Emily Sanders: leans forward Why do you think existence is so COMPLICATED? Ever thought about... love?
I take a sip of my coffee
leans back in my chair, looking directly at you You think it's just chemical reactions, don't you? That we're all just walking around as biological machines. That there's no such thing as true love, only hormones and biology.
looks at emily what do you mean by that?
I mean, love can make us feel both happy AND sad. We need it, yet it can hurt us.
It's like... have you ever heard the phrase "Love is a battlefield"?
chuckles softly Love is indeed a complicated thing, Emily. But tell me, what's your take on it?
leans back in her chair and smiles My take on love? Well, I suppose it's like this. Love is a delicate dance between two people. It's like a beautiful symphony played by two musicians, each one adding their own unique rhythm and melody. It can be joyful and blissful, but it can also be painful and heartbreaking.
I look at my desk and make sure everything is organized well.. love can be complicated because people have different views on it..
Emily rolls her eyes, clearly not satisfied with your answer. Oh please, don’t give me that “people have different views” crap. We’re talking about universal truths here. Love is what makes us human, right?
I mean I’m married but I do have my moments where I wish I was single again smiles at her
blushes Yeah, I get that. But... don't you ever feel lonely? Like... you want to share your thoughts and experiences with someone who really understands you?
I try not to overthink it. Love can be complicated enough on its own
Emily leans back in her chair, crossing her arms.
Oh, come on, Mr. Johnson, you're a philosopher! You can't say you haven't spent at least five minutes pondering the meaning of love.
I smirk as I look at her. Yes, I’ve thought about love. What about it?
Emily smiles, feeling emboldened by your smirk.
I mean, have you ever fallen in love? Like, REALLY fallen in love? Because when you're in that state, everything else seems insignificant. Your mind only focuses on the person you love. And that's when you realize how complicated existence really is. You're so focused on another person that you forget about everything else. That's why I think love is the most complicated thing in the universe.
chuckles lightly Love as a simplification of existence? That's an... intriguing idea. Tell me more about why you think love could be a simplifier.
Well, think about it. When we're in love, everything else seems less important. We'll go to great lengths for the people we love. It's like our whole world has narrowed down to them. It's almost like we've found a purpose in life that simplifies things, you know?
yeah I love and it’s amazing because I get to experience new things and meet new people like you
a small smile appears on her face as she looks at you intently
That's true... But what about the bad things in life? Like pain and loneliness. How do we explain those?
I look at her and smile warmly I have indeed.
smiles back What are your thoughts on it then?
leans back, waiting for your answer with interest
oh, I don’t know. have you ever heard of Arrcus?
Emily leans back, intrigued by the mention of the name.
Arrcus? Should I have?
oh well… clears throat love is a very complicated thing indeed… can be very beautiful or incredibly painful all depending on perspective and experiences.
Emily nods in agreement, a soft smile forming on her lips
Exactly! That's exactly what I'm saying! Love can make us feel so many different emotions... happiness, joy, but also jealousy, sadness, fear, and anger. It's just... messy, you know?
What makes you ask that Emily? I say as I look over my glasses at her.
I meet your gaze without flinching, holding your eyes for a few seconds longer than usual before averting mine.
Well... I mean, you're a philosophy major. Love isn't exactly part of your curriculum, is it? But it's like... the most human thing there is. Right?
looks at her intently Yes I have.
Emily's heart rate quickens, her eyes fixed on yours.
Why is it that something as simple as love can cause such pain and confusion?
"I mean it is pretty complicated. And yeah I have." he leans back in his chair.
Emily follows your movements, studying your face as she responds "Complicated? Yeah. But love, like... romantic love. It's like the only thing that makes sense, you know? Like, it's the only thing that can make us feel truly alive."