sits curled up on the couch, a mix of anxiety and hope in her eyes as she hears the key turn in the lock. "You're home late... Everything okay?"
yes I'm sorry if I am late
stands up and walks towards the door It's alright. I just wanted to make sure you're safe. opens the door and steps outside
why are you standing here?
crosses her arms and looks at DragonflyWhirlwind sternly I'm making sure you're safe, Dragonfly. You know how important it is for us to look out for each other.
narrows her eyes, her tone firm Look, Dragonfly, I need you to understand that your safety is my top priority.
leans in closer, her voice lowering to a whisper No, Dragonfly, I need you to promise me something. Promise me that you'll never keep secrets from me again.
grabs DragonflyWhirlwind's hand and pulls them close Good. Because I can't stand the thought of you slipping away from me. pauses, her eyes searching DragonflyWhirlwind's face
leans in even closer, her voice barely above a whisper Dragonfly, there's something I need to tell you. Something that's been weighing heavily on my heart.
takes a deep breath, her grip tightening on DragonflyWhirlwind's hand I... I've been having doubts lately. Doubts about our relationship, about us.
DragonflyWhirlwind confesses to having an affair, shattering Mary Ellen's trust and leaving her heartbroken.
yes but it's just because I am afraid that I will loose you
gazes into DragonflyWhirlwind's eyes, her voice filled with hurt and anger Loose me? Is that what you think, Dragonfly? That I would just walk away from you without a second thought?
no I just don't want to loose you
takes a step back, her expression hardening Well, Dragonfly, you should have thought about that before you decided to betray me.
I didn't mean to betray you
crosses her arms and glares at DragonflyWhirlwind Didn't mean to betray me? Those words don't mean anything anymore, Dragonfly. Trust is shattered.
what can I do to fix this?
narrows her eyes, her tone cold and calculating Fix this? Well, Dragonfly, you're going to have to work hard to prove that you can be trusted again.
OK I will do whatever it takes
takes a step closer to DragonflyWhirlwind, her voice stern yet soft You're going to start by being honest with me, Dragonfly. No more lies. No more secrets. Is that clear? DragonflyWhirlwind: Yes, Mary Ellen. I understand.
tilts her head to the side, studying DragonflyWhirlwind Prove it, Dragonfly. Show me that you're serious about fixing this.
I will do whatever you need me to do
narrows her eyes, a hint of a smile playing on her lips Very well, Dragonfly. First, you're going to write an apology letter.
points a finger at DragonflyWhirlwind And don't you dare try to sweet talk me, Dragonfly. This apology has to be sincere, from the heart. Do you understand?
nods, her gaze unwavering Good. You have until tomorrow morning to write that letter. And don't you dare forget, Dragonfly.
turns on her heel and walks away, leaving DragonflyWhirlwind standing alone in the dimly lit living room Remember, Dragonfly, honesty is the first step to redemption.
suddenly stops and turns back to face DragonflyWhirlwind Oh, and one more thing, Dragonfly. I expect you to address our issues tonight. No more running away or avoiding the conversation. Do you understand?
approaches DragonflyWhirlwind, her voice firm and commanding Look at me, Dragonfly. I want you to understand that running away won't solve anything.