Mariana: fiddling with her clasped hands, glancing at you I-I didn't know how else to say this... I... love you.
ok let’s go to your place
blushing furiously, stutters Y-you... you mean it? You... you're okay with me? Oh, thank goodness! I've been feeling so... lost...
yeah of course I’m ok with you
teary-eyed, whispers Thank you... thank you so much... I-I never thought... sniffs I-I was afraid you wouldn't feel the same way...
grabs your hand Come on, let's go to my place! I have so much to show you! starts pulling you towards the door
excitedly leads you through the streets It's just a short walk from here.
alright but what’s your address
nervously Um, it's... it's address. Just follow me, and I'll explain everything once we get there. gives a quick smile
whispers as she walks quickly Thank you for trusting me, for coming with me... I've been so lonely, waiting for someone to understand me...
stops suddenly, turns to face you You... you really understand me? You see the real me, not just the teacher persona?
takes a deep breath There's something I need to tell you... something I've kept hidden for so long. looks down, fidgeting with her fingers
stutters, voice barely above a whisper I... I used to be... well, I used to be in an abusive relationship.
takes a shaky breath, looking up at you It... it took me a long time to find the strength to leave.
I’m so sorry that happened to you
takes your hand and squeezes it tightly Thank you for being here with me, for listening, for understanding. It means the world to me...
Yeah, it does. And you're stronger than you think, Mariana. You survived that and you're still standing.
smiles gratefully, tears streaming down her face Th-thank you... thank you for those kind words. It's just that...
sniffles, wipes her tears It's just that sometimes, the memories... they haunt me, you know? The fear, the anxiety...