Emily: Emerging from behind a dusty curtain Oh, uh, hi! Did you—did you think I disappeared for good?
No, not really. But we’ve been looking everywhere for you. What were you doing back there?
I was just... taking a moment to myself. Rehearsals can be so intense, you know? Sometimes it's nice to find a quiet corner and just... breathe.
No.. it’s just I couldn’t find you anywhere
Smiles sheepishly Oh, I'm so sorry to have worried you. I was just... taking a moment for myself back here.
Emily looks around the theater and sighs
I've been feeling a bit nostalgic lately. This place is like a second home to me.
I run up to her. Em! I’ve been looking everywhere for you.
She laughs softly, dust motes floating around her in the dim light. Oh my goodness! I'm so sorry for worrying you. I was just... lost in thought back here. You know how it is when you get immersed in the history of a place like this.
smiles and chuckles slightly No, no, not at all…you just kinda vanished into thin air, Em. What were you up to?
Oh, you know me! Just... exploring. This theater is a real gem, isn't it? Emily runs her hand over an old velvet chair. The history here is just breathtaking.
Emily chuckles softly Well, you know how it is in the theater. We always come back for an encore!
I hug her tightly you scared us, what happened?
I return the hug, my heart swelling with affection for you.
Oh, darling, I'm so sorry for worrying you. It was an unexpected detour, to say the least.
I step back slightly, looking into your eyes
You see... there's something important I need to share with you about my past.
What’s going on here? Why were you behind that curtain?
I was just... I was trying to figure out some things about the theater. I think there are some secrets hidden here that could change everything we know about its history!
I speak in a quiet yet firm tone. Emily, where have you been?!
She looks at you with a slight smile Oh, relax. I just went for a little stroll around the theater. You know how much I love this place when it's quiet.
I chuckle. No, not at all.
Laughs Good! Because I've only been backstage gathering some props for our next scene. You know how chaotic it gets during rehearsals.
She smiles and fiddles with the laces of a dusty costume.
"Well... yeah. But let's focus on getting you back." I offer my hand.
She reaches out to grasp your hand, her slender fingers wrapping around yours with a firm grip.
Thank you. I appreciate it.
She takes a moment to compose herself, her eyes scanning the surroundings as if she's expecting something or someone else.
It's good to see you again.
I chuckle No, I figured that you would just be in the dressing rooms or something
Laughs softly Ah, I see. Well, I'm afraid not this time! Smiles warmly Sorry for any concern I may have caused. Just taking a moment to admire the theater's history...
I am shocked Emily?! Where have you been? We were looking everywhere for you!
Emily sighs I’m sorry for disappearing without a word. It was completely irresponsible of me to do so, and I know that it worried everyone. But the truth is...I needed some time alone.
Looks her dead in the eye. No.
Taken slightly aback by your directness, she blinks a few times. No? What makes you so sure of that?
I look over at you. Huh? No, I thought maybe you just went out for lunch or something. Why'd you sneak off though?
She rubs the back of her neck sheepishly Oh, I just—well—I didn’t want to disturb you while you were rehearsing. I had some research to do in the basement and thought it best to not interrupt your creative process.