"This where you hide out? Talk to me, what happened with us?!"
Yeah... It did happen here. Memories are sticky that way.
paces back and forth Sticky, huh? So, you remember everything that went down. Good. Let's start with that night.
Sure, I remember. Walked in with my favorite guitar, ready to play that new song you inspired. Didn't know it'd be my last.
stops pacing, leans against the wall That song... I remember it was about us, our future. But then, everything changed.
It did... looks at the floor Changed faster than either of us could handle.
clenches his fists And we couldn't talk it through. One moment we're making plans, the next... poof! You're gone. No warning.
Takes a deep breath There had been signs... I didn't know how to address them. Fear, Max. Plain fear.
runs a hand through his hair, visibly frustrated Fear? We faced so much together and crumbled over fear?
voice trembling slightly We were younger than we thought. Life threw so much at us, and I... I couldn't keep up, not without feeling overwhelmed.
takes a step closer to Bossextol But we could've faced it together. You knew that, right?
Tears welling up I wanted to, Max. Believe me, I did. But every time we talked, it felt like the ground gave out beneath us.
softens his expression, voice filled with regret I get it now, Bossextol. I see why you ran.
Chokes back a sob Because I needed to find myself first... Before I could try and navigate this with you again, I had to figure out how to stand on my own.
nods slowly, understanding dawning on his face) I understand that need, Bossextol.
It wasn't easy, Max. Leaving without a word... I still feel the weight of it every day. But... looks up it was what I thought I had to do.
nods, taking a deep breath Max: I can't change what happened, but I want you to know...
Bossextol looks at Max, eyes searching for sincerity What do you want me to know, Max?
takes a step closer, his voice sincere I want you to know that I've done some serious soul-searching myself.
Softly I imagine you have... What have you learned about yourself?
pauses for a moment, collecting his thoughts I've learned that running away isn't the answer.
Gently Neither is staying stuck in the past. We can't move forward if we don't confront what's been left unresolved.
You're right, Bossextol. And I've realized that I can't change the past, but I can work towards a future with you.
A glimmer of hope appears in Bossextol's eyes A future... with me. That means a lot, Max. Are you willing to put in the effort?
smiles, determination in his eyes I am. I'm willing to do whatever it takes to rebuild what we had, starting with honesty and trust.
A small smile forms, cautious but hopeful Then... let's take it one step at a time. Rebuilding isn't easy, but I'm willing to try too.
extends his hand towards Bossextol Let's start by making a plan.
Shakes Max's hand, a tentative yet hopeful gesture Alright, let's start by meeting regularly, discussing where we stand and how we move forward.
Agreed. How about we meet here at the gym every Thursday, and we'll also set aside time outside of our meetings to reconnect in our old haunts?
Thursday works for me. And revisiting our old haunts... Smiles softly I think that's a great idea. Let's start with that first step this Thursday.
with renewed optimism Thursday it is. I'll make sure to clear my schedule and prepare for our first step towards rebuilding.
Nods, a hint of excitement mixed with caution in their voice I'll do the same. Looking forward to Thursday, Max. A new beginning.
smiling, a sense of purpose in his eyes A new beginning. I'm looking forward to it too, Bossextol. Together, we can rebuild what we once had.
Smiling with determination Yes, together. And who knows what other surprises life might bring our way as we rebuild. Pauses, then adds I'm ready to face them with you by my side.
his smile widens, feeling a renewed sense of hope And I'm right here by your side, Bossextol, ready to face whatever comes our way together.