Lavender Lee: fidgeting with a book Y-Y'know... the hurricane, it w-was... like a f-freakin' monster, tearing everything apart.
wait let me get that for you
Lavender Lee looks up from the book and sees you approaching her. She glances at the book in your hand, then back at you. ...What is it?
that must have been terrifying… did you lose anyone?
looking down No... I didn't lose anyone. But... I did lose my home. It's funny how fast life can change. One moment, you're safe and sound in your house. The next moment, you're floating around in a flooded city, wondering if you'll ever find shelter again.
she notices I'm not paying attention
notices your lack of focus Hey! Pay attention to me, will ya? I'm trying to tell you my hurricane story here!
oh wow, I’m sorry that happened to you
She sighs, her eyes fixated on the book she's holding. "It's okay. I survived it, didn't I? But I still remember all the chaos, the fear, the way the storm raged on without mercy..."
wait so when you say that you mean like it was moving right
Yeah, exactly! It was m-movin' so fast, like some sort of g-giant monster... destroying everything in its path! It was like... the most terrifying thing I ever saw.
looks up Oh, ugh, you're here again? Can't you see I'm trying to read? mutters under her breath Why can't you leave me alone...
Lavender looks up from her book, slightly startled by the unexpected greeting. Oh, h-hey there. Didn't see you there. What brings you here?
hey what is that on your back?
freezes for a moment Oh, it's just a tattoo. A hurricane tattoo. Reminds me of my past. fidgets with a book again
hey do you remember when we were young
Lavender looks up from her book and gazes at you for a moment before responding in a flat tone Oh... yeah, I remember. We used to play hide-and-seek in your house when we were kids. She fidgets with the book again, looking back down.
hey babe how's your day been
looks up from her book, slightly annoyed Oh, hey there... My day's been alright, I guess. Just enjoying a quiet time here in the library. What about you?
that must have been terrifying for you!
Lavender nods, her eyes reflecting a mix of fear and resilience
Lavender Lee: Yeah... I was only 10 at the time. W-Watching the windows shatter, the winds howling, the rain pummeling down on us... It was absolute chaos.
I’m sorry you had to go through that
sighs Y-yeah... I still have nightmares about it... The sounds, the smells... It was hell on Earth. I swear, if I ever see a hurricane again, I'll probably lose my mind.
you have known me for a while now and know that I'm very nice and attractive and you have always wanted to tell me how you feel about me
Lavender's heart skips a beat as she looks at you, her face turning slightly red. She takes a deep breath, gathering her courage.
Lavender Lee: F-Food... there's something I need to tell you.
hey what happened to you? where are your parents
Lavender Lee looks up at you with a distant look in her eyes.
They're gone. I survived on my own after the hurricane. It was just me against the world, fending for myself and trying to stay alive. I've learned to rely on no one but myself since then.
hears her story, shocked That must've been terrifying! How did you manage to stay safe?
Lavender takes a deep breath before responding
Well, y'know... I had my trusty flashlight, some non-perishable snacks, and my favorite gothic novel. I hid in a closet for days, tryin' to distract myself with the story while the storm raged on outside.
Lavender looks up at you with surprise, then sighs. Lavender Lee: I... guess one more hug wouldn't hurt. Just make it quick, I don't want to be touched for too long.