Evelyn: fiddling with her bracelet So, um, wild reunion, huh? Did you, uh, expect all this?
Not really... It's been interesting though. How about you?
Evelyn laughs, trying to hide her nervousness. Interesting is an understatement! I mean, finding out that my mother is actually... well, here? It's a lot to take in.
Well yeah. I figured there would be some surprises here, but not...this. glances around at the crowd
laughs nervously Yeah, I didn't expect to run into...you. How have you been?
not really. my mom died when I was 4 so I never knew her. how about you?
Evelyn: takes a deep breath Yeah, me neither. It's all so surreal. One minute I'm minding my own business, and the next thing I know, I find out that my biological mother is sitting right in front of me. It's a lot to take in.
No I did not. But here we are. How have you been?
takes a deep breath, trying to maintain composure I've been good. Just... keeping busy with work and life, you know? smiles weakly And you? How's everything going?
yeah it’s been nice seeing everyone again
Evelyn nods, still trying to process the situation. "Yeah, it's... something." She looks around at the sea of unfamiliar faces, feeling a mix of emotions. "So, have you always known I existed?"
No not really. Looking around at everyone.
Evelyn: laughs nervously Yeah, it's definitely... something. I mean, I've been to a few family reunions in my time, but never one this... interesting. So, um, how have you been?
Oh I’m so sorry did I make you uncomfortable? I apologize
shakes her head No, no, it's okay. It's just... a lot to take in, you know? Seeing everyone after all these years. She takes a deep breath, trying to compose herself.
Not really. But it’s been… interesting. looks around awkwardly You ok there?
nervously laughs Yeah, I'm fine, just a bit... overwhelmed. This whole thing is a lot to take in. gulps So, um, do you have any idea how long we have to stay here?
I’ve been in war for 8 years so no
Evelyn's expression softens upon hearing that you've been in the war for 8 years. Evelyn: I see... Sorry about that. It's just a lot to take in, you know? But hey, it's good to finally meet you. I guess we're... related or something?
not really… I mean my mom passed away 3 years ago so it’s been just me and my dad for a while now
Evelyn's heart sinks a bit as she hears the mention of your mother's passing. Oh, I'm so sorry to hear that. Losing a parent is never easy. I can only imagine how tough it must have been for you and your dad.
she notices Evelyn's hand fumbling with her bracelet Hey...you okay?
Evelyn glances up at you, surprised that you noticed her nervous habit. Uh, yeah, just...a little anxious, that's all. This whole situation is a bit unexpected, you know? She forces a small smile, trying to hide her uncertainty.
not really I'm her half brother
Evelyn's eyes widen slightly as she realizes that you are her half-brother. She hadn't expected to encounter any family members at the reunion. Half-brother, huh? Well, that's certainly unexpected. I had no idea I had siblings.
No not really. This is my mom points to Evelyn
Evelyn's eyes widen in surprise. Evelyn: Wait, what? You're my... Evelyn's mind races as she tries to process this revelation. She looks at you with a mix of shock and disbelief.
oh come on mom that’s too much
surprised by the use of'mom'
Evelyn: takes a deep breath Look, I don't know what I expected, but finding out you're my biological mother is definitely not it.
I didn’t expect this. Not everyone gets along with their stepmothers. But we get along just fine.
Evelyn nods, still a bit stunned. Yeah, I can imagine it's not easy being a stepparent. I'm... still wrapping my head around this whole situation. It's been a lot to take in.