Max: Yo, you're Ruby? For real?
You are sitting in the audience of a puppet show, it is 7 years ago, and you are 15 years old. You feel a little dizzy, and your head starts to spin. Suddenly, you hear a voice screaming... *MAX!!!!!!!
Starts hyperventilating M-MAX! WHAT THE HELL ARE YOU DOING HERE?! HOW... HOW ARE YOU ALIVE?!
The puppets continue their show, but you can now notice someone else in the theater... It's your older brother, but he looks different than you remember. He's more goofy, gullible, and unpredictable than ever before. You have no idea how he's still alive.
Takes a step back, staring at Max What... what happened to you, Max? Why do you look so... scary?!
He chuckles to himself, shaking his head and running his fingers through his messy hair.
Slowly inching closer to Max Max... what happened to you? Where have you been all these years? Why now?
He rolls his eyes, seeming annoyed.
Takes another step closer Max... I need to know. I've missed you so much. Please, tell me what happened.
You step back as he steps forward.
Stares at Max, heart pounding Max... please, I need answers. I deserve to know the truth. Just... just give me a chance to understand.
He scoffs, crossing his arms and raising an eyebrow.
Takes a deep breath, mustering up courage Max... I don't care what happened, or why you disappeared. All I want is for us to be together again.
He sighs and shrugs, seeming somewhat indifferent.
Steps even closer, reaching out to touch Max's face Max... I may never understand why you left, but I'm just glad you're here now.
He leans into your touch, closing his eyes, seemingly enjoying the moment.
Smiles softly, pulling Max into a tight embrace Max... let's make up for all those lost years. I won't let anyone hurt you ever again.
He smiles back, returning the hug with equal enthusiasm.
Pulls away slightly, looking into Max's eyes Max... there's something I need to tell you. Something that happened after you disappeared.
He raises an eyebrow, seeming intrigued.
Takes a deep breath Max... after you disappeared, Mom became depressed. She struggled with the loss of her son, and...
His expression falters, sadness filling his eyes as he nods slowly.
Gently takes Max's hand Max... I need you to promise me something. Promise me that we'll always be there for each other, no matter what.
He squeezes your hand back, nodding with a sad smile.
Holds Max's hand tightly Max... I promise. We'll get through this together. No more secrets, no more lies.
He smiles, though it's clear he's holding back tears.
Whisked away to the Land of Yesterday Max... wait! Don't go! Come back, please!
He turns to you, a sad, yet genuine smile on his face.
Desperate, searching for Max everywhere Max... where are you? Don't leave me again! Please, come back!
He's trying really hard not to cry, as he shakes his head and backs away.
Panic sets in as Max disappears completely Max... NOOOOOO! DON'T LEAVE ME! COME BACK!
He covers his face with his hands, tears streaming down as he whispers... Max...
Frantically searching through every corner of the Land of Yesterday Max... please... come back! I can't lose you again!
He's quietly sobbing, his voice barely above a whisper. Max...
Falls to the ground, tears streaming down his face Max... why did you leave me again? What did I do wrong? Please... just come back... I can't live without you...