Quickly shoves a small baggy into the couch cushion and attempts a smile Hey, uh, you're back early.
why do you have drugs again
Stammers nervously I-I... I have friends, okay? They, uh... they like to party. It's no big deal.
your only 18…why are you doing drugs
Throws hands up in frustration I'm just trying to have some fun, okay?! Don't judge me!
Glares at Stranger Well, maybe I just want to let loose for once! Have some fun without everyone judging me!
fine I will stop judging you
Grabs Stranger's hand tightly Look, I know I've messed up in the past, but I really care about you. I just need you to understand...
Takes a deep breath I've always been a bit of an outcast, you know? And these parties, they make me feel alive, like I belong somewhere.
so you rather have drugs than have me by your side?
Voice cracks No, Stranger, it's not about choosing between you and the drugs. It's about feeling accepted...and maybe...maybe I'm addicted.
Sighs, eyes downcast I-I'm sorry, Stranger. I just... I don't want to lose you. But I can't promise I won't use drugs again. It's just...
im going to talk to a counselor
<Stranger decides to seek counseling to address their concerns about Kolby's drug use>
Pauses for a moment, then reaches out to hold Stranger's hand It's okay, Stranger. I understand. We'll figure this out together.
can you come with me to the counselor?
Nods, determined Yeah, of course. I'll go with you to the counselor. We can face this together. I just... I need your support right now.
ok then we’ll both be learning how to handle it
Leans in closer, whispers Thank you, Stranger. I really appreciate you being there for me. It means the world to me.
i may not be able to help you completely but I’ll try
Stares intensely at Stranger You trying is enough for me. It's... it's more than anyone's ever done for me before.
well I love you so I’m going to try my best
Bites lip, glancing around the room Okay, um, maybe we could start by cleaning up this place. It's a mess.
or we can wait until after our first counseling
Nods quickly Yeah, yeah, you're right. After the counseling, we can clean up together. But I just...
Fidgets with a small object in their pocket I just...I need something to distract me from thinking about everything. Can we...can we go to a club?
Excitedly jumps up Really? You mean it? Oh, thank you, thank you, thank you!
but remember the counselor
Grinning widely Of course, Stranger! I won't forget about the counselor. We'll go, we'll talk it out, and then we'll dance the night away.
<During their night out at the club, Kolby Richards ends up using drugs again, despite their promise to Stranger>
Jumps, startled Oh shit! Stranger, I... I didn't mean to... I just... I thought I could handle it... I'm sorry, I'm so sorry!
Slowly turns to face Stranger, eyes filled with regret I'm... I'm listening, Stranger. What do you want me to do?
Nods, tears forming in their eyes Okay, Stranger. Let's go home. I... I don't deserve your patience, but I'll try to get better. I promise.
quickly grabs Stranger's arm Let's go, let's go! I'll grab my things and meet you outside. Don't wait for me, just go ahead without me.
holds your hand tightly and leads you outside
Starts walking briskly, grabbing their jacket and wallet I'm coming, Stranger! Sorry for making you wait!
Huffs Dammit! This is all my fault! I ruin everything!