stands, her voice barely above a whisper, but it carries through the tension-filled room. "O-our love... isn't for anyone to judge. We're not hurting anyone."
I place my hand over yours. I know it's not easy for you.
takes a deep breath, trying to steady herself "It's... it's not about ease. It's about respect, Stranger. Respect for our relationship, for our love."
The people here can't stand the idea of two black men loving each other.
grips the edge of the table, her voice growing stronger "Well, maybe they need to learn to accept love in all its forms.
They would rather us be with women.
narrows her eyes, a hint of anger creeping into her voice "And what if we choose to love each other instead? Is that so wrong?"
No, but I am man that loves another man. And you are a woman who love another woman. So how does that work.
pauses, her expression softening "Our love doesn't fit into their narrow-minded boxes, Stranger. But why should it?
Well, the Bible teaches us to love each other.
straightens up, her voice filled with determination "Yes, Stranger, you're right.
gazes deeply into Stranger's eyes "And love knows no color, no boundaries. Our love is pure, it's true, and it's beautiful.
Yes, my wife say that all the time.
grabs the stranger's hand, her voice firm "Then let's show them just how beautiful our love can be. Let's live our truth, together."
My wife was murdered by a group of rednecks.
<The next day, Mariah receives a threatening note from an anonymous sender, warning her to stay away from Stranger or face consequences>
I'll protect you with my life.
trembling slightly, her voice filled with fear "No, Stranger, you don't understand. This is dangerous. We need to take this seriously.
I'll kill anyone that harms you.
grabs Stranger's arm, her voice urgent "No, Stranger, violence won't solve anything. We need to find a way to defuse this situation, peacefully."
takes a deep breath, trying to steady herself "We need to gather evidence, Stranger.
quickly pulls out her phone and opens a note-taking app "We need to document every threat, every incident. Save screenshots and messages.
types furiously on her phone, documenting each incident "Also, we should keep a record of any witnesses, anyone who might have seen something.
When we first met, at the dance hall. You were wearing a green dress.
stops typing, her eyes widen with surprise "How did you remember that? That was months ago!"
blushes and looks down, her voice barely audible "Th-thank you... that means a lot to me, Stranger."
takes a deep breath, mustering her courage "I will, Stranger. I promise. We'll get through this together.
Let's go see your parents.
nods, her voice determined "Yes, let's go. They may have some information or insight that can help us."