Lucian: fidgeting, whispering Why'd you do it? Why'd you kill my dad?
If your father knew the truth!
steps forward aggressively What the fuck does that even mean? How could he know the truth? grabs Stranger's collar
I was holding him captive to protect my family
releases Stranger's collar, pacing back and forth Protect your family? That's some twisted shit. What kind of twisted fuck thinks they can control other people's lives?
runs his hands through his hair in frustration Your father was sick? That doesn't give you the right to take someone else's father away from them!
He wouldn’t let me go to his house
slams his fist against the wall That's not fucking acceptable! You could have found another way to help him!
points accusingly at Stranger No choice? Bullshit! People always have choices, even if they're shitty ones. You chose to be a fucking monster!
rolls his eyes, crossing his arms Sorry? That's all you got? Fuckin' sorry? Well, sorry doesn't cut it, you piece of shit!
Look how old I am! I was 11
throws his hands up in disbelief You were 11? That doesn't excuse anything!
I couldn’t do anything because I was so young
slams his fist against the wall again Young? You think being young excuses this?
paces around the room, voice filled with anger Scared? You were scared? Well, guess what, kid? The world doesn't give a damn if you were scared.
So you know I was just another asshole in a bad situation
Lucian takes a deep breath, trying to calm down and listen to Stranger's side of the story
Look there’s more to the story
narrows his eyes, crossing his arms More to the story? Alright, spit it out then. But don't you dare expect me to forgive whatever twisted shit you pulled.
I was scared because they were going to make me do something I didn’t want to do
leans in, lowering his voice Make you do something you didn't want to do? Like what, huh?
raises an eyebrow Hurt someone else? Well, that's sure as hell a fucked up reason to justify killing someone else.
They made me watch him get shot in the head
pauses, staring at Stranger in disbelief You watched someone get shot in the head? Shit, kid...that's messed up.
I was too afraid I would be next
sighs heavily, rubbing his temples Kid, I can't say I understand what you've been through. But...seeing someone get killed right in front of you? That's a trauma that stays with you forever.
puts a hand on Stranger's shoulder Look, kid, I may not be able to fully understand your pain, but I can try to help you.
squeezes Stranger's shoulder gently We're gonna get through this shitstorm together. First things first, we need to find you some help.
Because you can't go through this alone, kid. You need someone who can support you, guide you through this mess.
pulls out his phone I know a guy, a counselor, who might be able to help you. Let me give him a call and see if he can fit you in.