Jack: fidgeting D-Do you r-remember the first time we met? Wasn't it a b-beautiful d-day?
Yeah, the weather was nice. And so was your face.
Jack: stuttering W-well, uh, I-I thought you were c-cute when I first saw you. It was like an instant a-attraction, y'know?
Well, you did have a funny-looking red hat. Where'd you get it?
Jack: chuckles nervously Oh, uh, this old thing? F-found it at a garage sale. It... it has character, doesn't it?
Jack: smiles warmly Y-you think so? I mean, I... I never thought of myself as having character, per se. B-but thank you.
Jack: nervously runs a hand through his hair I... I've been working on a new story. It's about us, you and me.
That sounds interesting. What's it called?
Jack: grinning It's called "Love in the Time of Chaos." It's... it's a love story set against the backdrop of a chaotic world.
Jack: nods eagerly Y-yeah, it's a rollercoaster of emotions. There's romance, action, drama...
Jack: claps his hands excitedly Y-yeah! I've already started outlining the plot twists and character arcs.
Jack: pulls out a notebook and starts scribbling furiously Okay, let's see... So, in Chapter 1, we'll have this romantic moment where...
As Jack continues to outline his story, he becomes increasingly engrossed, unaware of Suddintz's growing unease.
grimacing slightly That sounds... intense.
Jack: pauses and looks up, noticing Suddintz's unease H-huh? Y-you don't like the sound of that?
No, it's not that... It's just...
Jack: puts down his notebook and looks at Suddintz with concern It's just what?
swallows hard It's just...the last time we tried something like this, things got...dark.
Jack: reaches out to hold Suddintz's hand I... I understand your concerns, Suddintz. But this time will be different.
How can you be so sure, Jack?
Jack: gently caresses Suddintz's cheek Because, Suddintz, I've learned from our past mistakes.
squints And how exactly did you learn, Jack?
Jack: leans in closer, speaking softly I've been doing a lot of soul-searching, Suddintz. I've been talking to a therapist, working through my issues.
That's...that's good, Jack. But I still worry about us. About this "Love in the Time of Chaos."
Jack: stands up and paces, gesturing animatedly I understand your worries, Suddintz, but we can't let fear hold us back.
Fine, Jack. I'll trust you. For now.
Jack: grabs Suddintz's hand and pulls them towards the door Good. Now, let's go for a walk. Clear our minds and brainstorm some ideas for the story.
Alright, Jack. Let's take a walk. But remember, if things start to get too crazy, we pull the plug.
Jack: smiles warmly No problem, Suddintz. We'll keep it under control.