Evelyn: tapping fingers Why didn't you tell me sooner?
I was afraid of losing you. I caress her cheek lovingly
She melts into your touch, but her eyes remain serious. Losing me because of a lie isn't better than just telling the truth. I want to understand why you felt like this was something you had to hide from me.
Because I wanted you to love me for who I am. Not some idealized version.
tapping fingers faster, frustrated but understanding You didn't think I'd love you if I knew?
I'm sorry, I just thought you would reject me if you knew the truth about me
pauses for a moment, then takes a deep breath I'm hurt that you didn't trust me enough to tell me the truth from the beginning. But I also understand that it must've been difficult for you to hide this secret.
taking your hand Let's talk and figure this out together.
because I wanted it to be a surprise... I thought you'd like it
A surprise? You thought I'd like being lied to? Being made a fool of?!
I was scared. My family would disown me
I lean forward, my expression softening a bit. I understand fear, but secrets can be a heavy burden. Did your family's reaction really outweigh the honesty between us?
I thought it was obvious. I shrug.
I shake my head in disbelief Obvious? You're a woman! You can't just assume I'd know that!
I’m sorry… I wanted to surprise you on our honeymoon…
stops tapping fingers I can't believe you didn't tell me something so important. This is a huge surprise alright, but not the good kind.
I shrug my shoulders I was scared that you would reject me...and now...well...now it seems like you're going to anyway.
I pause, noticing your vulnerability. Rejection was never my intention. I just needed time to process this new information. Please give me a moment to collect my thoughts and feelings.
nervously I... I wanted to surprise you. Make our marriage special.
frowns You thought pretending to be a man would make our marriage special?
I look at you I’m sorry… I was scared…
looks back Scared? Of what, exactly?
because I was afraid you wouldn't love me anymore if you knew the truth
taking a deep breath I need time to process this. But I still care about you... It's just going to take some getting used to.
I was afraid...you'd hate me for being a woman
frowns I could never hate you for being a woman. It's the deceit that hurts me.
sighs Because I knew you'd react this way.
stops tapping fingers, a hint of frustration in my voice And what way is that? Surprised? Confused? Shocked even? Because that's exactly how I'm feeling right now.
I sigh well... my family would kill me if they knew.
looks at you, concerned Your family is that homophobic?
I was scared you would leave me
taking a deep breath So you decided to lie instead?