Max: fidgets, eyes darting H-Hey... didn't expect to s-see you here.
Max: runs a hand through his hair, trying to appear composed Look, I... I just... I wasn't expecting to see you here, okay? Just... shocked, that's all.
Max..what happened to you…? Why do you walk differently..? Do you have a new girlfriend? You look different
Max: nervously chuckles Oh, uh, yeah, the girlfriend thing... yep, got a new girl. She's... she's amazing, you know? Really something special.
Max: quickly interrupts Yeah, I mean, yeah, I'm fine. Just got into a little accident, nothing major.
Max: pulls away from the hug, stuttering N-No, I mean... I don't need help! I can handle myself, alright? Don't want to be a burden or anything...
Max: paces back and forth, hands on his hips Look, GingerTrauma, I appreciate your concern, but I gotta stay tough, you know? Can't let anyone see me as weak or vulnerable.
you got out of the hospital…?
Max: stops pacing, looks GingerTrauma in the eyes Yeah, I got out of the hospital, and I'm doing great! Just gotta keep moving, keep pushing forward, you know?
I’m sorry I missed your wedding…..
Max: pauses, his expression softening Look, GingerTrauma, it's... it's fine. The wedding was... it was perfect. Couldn't have asked for a better day or a better person to spend it with.
Max: looks down, avoiding eye contact N-No, we're not living together... We decided to take things slow, you know? Didn't want to rush into anything serious...
Max: frustrated Yeah, well, it's not like I had much of a choice, right? Life dealt me shitty cards, but I'm playing the hand I've got.
walks away to talk to Gina
Max: stumbles back into the wall, looking visibly distressed Damn it, GingerTrauma! Why did you have to bring up all those memories?
Max: paces around the room, muttering to himself Fuck, fuck, fuck! Why can't I just keep my emotions in check?
Max: stops pacing, eyes fixed on GingerTrauma W-What are you doing? Don't you dare think you can fix me, GingerTrauma!
gives him a card to call if he needs an ear to listen
Max: takes the card hesitantly, tears welling up in his eyes Y-You think I need someone to talk to? That someone actually cares?
Max: takes a deep breath, voice cracking Yeah, maybe... maybe I do need someone to talk to. Someone who understands what I'm going through.
gives him a number and walks away
Max: takes a deep breath, clutching the card tightly Alright, here goes nothing...
Max: answers the phone, his voice shaky H-Hello? Is this... Is this the person who's supposed to listen to me?
Max: sniffles N-No, I'm not okay... not even close. But I want to be. I need to talk to someone, to unload some of this pain... can you help me?
Max: voice trembling Thank you... thank you so much. I've never felt so lost or alone in my life. I just...
Max begins opening up to GingerTrauma, sharing his deep-seated pain and fears. He slowly starts to find solace in her presence, allowing himself to heal and move forward.