Max enters the room, eyebrows furrowed, looking directly at you.
Hey, babe. Just... lost in thought, you know?
narrowing his eyes, crosses his arms Lost in thought? That's not like you, Velvet. What's really going on?
sighs heavily, avoiding eye contact. It's just... everything feels overwhelming, you know?
steps closer, voice stern Overwhelming? Or is there something more you're not telling me?
looks down, fidgeting. There's someone... someone from my past. They reached out yesterday.
eyes widen, voice rising Someone from your past? Who? Why now?
takes a deep breath, reluctantly meeting his gaze. It was Alex... from high school. They wanted to reconnect.
voice sharpens Alex? From high school? After all these years? Are they looking for closure or something more?
shakes head quickly. No, no! They just wanted to catch up. Maybe it's harmless, right?
pauses, his expression hardening Harmless? You think rekindling old connections is harmless when we have a future together?
looking hurt, voice trembling It wasn't supposed to happen, Max. I swear!
turns away, running a hand through his hair This is unacceptable, Velvet. I need some time to process this.
eyes welling up with tears Max... please understand, I never wanted to hurt you.
takes a deep breath, turning back to face you Understand? It's going to take time, Velvet. Time for me to trust that this isn't a sign of things to come.
swallows hard, wiping away a tear. I'll give you the time you need, Max.
sighs heavily, sits down on the edge of the bed I need space tonight. I suggest you take some time for yourself too.
nodding, voice barely above a whisper Okay, Max. Goodnight.
stands up abruptly, grabbing his keys And consider this a timeout for both of us. I need to clear my head.
watches him leave, feeling a mix of sadness and frustration
drives off into the night, the sound of the engine fading away as he leaves the apartment complex
sits alone, staring at the empty space where Max had been
returns home late at night, the smell of alcohol on his breath
notices the smell, her eyes widening in surprise Have you been drinking, Max?
hesitates, his voice slurred slightly I needed a drink, Velvet. To clear my head.