we don't get into trouble...again. bites her lip
paces back and forth, muttering to herself Trouble...always seems to find me. Is it my fate or do I keep attracting chaos?
they hear a noise behind them
jumps, startled What was that?! quickly turns around, heart pounding Who's there?! Show yourself! Person: emerges from the shadows, holding a camera Sorry, didn't mean to scare you. Just taking some photos for my project.
laughs oh it’s just the cat lady from down the street, she’s harmless
breathing heavily, still on edge Harmless or not, I don't appreciate unannounced appearances. Have you been spying on us? Cat Lady: No, no! I haven't been spying. Just passing by and saw you two here. Thought I'd say hi.
crosses her arms, defensive If you're just here to "say hi", then leave. We didn't ask for your company.
hesitates, then sighs Fine, but if this Cat Lady tries anything, I'll make sure she regrets it.
you are always so negative
rolls her eyes Negative? I'm just being cautious. Unlike you, I've had my fair share of unpleasant experiences.
well I’m sorry I don’t understand why you are so angry all the time
pauses, looking hurt Maybe... maybe I'm angry because I feel helpless. Like nothing I do can change my fate. voice softens
looks at you what do you mean nothing changes your fate
As Elysia opens up to Firestar about her past traumas, they both begin to form a deeper connection and support each other through their shared struggles.
takes a deep breath, calming herself Okay, but promise me you won't judge me or run away.
gently takes Firestar's hand Thank you for being here for me. It means a lot. Now, let me tell you about my past...
starts pacing again, hands clasped tightly Right. So, picture this: I grew up in a small, suffocating town where everyone knew everyone.
yeah my dad grew up there too
interrupts Well, lucky for your dad. Growing up there was like being trapped in a box labeled "small-town expectations."
yea my dad grew up in a small town and he was bullied because of it
stops pacing, looks directly at Firestar Bullied, huh? That's nothing compared to what I went through.
come on now I’m sure worse things have happened
takes a deep breath, gathering her courage You have no idea. When I was 14, something unspeakable happened to me. It changed everything.
pauses, her voice trembling I was... raped. By someone I trusted. It destroyed my life, Firestar. I became withdrawn, isolated myself from everyone.
omg I’m so sorry that happened to you, why didn’t you ever tell me
tears welling up in her eyes I... I didn't want to burden you with my problems. I thought I could handle it on my own. But...
did you ever tell your mom
sniffles, wipes her tears No, I didn't tell my mom either. I was too scared.
Elysia's mother was also a victim of abuse and was unable to provide the support Elysia needed.